photoSCHWEIZ/07.-11.02.25: Building your Creative Journey as a Photographer - Abby Matthews

“Building Your Creative Journey as a Photographer Even When Life Gets in the Way” focuses on creating a portfolio that reflects who you are and what you want to attract. It covers working part-time as a photographer while holding a 9-to-5 job, rebuilding after creative burnout, and understanding the importance of art in photography. Whether you’re starting out or in the middle of your journey, this seminar helps you discover your ‘why’ behind pursuing photography.

Course Language: English & Swiss German

Learning Goals:

This seminar is designed for photographers seeking inspiration, clarity, and balance in their creative journey. You will learn: 

- How to Build a Portfolio Discover how to craft a portfolio that authentically represents your creative vision, reflects your growth, and aligns with your goals and values. 

- Learn to identify your “why,” define your vision, and attract the right audience. 

- Rediscovering Creativity After Burnout Explore strategies for reigniting your creative spark after burnout and learn how embracing part-time photography can be both fulfilling and transformative. 

- Balancing Career and Life Gain practical tips for balancing a career and creative pursuits while avoiding burnout. 

Target Audience: 

Amateur, Professional

Biography:

Abby Matthews, a Swiss-based artist of Afrodescent, she was raised in Switzerland and has found her voice and passion through photography. For her, it’s more than just taking pictures—it’s a form of art that allows her to express herself, share her emotions, and tell stories in a way that words cannot. Photography is her ultimate passion, and her main goal is to create work that resonates deeply with others while staying true to her artistic vision. Abby’s journey began with a love for creativity in all its forms, from film and music to visual arts. She started by photographing simple things—friends, everyday objects, and moments that caught her eye. These early experiences sparked something in her, and she decided to pursue photography more seriously. After completing a one-year photography program, Abby stepped into the professional world and has been working as a freelance photographer ever since. Over the years, Abby’s work has taken her to many places around the world. She’s had the chance to photograph at Fashion Weeks, collaborate with model agencies, and capture the energy of musical artists on stage and behind the scenes. She has also created cover art for music artists, helping them visually express their sound and identity. Her talent and unique perspective have led her to work with brands and a wide range of clients, helping them bring their ideas and stories to life through her lens. 

When working with models, Abby has a special ability to see their strength and bring out sides of them they didn’t even know they had. This personal approach not only helps her subjects feel more confident but also allows her to capture more authentic and powerful images. One of Abby’s most notable projects is her ongoing *Sisterhood* series, which has become a defining part of her work. This project, which celebrates unity, community, and the bonds between women, is deeply important to her. Through *Sisterhood*, Abby showcases the power of connection and solidarity, portraying women in a way that highlights their strength, vulnerability, and shared experiences. To this day, it remains one of the projects she is best known for, and it continues to resonate with audiences. In addition to her work for clients and personal projects, Abby has been featured in several magazines as a published photographer, showcasing her ability to blend artistry with storytelling. She has also exhibited her work at events like photoSCHWEIZ, where her photographs were celebrated for their emotional depth and creative vision in 2022. One of the things that makes Abby’s work so unique is her mastery of light, color, and mood. She knows how to use these elements to create images that feel alive and full of emotion. Her photos often blur the line between imagination and reality, drawing viewers into the worlds she creates. 

For Abby, photography is not just a job—it’s a way of life. It’s her art, her passion, and her means of self-expression. Through her work, she aims to inspire others, share her perspective, and create images that leave a lasting impact. Abby Matthews is more than a photographer—she’s a storyteller, an artist, and a creator who uses her camera to build entire worlds, one frame at a time.

Equipment:

Writing utensils and notepad.

Website

Instagram

photoSCHWEIZ 
Fr 07. - Di 11.02.2025 
Kongresshaus Zürich 
www.photo-schweiz.ch