Student Feature: Joseph Matty
We invited junior Joe Matty to share his story.
Joe is from Gibsonia, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. Joe has also lived in Powell Wyoming, just outside of Yellowstone National Park, an experience which he shared helped shape him as a person and a photographer. He is currently a third year fine art photo student.
Why did you choose RIT?
RIT became my choice in schools because of its century old photography program. When I was looking for a college that I wanted to attend, RIT seemed to be the only school that had in-depth majors in photography. Seeing the facilities that were available, like the cage, and most importantly for me, the darkrooms, really pulled me in, too. Probably most important for me was the faculty. Learning who was teaching at RIT and meeting them before coming to RIT made me feel like there was no where else that would compare to what I could learn here.
What has been your most challenging assignment as a photography student?
The entirety of Elements of Photojournalism by far. Photojournalism as a subject is just about the complete opposite of how I work as a photographer. Working through that class was a real struggle for me, but one I’m very glad I had. The class really made me get on board with skills like time management and communication, and really pushed me to broaden my tools and views as a photographer.
How is this community helping to shape your goals
I would be not be doing the things I am doing now if I wasn’t in this community. So many opportunities have been offered to me that have allowed me to learn about and work with the processes I love. Many professors like Michael Peres have helped me daily. Michael introduced me to a man I consider a great mentor of mine, RIT photo alum Nick Brandreth. Prof. Willie Osterman and Dan Hughes constantly really push me to think about why I work with the process I work with and how to use them better, just to name a few..
A favorite class or teacher story
It’s hard to pick just one favorite class, but I’d have to say so far Elements of Fine Art Photo with Carole Woodlock. It has been among the best. The way the class is run really allowed me to start exploring more with using historical processes which has become the basis of my work. I am always finding how to really employ those processes to create successful pieces. Carole also just really helped me find the path I wanted to take. This helped me and others find theirs and then follow it.
Have you won any awards?
I’ve been awarded two scholarships. The Robert Elder Memorial Scholarship and the Owen Butler Scholarship. Both have been monumental in helping me attend RIT Photo
