On this episode of The Life of Phys Podcast, I sit down with Matt Day, a photographer and YouTuber whose black-and-white documentary work has inspired a global community of creators.

Matt and I connected instantly through shared loves, skateboarding, creativity, and the realities of loss and over the course of our 90-minute conversation, that connection turned into a genuine friendship. This wasn’t a surface-level discussion. It was an honest, thoughtful exchange about life, work, and the long road of creative practice.

For more than two decades, Matt has built a life around storytelling through his lens. Based in Chillicothe, Ohio, his work focuses on documenting everyday life with intention—quiet moments, familiar places, and the people closest to him. His photography isn’t about trends or algorithms. It’s about paying attention.

Matt began his career photographing weddings, events, and corporate work before intentionally shifting toward a more personal and fulfilling creative path. Today, his focus is almost entirely on documentary and portrait projects, while sharing that journey with his audience through his YouTube channel, now a trusted space for honest conversations about film photography, storytelling, and creative growth.

His collaborations with brands like Leica Camera, Hasselblad, Fujifilm, and Polaroid reflect a craft-first philosophy rooted in process, patience, and purpose.

Chillicothe isn’t just where Matt lives, it’s inseparable from his work. The town, the people, and the rhythms of daily life are woven deeply into his images. He has published several photo books, including Friend of Mine and Surveyor, both exploring memory, time, and human connection through his signature black-and-white imagery.

Beyond photography, Matt is a husband, father, skateboarder, former sandblaster, and current woodworker, proof that creativity doesn’t live in isolation. It lives inside real life.

This conversation isn’t just about photography. It’s about slowing down, honoring the ordinary, and building a creative life rooted in meaning. Matt’s approach is a reminder that some of the most powerful stories are found by staying close to home and paying attention to what’s already there.

Visit Matt:

Instagram: @mattdayphoto

Threads: @mattdayphoto

Web: www.mattdayphoto.com

Buy Surveyor

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