Through the Lens: Spotlight on Matt Thomas Photography

By Photoshield

A man stands outdoors in a desert landscape, wearing a dark hoodie and light sweatpants, with hands in his pockets.

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Welcome to Through the Lens, our new client-focused series celebrating the passionate photographers behind PhotoShield. In each edition, we dive into the stories, inspirations, and creative journeys of the talented individuals who bring their unique perspectives to life through the lens.

In this spotlight, we meet Matt Thomas whose journey began with skateboarding and evolved into a dynamic career capturing the grit and glory of the fitness world. From rain-soaked shoots to off-camera lighting mastery, Matt’s work is a testament to bold ideas, technical curiosity, and a deep respect for the stories behind every subject. Let’s take a closer look at what drives their creativity, the projects that shaped their path, and the advice he’d share with anyone just starting out.

A woman in athletic wear performs a tricep rope pushdown exercise in a gym, highlighting her muscular physique.

What first inspired you to pick up a camera, and how did your journey into photography begin?

I used to really be into skateboarding in my teenage years and going around with my friends I picked up a camera for my college A Levels and was hooked. Over the years my style of photography has changed from skateboarding into the world of fitness. Training in my local gym and flicking through the magazines, motivated to try and capture these same images for myself. Studying the photos trying to work out where the lighting was placed to make sure on my shoots I could try to replicate the same look but with my own creative approach.

How would you describe your style or approach to photography?

I’d say my style is all about the person in the frame, knowing their back story to help capture that shows their true identity. Whether that’s a personal transformation or shooting someone fresh from the bodybuilding stage. Brightly lit photos with off camera lighting and editing to make sure they pop!

What’s the one photograph or project that you are most proud of, and what’s the story behind it?

Most of my work is on a personal level with individuals booking in for their own unique stories. One shoot style I’m extremely proud of is the creation of the rain water shoots. I had someone send me photo that they saw online asking if I could create something like it, never trying before I said “how hard could it be” – luckily my brother is a plumber so he was able to create the water setup to put their idea and vision into a reality. The behind the scenes snaps look nothing like the final results which just goes to show, it’s about having the idea and eye for creative that makes the difference between an okay photo and an epic one.

Where do you find your inspiration and how do you stay creative when challenges arise?

A lot of my inspiration comes from looking through Instagram and seeing what the big brands within the fitness space are putting out. Nowadays with the lack of print media, most of the time it’s social media and fellow creatives that I find creativity from. The great thing about Instagram is the fact you can create an album of saved inspiration, perfect for showing before a shoot starts.

A male bodybuilder in a blue posing suit flexes on stage during a bodybuilding competition under stage lighting.

A muscular woman in a pink bodysuit poses confidently, holding a pink smoke flare with pink smoke around her.

If you could photograph one person, living or historical, who would that be and why?

I’d love to maybe have the chance to photograph Arnold Schwarzenegger, the legend within bodybuilding. I’ve met him in person once, from a distance of a few feet away, but not to grab a selfie. That would be the ultimate bucket list photo to snap. Maybe one day, just have to keep my fingers crossed our paths will meet again.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in photography, or what is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received in relation to photography?

The best advice would be to just go and do it. If you have an idea, try it. Want to buy that camera or new lens – save and one day own it. Whilst the camera and lenses are there to create it’s the eye of the person behind the lens that truly creates something special. Everyone has their own unique style so don’t let anyone else say you can’t as you never know where the camera can lead into great opportunities.

Want to see more behind the lens?

Follow our Through the Lens series to discover the stories, styles, and standout moments from our PhotoShield clients. Whether you’re a fellow photographer, a fan of fitness imagery, or just love a good origin story, there’s plenty more to come.

Got a vision of your own? Let’s make it happen. Reach out to us today and start your journey behind the camera.

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A male bodybuilder poses on stage during a competition, displaying muscular physique under bright lighting.

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