Matt Mathurin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Matt, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This one is easy. It’s coming back home to my family. Every time I walk through the door my daughters, Jade (almost 4) and Ruby (almost 2) race each other, while yelling “Daddyyyyyyy” to see who can reach me first. They throw themselves into my arms and for a moment nothing else matters but holding them both and feeling that love. After that I make my way to my wife and kiss her, while carrying my girls. It has become a small ritual that grounds me no matter what kind of day I had. That simple moment reminds me why I work so hard and it always resets my perspective.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Matt Mathurin and I am the photographer behind Lakay Motion Photography here in Tampa. My work is all about helping entrepreneurs, content creators, and influencers show up with confidence and build real influence through brand photography. Over time I have learned that my job is not just to take pictures but to help people see themselves in a new way and connect better with their audience and clients.
What makes my approach unique is that I blend a documentary eye with a fashion inspired style so the images feel both intentional and real. I grew up surrounded by Haitian culture and that gave me a deep respect for resilience and storytelling which I bring into every shoot.
Right now I am building Lakay Motion into a creative hub that goes beyond photo sessions. I am expanding into community projects that highlight the people shaping Tampa. For me this is about using images to create impact not just content.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I think the bond between people starts to break when we stop seeing each other. When there is no effort to understand what someone else is going through it becomes easy to assume the worst or to let distance grow.
What restores those bonds is slowing down enough to really listen and to put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Even small things like really listen to someone’s silence, apologizing when you need to and giving people the space to be themselves can make a huge difference. For me photography has taught me a lot about this because the camera forces you to pay attention. Most of the time you have to be really present and you cannot make a good portrait without looking beyond what is in front of you.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have been a few moments where I felt like giving up. I have taken long breaks from the photography business. One of the hardest and longest break was when I was trying to build my photography business while still working a full time night job. I was exhausted. I felt like I was putting in all this effort but nothing was moving fast enough. There were times where I would ask myself if I was wasting my time chasing something that might never work.
What kept me from quitting was the fact that I could not ignore the pull. Even when I was tired photography was the thing that made me feel alive. I reminded myself that growth takes time and that it is okay to build brick by brick. Time management is a fantastic resource to learn. I’m constantly at it. And I am always grateful I did not stop because that slow work is what shaped the vision I have today.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that if you truly want something and are willing to keep showing up for it no matter how long it takes you will eventually reach it. It might not happen on your timeline and it might not look exactly the way you imagined but persistence has a way of opening doors that talent alone cannot. I cannot prove it but I have witness it too many times to doubt it.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. My wife often tells me I’m a perfectionist, and she’s right. Even when no one is watching or praising me, I give my best because that’s just who I am. For example, I spend extra time retouching photos to make sure every detail is just right by me. It’s not about seeking approval, it’s about holding myself to a high standard and respecting the work I do. That drive pushes me to keep improving and delivering quality, whether or not anyone acknowledges it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lakaymotion.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lakaymotionphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lakaymotion
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lakay-motion-photography-riverview
Image Credits
All images were taken by Lakay Motion Photography
