Meet Payton Matthews

Today we’d like to introduce you to Payton Matthews. 

Hi Payton, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up most little girls play with barbies; I always remember having photoshoots with my sister. She loved getting dressed up and posing and I liked taking the pictures. This is where the passion started years ago and I had no idea. Fast forward to my high school graduation and my grandparents asked me what I would like for graduation. They only gave me one stipulation; it could not be money. I decided if I wanted to actually pursue photography, I should get a nice camera. That summer I took pictures of all of my friends and did sessions for free to get my name out there. I headed off to ECU in August of 2017 and I was determined to pursue the dentistry route. I enrolled myself in every club possible, became a big part of a Christian sorority, and busted my butt to make all A’s. I was coming home almost every weekend to shoot sessions and I did not once let photography as a career cross my mind because I had always said I would one day be a Dentist. I had a fear of letting down my family and becoming a “college dropout”. I had thoughts towards the end of my freshman year as my photography business was becoming profitable. “Could this be possible?” “How in the world do I tell my parents about this?” “Will people judge me?” Now to sophomore year… I moved into a home that my parents remodeled for me close to campus and it was so perfect! This semester I specifically remember growing in my faith. I had thoughts daily at this point about moving home and pursuing the photography route. I will never forget calling my mom, dad, grandparents, and so on and telling them I wanted to come home. I had to have some HARD conversations and it took months for them to come around. I moved home and worked an office job at a dental office, applied for dental assisting school, and put my head down, and focused big time on authentically growing “Payton Herring Photography”. I got my dental assisting degree for backup since dentistry still held a passion in my heart, not as much as photography. I went full-time photography in July 2020 and haven’t looked back! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road? 

Anytime you do something uncomfortable there will always be bumps along the way! I learned this quickly, but it is necessary to grow and bloom! I briefly mentioned this in the above question, but telling my parents I was leaving ECU after they had recently finished remodeling a home was intense. They weren’t aware of all of the thinking and praying I had already done, so to them, it seemed I was making an abrupt decision. Thankfully, they 100% support me in everything I do, and having them cheer me on along the way has been helpful. 

Finding a balance of family, work, friends, etc. has been overwhelming at times, but NOT a thing can trump doing what you love! I am grateful to say I have some of the best clients, support system, and friends ever. God knew what he was doing with my story and I will eternally be thankful. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I photograph the most beautiful families, couples, and seniors! I specialize in weddings and seniors. They bring me the most joy and a burning fire in my heart that I can’t explain! I am known for providing a fun environment at your session. If I am not friends with my clients before our session, it is guaranteed we will be by the end! I love to talk and am considered to be a social butterfly, so I really enjoy getting to know my clients. Most people would also say I am known for quick turnaround times. My goal is to deliver regular sessions in three days and weddings in one week. 

I am most proud of my determination! It has taken a lot of late nights, tears, and uncertainty to get me to where I am today. When I set my mind to something, I will not stop until it is completed. This mindset has brought me through my toughest battles. 

What matters most to you?
The relationships I build with my clients is something I value so much! You truly never know what someone else is going through and Jesus teaches us to love like him. I strive to love on my clients, like Jesus has shown me love through this process. After all, this business is HIS, not mine. Keeping God at the center of this business is so important to me. It is something I will always stand strong on. 

Contact Info:

• Email: paytonnherringphotography@gmail.com
• Website: paytonherringphotography.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/payton.herring.photography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paytonherringphotography

Image Credits
Payton Herring Photography
Chelsea Allegra Photography