Who is MJ?
My name is Matt, but all throughout school I had classmates with the same name. So I decided to go by MJ (first and middle initials). It just stuck.
As a motorsports photographer, my goal is to capture the fleeting moments so others can experience them forever.
From Landscape to Motorsports
I began my photography journey with a Canon AE-1 in my high school yearbook and journalism class. My teacher was a traditionalist who preferred manual, black-and-white photography, shot exclusively on film.
After high school, I decided to invest in a DSLR and explore landscape photography. Despite limited time, I continued to hone my skills, primarily focusing on capturing nature’s beauty.
Years later, I stumbled upon a YouTube advertisement for a drag boat race nearby. My wife and I attended and were instantly captivated. At the next race, I decided to bring my camera along. However, my experience was not ideal. My slow, wide-angle lens resulted in the boats appearing tiny and fuzzy.
Determined to improve my photography skills, I spent the off-season doing research and purchased my first “real” lens, a 70-200 f/4 L. The difference was remarkable! Not only was I hooked on the racing, but I also felt a newfound sense of purpose to document the events for others to enjoy.
Taken September 2023, my first race as a motorsports photographer