The Candid Frame: Conversations on Photography

TCF Ep. 640 - Matthew Finley

May 8, 2025

In this conversation, photographer Matthew Finley shares his journey of using photography to express intimate emotions through gesture and line. Growing up queer in an unaccepting environment, Finley discusses how his art serves as a safe space for vulnerability and connection. He reflects on the transformative power of storytelling and explores themes of identity, relationships, and acceptance. His project, 'An Impossibly Normal Life,' aims to foster hope within the queer community. Finley's insights reveal how personal narratives can resonate deeply with viewers.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

ADVICE

Follow Your Passion Fearlessly

Focus on what excites you most when choosing your photographic subject or direction.
Embrace your identity openly in your work as it can lead to authenticity and pride over time.

ANECDOTE

Discovery of Queer Uncle Story

Matthew Finley discovered he might have a gay uncle long after coming out himself, inspiring a personal art project.
He created an idealized life narrative for this uncle using found vintage photographs to imagine a supportive world.

INSIGHT

Lost Affection in Vernacular Photos

Vernacular photos show a lost era when men openly displayed non-sexual physical affection.
Modern society has lost some of this openness due to fears around perceptions of sexual orientation.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Matthew Finley (b. 1972) uses his photography to express himself and connect to the world around him. With a variety of photography processes, he explores intimate emotions through gesture and line to communicate his experience. Growing up queer in an unaccepting environment, Finley felt apart from the world around him. Now, as an adult working through anxiety, the studio is a safe space to create where he can be vulnerable and express his true self. Creating and exhibiting his work is a way to forge relationships with viewers and help those who see themselves reflected in it to feel less alone. Finding inspiration in classic art and statuary, he addresses modern issues such as his coming out story, intimate relationships, and finding peace in our tumultuous world. Based in Los Angeles, Finley's work has shown in solo and group shows in multiple galleries across the U.S. Most recently, his work was on the walls of the esteemed Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles with the likes of Herb Ritts and Herbert In 2024 Finley was awarded CENTER Santa Fe's Personal Award as well as the Center for Photographic Art's LGBTQ+ Artist Grant for his project An Impossibly Normal Life. Resources: Matthew Finley Website https://www.mfinleyphoto.com/ An Impossibly Normal Life Kickstarter Page https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/matthewfinley/an-impossibly-normal-life Altadena Photographers https://www.altadenaphotographers.org/ Support Ibarionex & The Candid Frame GoFundMe BuyMeaCoffee eBook Purchases Websites The Candid Frame Patreon Page The Candid Frame PayPal Contribution Link Signed Editions of "Making Photographs: Developing a Personal Visual Workflow. Photo Workshops & Webinars Breaking Out of a Rut: Tips for Creating Breakthroughs in Your Photography https://lacphoto.org/events/breaking-out-of-a-rut-tips-for-creating-breakthroughs-in-your-photography-with-ibarionex-perello-2025/ Sponsors Charcoal Book Club https://charcoalbookclub.com Frames Magazine FRAMES Magazine | Because Excellent Photography Belongs On Paper (readframes.com) Education Resources: Momenta Photographic Workshops https://momentaworkshops.com/workshops/ Candid Frame Resources The Candid Frame Newsletter & Substack Blog The Candid Frame Alexa Skill Making Photographs: Developing a Personal Visual Workflow The Candid Frame Flickr Pool The Candid Frame YouTube Channel Download the free Candid Frame app for your favorite smart device. Click here to download it for iOS. Click here to download it for Android Contribute a one-time donation to the show thru Buy Me a Coffee https://buymeacoffee.com/thecandidframe Support the work at The Candid Frame by contributing to our Patreon effort. You can do this by visiting patreon.com/thecandidframe or the website and clicking on the Patreon button. You can also provide a one-time donation via PayPal. You can follow Ibarionex on Instagram and Twitter.