About Me
My journey started in South Africa where I was born and raised. I immigrated to Australia with my family in the early 2000s and I currently live between Brisbane, Vancouver, and Los Angeles; where I lead a combined & exciting life of Photography, Film, Acting & Modeling.
From my early childhood up to my early twenties, I was focused mainly on fashion, working in the modelling industry full time. I am highly experienced with over a decade and a half of accreditation having had shot campaigns with well-known brands such as YD, Australia, Connor, Myer, City Beach, Puma, Giorgio Armani, Anacapa, BOSS, and many more. I have been published in multiple magazines nationally and internationally, both in print and online and have worked in NY, LA, Melbourne & Vancouver fashion weeks.
In 2013 after many years in fashion, I decided on taking a risk by establishing and pursuing a lifetime dream in acting & film. I double graduated in Stage & Screen Acting, as well as Film & TV Productions. Since graduating, I have appeared in many short films, features, and larger productions such as 'Pirates of the Caribbean - Dead Men Tell No Tales, 'Pacific Rim: Uprising, Thor 'Ragnarok', 'Danger Close', ‘Young Rock’ and ‘Disney+ Nautilus’. Over the years I have written, produced and directed my own set of award-winning short films, including ‘First Summer Love’ & ‘Crazy intuitions’.
My journey into photography
In 2017 I then decided to change direction, expanding my understanding & knowledge by studying Business & Finance, as well as Psychological science. I wanted to channel what I knew into something more personalised and useful to me long term.
After slowly pulling back on modelling to focus on my Acting and film career, I found a passion is still Photography. During the year 2020, I realized that this was something that really resonated with me. It allowed me to not only work with former friends in modelling, work in times of isolation and award me the flexibility to continue my acting career; but pull everything I have learned over so many different exciting career paths into focused, single, beautiful frames. Photographs that could tell stories.
My life has been a journey down the road of creativity & philosophy. Finding the beauty in the mind, then learning how to make it seen and expressed in the world around me. I love telling stories and I have found and tried as many mediums as possible to share my quirky uniqueness with the world.
I now want to share yours…
Recent Client Testimonials
Parris Gillis
"An exceptional photographer who goes above and beyond for his clients! Versatility and professionalism are guaranteed when shooting with Mathew. Not only is his photography amazing but so is his personality and attitude! I strongly urge you to book Mathew for any ocassion."
Will Kelly
"Mathew was both fun and professional to work with. With a keen eye for what works best for you and a natural way of putting you at ease, it felt more like hanging out and having fun - which meant I felt no need to 'perform' or 'get it right.' And I came out with some of my favorite headshots I've ever done - and I've done a lot of them.
Thank you, Mathew - you're a star."
Katie Ridley
"I had the pleasure of working with Mathew when having my pictures taken for my headshots. Sometimes these shoots can be awkward but from the very moment I met Mathew, I felt relaxed and comfortable. It was such a fun experience and it transferred through to my pictures. I am very happy with what we captured. I have no hesitation in recommending Mathew and will definitely be using him for future shoots."
Troy Posey
"This was my first time getting headshots and my experience was truly amazing! I am someone who usually doesn't take many photos but I didn't want this shot to end haha. Mathew taught me all sorts of tips and tricks to show personality, give range, and most importantly be natural. I have never felt more relaxed, comfortable, and confident in front of a camera. If you are an actor and you need headshots, take my advice and book in with Mathew Swift Headshots, Best in the biz."
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