Camera Obscura: Matt Ham's Unconventional Route into Cinematography
Matt Ham’s journey into cinematography began by making surf films with his friends. This passion opened doors to travel across Europe and Indonesia, where he sought out the best surf spots with a small dedicated crew.
After a few years, Matt made a pivotal decision to relocate to London and immersive himself in the industry. This period involved spending time on set, experimenting with cameras, and creating spec ads.
Since then Matt’s been working across commercials and documentaries for brands such as Land Rover, Lexus, and Samsung. His self-taught approach has made Matt an incredibly collaborative and flexible DP, equally as comfortable working in remote locations with a small crew as he is in a fully equipped studio.
LBB> How did you get into cinematography?
Matt> My path to cinematography took longer to realise and was less conventional than the traditional film school route. I’ve always been fascinated by the ocean so I studied Marine Science at university and after graduating took a job working on a boat off the Norwegian coast.
During my time off I’d go on surf trips with friends, and began documenting these trips with my film camera or DSLR. At first, it was just a hobby and a creative outlet, but it became a way to combine my passion for film, photography, and surfing.
After a couple of years of experimenting with cameras and making surf films, I was fortunate to meet some talented DP’s working in commercials and documentaries who were incredibly generous with their knowledge and time. I started out assisting on their shoots, which was invaluable in teaching me the ins and outs of the industry and how the dynamics of a film set work. That was when I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of.
LBB> Favourite thing about this job?
Matt> The opportunity to travel and experience new places and cultures is something I’m incredibly grateful for. My work takes me to some amazing locations, and it's a privilege to collaborate with talented crews worldwide.
Recently I worked on a commercial in Bangkok. Global shoots can bring unique challenges, especially during prep, but the local crew went above and beyond, and their kindness and generosity was infectious.
LBB> Piece of kit you take on every job
Matt> My iPhone. There are so many good apps to help with prep, as well as sun tracking and weather forecasts.
LBB> First thing you do when starting a new project
Matt> When beginning a new project, my first priority is sitting down with the director to thoroughly grasp the central idea and what we want to communicate.
From there, I turn to my library of reference films and images. I believe it’s crucial to share visual inspiration early on to ensure we’re aligned creatively.
This not only facilitates a productive dialogue but also allows us to identify any differences in vision right away. Having that visual reference helps set the tone for the project and nurtures collaboration from the very beginning.
LBB> What do you think are your strengths:
Matt> Hmm versatile maybe? I’m grateful that my early career and background have equipped me with a versatile skill set. For example, I equally enjoy the challenge of small run-and-gun travel jobs, just as much the intricately planned, larger-scale studio productions.
Recently, I worked on a project in the Rila National Park, in Bulgaria, with minimal kit and a stripped back crew. The constraints pushed us to stay agile and adapt quickly to changing weather and environmental conditions.
Shortly after, I shot a campaign for the new Electric Range Rover, where we turned a studio into an expansive infinity pool with a Mediterranean aesthetic. This involved collaboration between camera, lighting, grip, production design, art department, VP and SFX to bring the vision to life.
LBB> Most memorable shoots
Matt> One of the most unforgettable shoots I’ve been part of was a project for Land Rover in Namibia. It wasn’t a destination I had initially considered, but the country’s dramatic landscapes, abundance of wildlife, and the incredible team we had made it truly special.
