From the Classroom to the Wild: How Photographer Matt Addington Captures the Soul of the Outdoors
If you’ve ever scrolled through a photo that made you feel the crisp snap of a fishing line, the quiet tension of a misty morning hunt, or the raw power of nature in motion—you might have been looking at the work of Matt Addington.
A former art and photography teacher of 20 years, Matt didn’t just teach visual storytelling—he lived it. Now a full-time commercial photographer, he has become one of the outdoor industry's most respected visual artists, shooting for leading brands like St. Croix Rods, Seviin Reels, Fish Hawk, and OnX Fish. His camera doesn’t just take pictures—it dives into the world of his subjects, often quite literally.
A Life Behind the Lens—And in Front of Nature
“I got started as a young kid taking photos and always loved it,” Matt says. “I’ve migrated my professional world into shooting commercially in the outdoors industry—primarily hunting, fishing, agriculture and outdoor lifestyle.”
That lifelong love affair with imagery has grown into a powerful career. But Matt’s work stands apart because it isn’t just about high-end gear or flashy edits—it’s about perspective.
“I love when I’m able to tell stories that provide clients a unique perspective on their brand in use,” he explains. And that’s exactly what he’s done for clients like:
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St. Croix Rods – capturing the elegance and strength of handcrafted rods in action.
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Seviin Reels – revealing the fluid precision of gear that serious anglers trust.
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Fish Hawk – telling the story beneath the surface, literally.
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OnX Fish – showing how technology and nature intersect in pursuit of the next catch.
From foggy dawns in backcountry waters to golden-hour reels under the trees, Matt brings brands to life by immersing viewers in the experience.
Diving Deeper with Outex
A key part of Matt’s signature look—particularly those incredible underwater interaction shots—comes from his use of the Outex underwater housing system.
“Outex has provided that opportunity…putting my cameras in places that most of the world doesn’t get to see,” he says. “Being able to show a fisherman and the interaction with the fish from below the water is awesome.”
Recommended by fellow photographer Jessica Haydahl, Outex has become a mainstay in Matt’s kit. And it’s easy to see why.
Why Matt Chooses Outex:
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Optical Image Quality – Unlike bulky hard housings or soft plastic bags, Outex uses optical-grade glass for crystal-clear imagery.
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Universal Compatibility – Whether Matt’s running full-frame DSLRs, mirrorless rigs, or swapping lenses in the field, the system adapts with him.
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Ultra-Portable – “It’s very packable, which is important for me as much as I travel,” he notes. “It can easily be a part of my kit without adding more Pelican cases and baggage.”
Outex isn’t just a tool—it’s a passport to creative freedom, letting Matt shoot underwater, in rain, snow, or surf, without the bulk or weight of traditional systems.
The Art of Wild Storytelling
At his core, Matt Addington is a storyteller. Whether it’s a peaceful sunrise on a trout stream or the gritty realism of Midwest agriculture, his lens finds the poetry in outdoor life. And thanks to tools like Outex, he’s able to take audiences deeper—into the water, under the action, and inside the stories that brands want to tell.
To explore more of Matt’s breathtaking outdoor imagery, visit www.mattaddington.com. Stock Photography - www.mattaddington.photoshelter.com
Instagram/Twitter - @mattaddington, or www.youtube.com/MattAddingtonCreative
But fair warning: it might just make you want to grab your gear, hit the trail—or dive right in.
