ABOUT-RANT — Matus P. — Performance photographer

I’m Matus, a music photographer based in Crete, working with musicians, bands, and performers.

I photograph live shows, portraits, and moments around performances — on stage, backstage, and in between. Most of my work happens in low light, during live sets, where there is no repetition and very little control.

I work close and stay attentive rather than directing or staging scenes. I’m interested in presence more than performance, and in moments that happen naturally while musicians are doing their work.

For years, I have been training capoeira and documented many rodas and jogos. Being inside that practice — both as a participant and as a photographer — shaped the way I see movement. It taught me how to read rhythm, anticipate shifts in energy, and understand the dialogue between bodies in motion. That awareness continues to inform how I photograph performers on stage.

My approach leaves room for imperfection. Depending on the situation, that can mean sharp, direct frames, or movement, blur, and intentional camera motion when it fits the energy of the moment. I use these choices selectively, as part of responding to what’s happening rather than imposing a style.

Artists usually come to me when they want images that feel unforced, and when they prefer being photographed during real moments instead of posing for them.
I was born in Slovakia and I’m fluent in Hungarian, Slovak, Czech, English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. I currently live in Crete and work mainly in Greece, but I’m available for projects elsewhere.