Life & Work with Jake Matthews of Wedgewood Houston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Matthews

Hi Jake, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
First and foremost, this story starts in Memphis, where I’m very proudly from. Memphis is an incredible city, full of people from various backgrounds. Growing up there, I was addicted to basketball. I literally had a map in my head of every single outdoor hoop I knew of in the city- behind churches, local parks, and every community center. Looking back, I’m grateful to how ‘blind’ I was- I hooped in every single neighborhood, at every court, with everyone you can imagine. I still remember my first AAU practice- in downtown Memphis. I walked in wearing probably 27 different colors- socks, arm bands, everything. The entire rest of the team- plain white t-shirt and black shorts. I was a little different from the rest of the team, but it didn’t matter- the love of ball brought me there. There were certain courts my mom was nervous about me going to- other courts my other friends wouldn’t go to…but hoops was happening. So I’d show up. And 99% of the time, guess what- I made friends, I was greeted with love, and had a wonderful time simply hooping.
Now….I learned a big lesson from this- one I still represent today in my career of travel photography- the world is a good place full of good people. I truly believe that.
So many people let fear hold them back from experiencing something different than they’re used to, or different from their home. But adventure is out there waiting, if you’re willing to step out and experience the world that is different from you.

Now, I skipped a few steps. I moved to Nashville at 18, went to Lipscomb, and planned on being a preacher! I graduated, applied to be a Bible teacher at a local high school, got rejected, and well, up and moved to Kenya. Yep. There was a non-profit called Made in the Streets I had volunteered with previously, and I knew they were looking for a photojournalism intern, so with no other options for a real job, I went. That decision changed my life.

There I go again, skipping a few steps. At Lipscomb, I picked up a love for photography, literally just trying to join the trends and impress a girl. I had always had a love for adventure, so I started documenting my explorations- it felt natural. I never once imagined a career would follow. I started taking photos every. single. day. after school. Exploring the city, and seeing what I could capture. I was obsessed. But again, never even had an inkling that I could make a career out of it. But that would change once I moved to Kenya…

I moved to Kenya, worked as a photojournalist, then moved to India as a part time photographer and part time basketball coach. Then, a month of vagabonding through Europe followed, and then finally, home to Nashville. By this time, I had grown a decent following on instagram, so occasionally people were booking me for shoots. I thought, well why not try this out until I ‘find my real job’. It’s been 9 years since I said that…..

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Does anyone say yes to this? HELL NO! But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Honestly, I’m a bit tired from typing so much, so I’m gonna give this answer old fashioned bullet point style.
– With entrepreneurship, you’re your own boss. Nobody is telling you to get the heck back up after failing besides yourself. I’ve had to learn to tell myself that every single day, with every single bump in the road.
– Remember, it’s ridiculous to think that anyone starts from the top. The only way to make it is to suck at the beginning, and fail, fail, and fail some more. But keep trying! I have a motto that I say, I always want to ‘f*ck UP’- with every mistake, I make sure I allow that to push me UP. Never to beat me down or push me to give up. Life is short, and it’s full of mistakes- how beautiful! It’s all an opportunity to cultivate resilience and love of the process, which will take your further than any other thing in life.
– To make it in a creative career, to succeed, you have to beat your ego down. I truly believe that. It’s easy when you start to get some recognition, to think “I know what I’m doing. My art is the best. Nobody can tell me anything. I’m always right.” But if anything, I’ve learned the opposite, I’ve had to learn to humble myself, to listen to others, to empower others, to play as a team. Take a step back and realize, no matter where you’re at, you have a lot of room to grow. We all do! If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a travel and commercial photographer. Let’s start here- in today’s world, every business is an online business. Everyone has a website, a social media, and online image of some sort. I thrive in helping elevate that image for brands all over the world and helping showcase what their experience is truly like.
Honestly, similar to my previous answer, part of where I believe I thrive is in knowing when to force myself to take a back seat- to simply observe.
For example, let’s say I’m hired by an eco lodge down in the Amazon of Ecuador to update their imagery. Most photographers would feel an ego boost from an opportunity like this (and I’m guilty of that too), and show up wanting to…show off, for lack of a better word. Let me show how MY photos are the best. Let me show how MY process is better than others. For me, I’ve learned to force myself (because it doesn’t come naturally) to take a step back- to observe, to experience the moment. To ask myself “what is this experience like for someone else?”
Then, I create.
Most of my work is capturing an experience of some sort- whether it’s for a luxury travel provider, a hotel, or an adventure company. There is an experience that they want to be shared. And there are people back home that need to be able to *step* into that experience- can I allow my process to give them a path towards being able to do that?
Can I ask those around me, on the experience with me, whether they’re an employee or fellow traveler, what they’re experiencing, what things they’re grateful for in that moment.
Then, can I remove my ego a bit, and allow that person’s experience to shine through my imagery, as raw as possible.
I believe that’s what has become my superpower. Look, I won’t lie- I naturally have a big ego- I’ve had to learn how to remain humble, to say “Hey Jake, can you please sit down and shut up. Nobody cares.”
Then, I’m able to approach every moment, as a passionate observer, truly desiring to find the beauty in each moment, and then share that beauty with the world.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Follow me on IG- @jakesvisuals, send me a DM/email me. I’d love to connect. I don’t want a follower count. I want real connections with real people.

Ps- an if you want to hoop, come get this work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://jakesvisuals.net
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/jakesvisuals
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakematthewsvisuals
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakesvisuals