Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Borchert.
Hi Matthew, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started photography in 2021 as a way to get myself out more. I had become so introverted and separated from society. I didn’t begin to take it seriously until 2023. Last year (2022), I entered the Lac Qui Parle County Fair and received a reserved Grand Champion in the photography category. It was then that I decided in 2023, I would push myself. And push I did, to my very limits and beyond.
The outcome still amazes me when I look back. This year I won numerous Facebook photography awards, had my photos printed in Snap’d Magazine, and Bold & Beautiful Magazine, got the cover of the Macro Edition of You’re It Magazine, Won Grand Champion in the Lac Qui Parle County, Swift County, Yellow Medicine County Fairs photography contests and took part in the Madison MN Hospitals Link Project bringing art to the patients and residents in their facility.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, unfortunately, no road is without speed bumps and potholes. Suffering from mental disorders such as Bipolar, PTSD, anxiety, depression, chronic back issues, and a weight of 425lbs the road wasn’t easy. There were days that I didn’t want to get out of bed, let alone take pictures. There were days when I was in so much pain that I couldn’t even walk the 50ft to go get the mail.
But, I was determined, I got out, and I pushed myself beyond what even I thought was possible. I wanted this and nothing was going to stop me. The effect of this along with the support of both my mom and dad throughout this summer was well worth it. Not only was I able to capture many amazing images, but I was also able to come off of ALL my mental health medications and I lost 100lbs. Thank you to everyone who believed in me even when I didn’t.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I like to photograph pretty much anything. But what I love most is capturing those images that without the photograph, nobody would have ever seen them. Such as lightning, a deer jumping over a fence, etc… I would love to try my hand at Fine Art Photography and possibly break into doing more portraits, but unfortunately, my small area is fairly saturated with established photographers already. What am I most proud of? Good question, but slightly complicated because it’s not a certain picture, award, or ribbon.
It’s a feeling….. Photography has opened up the world to me, it has not only exposed the beauty of the world around me but also made me part of it. It’s hard to explain, but because of the mental health issues that I faced, I had lost touch with so many things. Photography brought me back, and through my pictures, allows me to hopefully touch the souls of others. That’s what I’m most proud of. My passion and drive are what I think sets me apart. I was lost for so long that I refuse to give up, I have to keep moving forward, giving up is not an option.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Lol, I was a typical kid growing up in the 80’s. We didn’t have cell phones or all this technology. We used our imagination and rode our bicycles everywhere, as long as we were home by the time the street lights came on. I had my rebellious phase of course and did some things I regret. I’m sure I made my mom worry and cry more times than I’ll ever know, sorry mom love you.
I had several friends, my best friend Rob, and I were inseparable for many years but we all grew up and drifted apart unfortunately. I loved drawing back then, even won a contest once. Thought I’d grow up illustrating comic books or be a soldier, cop, or astronaut. I think we all have those wild dreams when we are kids. But just because our lives take a different course doesn’t mean we fail.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @VelvetRazorPhotography
- Facebook: @VelvetRazorPhotographyStudio
