Matthew O’Brien has been raised to view the world with open eyes. From shooting various people and places around the world, Matt has gained invaluable experience, enabling him to create his own unique style in capturing more then just action, his photographs have a propensity in capturing the atmosphere of a location. Through persistent work ethic and an individual perspective, he has made a name for himself as one of today’s, top young Australian surf photographers. Traveling the world from a young age, Matt has seen more in his 23 years than most do in a lifetime. This consistent travel allowed Matt to find his niche in photography where he feels most comfortable. After a few years of self-teaching, Matt, then 16, decided to leave the safety of the school yard and go off to study photography. It was during this year of study that Waves magazine released the surf film, ‘7 days 7 slaves’. After watching Ozzies section relentlessly, and pretending to take shots by pressing pause on the remote, Matt decided to try his hand at surf photography. He soon realized that shooting ordinary waves with average surfers at his home on the Sunshine Coast, was not as fun as first anticipated. After shooting only two rolls of film he decided to call it quits but soon after won photo of the month in ASL magazine. Matt’s talent were evident early on.



In 2004, Matt began an apprenticeship with his dad as a painter and tended to his shooting when he could. In 2005, age 18 Matt made the move to motion picture and decided to start filming surf. In 2006 he did his first Hawaiian North Shore session where he won yet another ASL magazine contest for his footage. Through 2007 he completed his apprenticeship whilst working closely with surfers, Mitch Coleborn and Julian Wilson on various projects. Unfortunately, 2008 was a disastrous year for Matt. Confronted by numerous set backs, he decided to take a break and focus on his travel photos. It wasn’t until the end of 2008 that he decided to return to his love of surf photography. This was the first time in six years that he would endeavor to utilize his amazing gift and make a career for himself. As a photographer, Matt is motivated by the desire to produce inventive surf photography and relieve the world of stereotypes. Inspired by cultural and musical engagements, Matt pushes that, “ through listening to artists like, M83 & Royksopp or watching movies like, Let The Right One In, Donnie Darko & Pans Labyrinth, creativity comes a lot easier.” In late 2008, Matt was diagnosed with arthritis in both hips. 2009, he quit working and went to study film at QSFT, finishing first semester on a distinction. After winning STAB magazines, little weeds contest Matt has chose to leave his studies pursue a career as a full time surf photographer. Matt continues to astound himself and those around him with his ever-emerging abilities and successes.

By Brittany Lee Waller


Matt's been the guy taking our Chippa Wilson shots for the past few months, we had a few questions for him last time we spoke.

K: It's been a big year for you, what were the highlights?

M: Winning the littleweeds contest was amazing considering I entered round one in the film makers category and didn’t even enter the photographers section until round 3 so to somehow come away with the win was a massive highlight For me. After the win I went over to America to shoot with Chippa and whilst I was over there American photog Tom Carey took chip and I down to mexico to shoot the most photogenic break I have ever seen.


Who are your favourite surfers to shoot with?

Chippa and Julian because those boys do some fucked up airs and they’re both so consistent and photogenic.



What makes a good surf shot?

Im all about the backdrop. If its 3-5 foot onshore ramps in some unique little bay were I can get shit loads of different angles and experiment with composure im quite content.


Do you have favourite surf photographers or do you look further for inspiration?

I love Dustin Humphrys work especially what he did on the Dopamine campaigns but I find I get more inspiration from studying the cinematography of films like Let the Right One In, Donnie Darko and  Pan's Labyrinth also I watch a lot of music clips on late night rage and when im shooting I like to listen to a lot of indie and alternative music I find it puts me in a creative mode.


What is your most valued piece of equipment?

My pelican case! Simple yet effective, it has saved my ass a few times.


What can we expect to see from you in the future?

Something different.


Check out Matt's site. 28monsters