Louscious Feature - Interview with LA-based Photographer Sonny Matson

When I first saw the work of

LA-based photographer Sonny Matson,

it hit me like a train.

Her pictures were sexy, glamourous, fierce - just pure art.

Since then, I´m one of her biggest fans. To see her rise and shine, working for Playboy or Guess Jeans - is just incredible.
I can´t wait to see where she´s going next. She´s one to watch. And you should watch her becoming a star photographer.
For me, she´s already a legend. So here´s our little Q&A with her and don´t forget to follow @sonnychaotic

Tell me a bit about yourself. Where are you from?

My name is Sonny Matson, and I'm from Sydney, Australia. I grew up with a Hawaiian father who's one of the best visual artists in the game,
so I was taught to draw & paint before I could walk. It's not a surprise that I turned out the same way.

How long are you in the photography business?

I have been shooting professionally for just over a year. I'm very new. Used to take photos of friends back in Sydney for fun,
had no idea this would become a profession for me.

How did your career start?

I suppose it started with modeling, which was my initial ticket to Los Angeles. Ironically, I started taking photos of my friends
in the industry (fellow models) because we disliked how we were being photographed. I believed I could do a better job than the professionals
- the obsession naturally grew from there.

What inspires you?

I find this a difficult question as it's something that sort of just happens organically on a day to day basis. Sometimes I meet a model,
and an idea instantly happens. Because their look grew inspiration, sometimes I watch a trippy ass indie film, and something is inspired. Who knows?

How would you describe your photography style?

As I'm so new to photography, having an overall generalized style makes me uncomfortable.
I would like to do so many, but for now, my minimal aim is to be at least not boring.

What are the pros and cons of being a female photographer? Is it easier or more complicated?

Also, a difficult question because I have nothing to compare it to. Male photographers are often surprised when they meet me and see my work.
But I suppose a con is some of the more prominent photography players may not take me as seriously had I been a male photographer.
An advantage is women are extremely comfortable with me. They know for a fact that I don't have hidden motives for shooting them.
As a fellow female model, I know what it's like being in their position.

What do you like most about being a photographer?

Freedom.

Pet Peeves

Models who take advantage of photographers.

Can you describe that "moment" (experience, emotion) when you knew that photography was something you just had to do?

My first ever time taking photos of anybody was an old boyfriend back in Australia, it was purely for fun, the images landed in French GQ. So that was a pretty decent indicator that this was something I should run with.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Who the fuck knows

3 People you're dying to work with

Too many to list

What kind of gear do you use?

Canon Rebel T2i for now

What is your favorite lens, and why?

No idea - still too new to understand it all

How important is social media for your career?

I can't deny that it's been a huge part, I've been scouted many times from it,
like the cover of Treats for example, and lots of the models I work with

What kind of music are you listening to while editing pictures?

The same music I've been listening to my whole life, classic rock mainly, Rage Against the Machine, Led Zepplin, Iron Maiden, sublime, etc

Any tips for aspiring photographers?

Remember that you are in control, not the model, not anyone else. Be different and be creative.
And even though Instagram is a great tool, don't just shoot for the gram because that's boring as all fuck.

How has photography influenced you as a person?

To be in a profession where you are paid to be creative and essentially do whatever the fuck you want is an incredible thing.
I'm extremely lucky, and the influence has made me obsessive - I think about it all day every day.

You Accidentally Ate Some Radioactive Vegetables. They Were Good, And What's Even Cooler Is That They Endow You With The Super-Power Of Your Choice! What's It Gonna Be?

I think being Aang the Avatar would be pretty bomb

Name The Top Five Things To Take With You During A Zombie Outbreak.

Probably one of my friends in the military! Because they would have the 5 essentials :)