Tell us more about some of your past projects?

I work for architects and designers and I’m always in a corporate office or a home somewhere learning about the design and the people

What current projects are you working on?

Commercially I’m working on a visual rebranding for a major US bank. Personally I’m working on a beautiful photo book about the region we live in and the spaces that have played a role in making Toledo what it is.

What advantages does being in Northwest Ohio/Toledo offer your efforts?

We have some of the best light in the world here and people are proud to tell their story of being from Toledo

Tell us about one of your greatest successes.

I always feel a wave of success when someone is interested in telling their story and excited to have me be part of it

Tell us who or what gives you inspiration?

It seems like its everywhere. Books, movies, walks, etc

Tell us about your background.

Born in Iowa, school in Chicago, lived in New York City, Hong Kong, Los Angeles and Toledo. I’ve worked in almost every part of the photo world either shooting or assisting. I’ve dangled out of helicopters, fluffed famous people’s pillows and watched light move across a building for hours on end.

Do you have a motto or favorite quote you try to live by?

I grew up with a Proust quote about discovery and eyes, but for the most part I just never say No.

Favorite place for local culture?

Moved here right before the pandemic... Zoom?

Toledo’s “best kept secret” is . . .

The light.

My favorite place to chill locally is . . .

The trails in Jermain Park.

My favorite natural space in the Toledo area is . . .

Standing on the banks of the Ottawa River.

When I’m not working hard, I can always be found at . . . 

A dive bar.

If you could change anything about the current landscape for creative, progressive people . . .

I am very happy with the way we’ve been recognized during the pandemic. We are out there fighting every day to do what we love, and its now seen as more than a passion pursuit. We are freelance and gig and we work hard.

Any exciting collaborations (past or present) you would like to tell us about?

I’m working with Tedd Long right now on this photo book. Working with Tedd has pushed me to every part of the area, from the late 19th century to today, to understand how people came here and what they accomplished. I’m new to town and I plan on raising a family here and I am so happy to have this depth of knowledge of Northwest Ohio.

Name one person (living or deceased) who you would love to collaborate with.

I’ve always wanted to see the world the way that Paul Simon does.

Name a CD, book or website you can’t live without.

Paul Simon’s Graceland

3 words that best describe me or my work are . . .

Ask someone else :-)

My biggest vice is . . .

Tequila

I’d like to see __________ in Toledo.

A James Turrell Skyspace.

The best gift I’ve ever received was . . .

We had our first baby a couple of years ago. For my birthday that year my wife gave me a blanket to give to him. I’m in June and he’s in October. Every day for five months I looked forward to giving him that blanket.

I want my last meal to be _______________.

Tacos. And if I die twice, a Chicago dog.

Give us 5 Desert Island Album picks.

No particular order and not on shuffle, Paul Simon Graceland, M. Ward End of Amnesia, Discovery LP, Fun. Some Nights, Kendrick Lamar DAMN.

One movie character I identify with is . . .

A mix of Charlie Brown and Tin Tin.

Instagram Link: @matchmon