About

About Matt:

I am a photographer, an entrepreneur, and an eternal optimist. I live to work hard and to play harder. I believe a job that you love should be a mix of work and play, and I refuse to settle for anything less than perfection in both my personal and professional endeavors.

I've been taking pictures since 2006. I own and run a small business called The Visual Collective, LLC that enables me to teach, to learn, and to adventure with other creative people.

Learning inspires me. I love nothing more than a difficult challenge, especially if that is centered around technology.

I work well alone but I am also happy to take a leadership role in a group or team setting. I'm less of a follower than a leader. I lead by example.

I've served as a volunteer ski patroller, built houses in Juarez, Mexico, and for the last three years I have acted as Event Director for branches of the world-wide non-profit Help-Portrait. Over those three years I have lead teams of volunteers to give away nearly 500 professional portraits to people who otherwise would never have that opportunity.

In the last couple years I have taken up an interest in self-defense and firearms. I believe in being prepared at all times, for whatever the world might throw at me. I have taken multiple tactical firearms courses in Colorado and Arizona. I am a licensed Concealed Carry Weapons permit holder.
Why? Because I'd rather have a gun and not need it, than need a gun and not have one.

Musically, I enjoy such artists as Skrillex, Maroon5, Nickelback, AC/DC, Disturbed, Periphery, Five Finger Death Punch, and Journey. I played guitar for four years in high school as part of an epic jam-band and I sang in a huge variety of choirs for eight years. I believe music is a universally powerful force.

My heroes in the world of photography and creativity include Chase Jarvis, David duChemin, and Tim Ferriss. These people represent the pinnacle of freedom, creativity, and openness that I believe are necessary in both the business and creative worlds.

In short, I'm an open book. If you would like to know more about me by scheduling an interview, please feel free to give me a call or send me an email.

-Matt Beaty
(928) 600-3360
Matt@vaultphotos.com