It's taken more than two weeks to be approved by I am happy to say the photography podcast, Master Your Lens, is finally up.
Please tune in, give us a review and rating. We look forward to speaking with you soon on Master Your Lens.
Always dream big,
Matthew
This year, we have received many requests for a photography workshop in Los Angeles. I am happy to announce we will hold two back-to-back workshops at the beginning of December, 2015.
Full details will be posted by this weekend and early registration will begin immediately. The first workshop will focus on shooting fashion photography on location. The second will focus on working in the studio. Both workshops are two-day workshops but seating is limited so sign up fast.
Caption: Fashion photography workshop in Los Angeles by Matthew Jordan Smith
Caption: Beauty Workshop in Los Angeles by Matthew Jordan Smith
Always dream big,
Matthew
From The Haven's Family Road Trip
Mom asked what we wanted for lunch and I screamed, "CHEESEBURGERS!!"
"AAAHHHH! You always want cheeseburgers!" Raine screamed back.
"Well, it is funny Jayden wants cheeseburgers, because this state is actually home to...
To take part in the American Map Game join here.
When you believe in a dream with all your heart great things are bound to come to life. There may be bumps along the way, but if you are persistent, your hard work will be recognized and pay off.
There were times when I wanted to stop working on this project, especially right before the book went to press. Today, however, I am happier than I've been in ages and excited about the possibilities to have a profound impact on a child's life through this project.
The images below show some of the people who care about the message of this project and believe in it enough to help spread the word and empower children all over America.
Today, we are asking you to come and join us in helping to inspire the next generation. Whether you have children or not we need your support. You can do so my going to this link and joining the Kickstarter group that believe in the American Dream
Caption: Soul Food sisters at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photograph by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Actresses Nicole Ari Parker and Angela Bassett co-host the Kickstarter launch of FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Host for the Kickstarter Launch Party, Dr. Pearl E. Grimes, Nicole Ari Parker, Felicia D. Henderson and Angela Bassett. Photograph by Rnoald Pollard
Caption: Oregon subject McKenna from Future American President with her father at the Kickstarter launch event for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photograph by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Mike Freeze, Linda,
Podcast host Marquetta Breslin and actress Angela Bassett at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photograph by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, Maki Sekine and Matthew Jordan Smith at the Kickstarter release party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Actress Melissa De Sousa and Boris Kodjoe at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ron Pollard.
Caption: Make Sekine and Jessica JJ Rabone at the Kickstarter launch of FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Photographer Matthew Jordan Smith and actor Courtney B. Vance speaking at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ron Pollard.
Caption: Photographer Matthew Jordan Smith and TV producer Gordon Recht speaking at the Kickstarter launch event for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM.Photographs by Ronald Rollard
Caption: Guest Maithy at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photograph by Ron Pollard.
Caption: Kids of Future American President at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Darryl Havens and friend at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: The Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photographs by Ronald Pollard.
Caption: Photograph by George DeLoache
Caption: Matthew Jordan Smith, Gordon Recht and Chaz Guest at the Kickstarter launch party for FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photograph by George DeLoache
Caption: Future American President covergirl Sky with sister Raine and mother, Ami Torres. Photograph by George DeLoache
Caption: celebrating the Kickstarter launch of FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM. Photograph by George DeLoache
This weekend we celebrated an idea. With the help of some amazing friends including Angela Bassett, Nicole Ari Parker, Felicia D. Henderson, and Dr. Pearl E. Grimes. We launched a way to help kids grow believing they can accomplish anything.
The beautiful thing is that now anyone can give their children this powerful gift. Join the community of people who believe in the next generation by joining us here.
By making a book that features a child you are close to you on the cover or your own child on the cover, you are giving them a powerful gift that will encourage them forever.
Caption: Guests at the Kickstarter launch party for the Future American Dream project.
Caption: Photographer Matthew Jordan Smith speaking at the launch party.
Caption: Actress Angela Bassett and photographer Matthew Jordan Smith at the launch of Future American Dream project for Kickstarter.
Actor Boris Kodjoe, Oregon's featured subject for Future American President, and photographer Matthew Jordan Smith at Kickstarter launch party.
Caption: Celebrating the launch of Future American Dream on Kickstarter.
Join us today and help empower children everywhere to dream big.
Kickstarter Link: http://kck.st/1UOLOn0
Vanessa Williams, Boris Kodjoe, Sky Torres, Ami Torres, Raine Torres, Darryl Havens, Mike Freeze, Quentin Gunn, Chaz Guest, Lisa Butler, Sofie Kodjoe, Nicholas Kodjoe, Keith B. Dixon,
We are pushing the button to Launch
in
5
4
3
2
1
FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM
is
now
LIVE
on
You can watch the launch event LIVE right now by going to Periscope and following Matthew_JordanS
It's finally here! After four months of planning, we are launching Future American Dream tonight on Kickstarter.com.
Starting at 7:30 pm PST we will make a live announcement and push the START button on our Kickstarter page.
I'm inviting you to watch it LIVE on Periscope as Angela Bassett and a host of friends help me launch a project that will inspire the world.
LAUNCHING TODAY
7:30 PM PST
Click the link to make your copy: http://kck.st/1UOLOn0
Always dream big
For anything amazing to happen in life there has to be a team. To learn how to become a great photographer, you need a team. For a child to grow up and accomplish great things they have to have a team behind them. Team stands for, Together Each Achieves More.
I am inviting you to join me to become part of the team, to become part of the community that will inspire the next generation to become great.
You can watch it LIVE on Periscope at 7:30 pm by following me at Matthew_JordanS
FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM
ON
KICKSTARTER.COM
A PERSONAL WAY TO INSPIRE YOUR CHILD
For anything amazing to happen in life there has to be a team. To learn how to become a great photographer, you need a team. For a child to grow up and accomplish great things they have to have a team behind them. Team stands for, Together Each Achieves More.
In two days, I am inviting you to join me to become part of the team, part of the community that will inspire the next generation to become great.
FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM
ON
KICKSTARTER.COM
A PERSONAL WAY TO INSPIRE YOUR CHILD
After working till 5:00 am my body has finally crashed. Who knew it was so much work in preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign.
Future American Dream
Launching September 12, 2015
7:30 pm PST
Hosted by Angela Bassett
In 5 days, we will do something that has never been done before. We would like to invite you to play a brand new game called,
The Future American Map Game.
The objective of the game: To inspire families and their children in an exciting new way.
The Characters: Mr. Havens & Mrs. Havens, Raine Havens - 11 years old, Jayden Havens - 7 years old (main character)
How to play the game: The game can ONLY be played on Kickstarter.com/FutureAmericanDream starting on Saturday, September 12th at 7:30 pm PST. The game only lasts for 30 days.
To play the game make a pledge of $10 or more and you'll receive the American Map Game, which includes the map and cut-out figures of the Havens family. Use the map to answer one question per day for 30 days. Questions will be posted once a day and viewable only to pledgers. To play the game, go to the Future American Dream page on Kickstarter.com
The game is played through a story and told by the youngest child in the Havens family. Over the course of the game, the Havens family travels to every state in America and has a variety of interesting adventures. During their journey, they meet some of the real-life children featured in the book Future American President.
The Family Journey: The Havens family is going on their first family vacation across America. Little Jayden Havens, seven, tells the story as his family drives from state-to-state and at the end of each day asks a question. Help Jayden answer the questions each day as his family travels across America.
Seven-year-old Jayden Havens is about to leave on the adventure of a lifetime and he'd like you to join him.
Future American Dream - Only on Kickstarter - Starting Saturday, September 12th, 7:30 PM PST
Hosted by Angela Bassett, Nicole Ari Parker, Felicia D. Henderson and Dr. Pearl E. Grimes
The Havens family - 2011
Mr. Havens - College Professor
Mrs. Havens: Schoolteacher
Raine Havens - age eleven
Jayden Havens - age seven
On Monday, I'd like to introduce you to a very special family. A week from today I will introduce the family in person during my launch of my event at 7:30 pm PST, and then we will leave the next morning on an incredible adventure for 30 days.
Many of you know that I shoot with Nikon camera's now. This week I learned that Mr. and Mrs. Havens are also fans of Nikon camera's and has exactly the same gear as me. This week, to prepare for the trip, I added three new Lowepro cases and I'll get to break them in on this journey. The Echelon Line of Lowepro bags and roller cases are really amazing and I'm looking forward to using them on this trip. The Lowepro Echelon roller is just what I've been looking for and in one roller. It's going to make my travel with camera gear much better.
I share my excitement for my new Lowepro bags with Mr. and Mrs. Havens and they were super excited as well to see the new line. Mr.Havens said he was in need of new camera bags and was curious to see the line.
Until Monday, have a great weekend and I look forward to sharing what I believe will be an incredible week with you all next week.
Always dream big!
What an amazing family! In 8 days, they are leaving on an incredible journey and they have invited everyone in America to come along with them.
I'm excited to say I have decided to go with them and document the journey. Yesterday I met the entire family, and the son, Jayden, who is seven years old, is very curious about life and is hooked on Minecraft. All he talked about was Minecraft and just wanted my attention so I could watch him play. I asked him was this his favorite game and he said, "Yes, but I also like this new game called Plants vs Zombies and Paceman championship edition deluxe. It has the most ghosts ever. Instead of just four, there can be any amount." I laughed and loved seeing the world through his eyes. It made me remember being his age where nothing else mattered but playing with my friends.
His sister, Raine, was more reserved but also excited about the journey their family is preparing to take. I hope you can join us as this is going to be something we will all remember forever.
Always dream big!
Today is the fifth class for the Master Your Lens course. The course is a six-week photography master class created to teach students how to stand out from the crowd and truly master their photography.
Earlier in the week I asked a question on social media and received a huge response on Facebook. The question was, what are you struggling with in photography? I was very surprised to learn that most of the areas people are struggling with are taught in the Master Your Lens course. People struggle with creativity, posing, lighting, marketing and fighting to enjoy the business and remember why they got into photography. Today in class I will share the comments with my students so they can see how far they have come in five weeks, and show them the advantage they have now because of the course. If you are interested in taking the next course subscribe to our mailing list for updates on the next course.
We will also announce dates very soon or our Fashion and Beauty workshop taking place in Los Angeles, California. Stay tuned for more information
Always dream big!
It will all begin in only 10 days!
The announcement will be made at 7:30 pm PST and broadcast LIVE on Periscope with the help of Angela Bassett, Nicole Ari Parker and more.
One amazing family is inviting you to come along on an incredible journey, so pack your bags. We are about to leave in only 10 days!
Today, I asked my listeners to my new Podcast, MASTER YOUR LENS, and my Facebook followers what they were struggling with in photography?
I have received an interesting list of responses, but I'd like to know more from you. In photography, what are you struggling with the most from day to day?
Leave your response in the comments section of this blog. I look forward to helping you answer the questions via my podcast.
Today is the launch of the Master Your Lens podcast, available for download on ITunes. Please check it out, subcribe and rate the episodes for us. The podcast will air 5 days a week and share insightful stories, photo tips and information to help make you a better photographer.
MASTER YOUR LENS PODCAST - AVAILABLE ON ITUNES.
Always dream big
Went to my first Drink & Click in Tokyo, Japan the other night. The Drink & Click groups are popping up all over the world. I'm be speaking at the Austin Texas chapter in October along with the New Jersey Chapter. If you have one in your city, check it out. It's a fun way to connect with other photographers and build your body or work.
Angela Bassett, Nash Grier, Zendaya Coleman, Boris Kodjoe, Nicole Ari Parker, all have somethign in common, they all have their own copy of Future American President. Now you can have your own special edition version of Future American President too. Starting September 12th, 2015 at 7:30 pm PST, you'll be able to make your very own special edition book with your child on the cover.
KICKSTARTER ONLY! under FUTURE AMERICAN DREAM
September 12th, 2015
Launch time: 7:30 pm PST
Hosts: Angela Bassett, Nicole Ari Parker, Felicia Henderson and Dr. Pearl Grimes
Watch LIVE on Periscrope!
Caption: Nash Grier with Future American President
Caption: Angela Bassett with Future American President
Caption: Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker with Future American President
Caption: Zendaya with Future American President
