Matt Chesebrough Photography

02/16/2026

📸 Ever wondered why the same lens "feels" different on different cameras? You're not alone.

I hit Henry W. Coe State Park for a side-by-side field test to demystify one of photography's most misunderstood concepts: Crop Factor.

This isn't just about theory; it's about seeing the real-world impact. Swipe through to see a glimpse of why your 50mm lens isn't always a 50mm lens!

Knowing the "why" behind your gear changes how you compose, how you plan, and how you capture with intention. Stop guessing your focal length, start mastering your craft.

Ready to dive into the full experiment, see 8 different focal length comparisons, and understand how to use crop factor to your advantage? 👇

Tap the link in my bio to read the full "Crop Factor Explained" article!

10/20/2025

The Photo I Almost Deleted. 🗑️

For five years, this stunning Mesa Arch Sunrise print sat buried on a hard drive, condemned by the internal critic I inherited: the lifelong feeling of never being 'good enough.' This is the vulnerable story of how I carried my father's critical voice with me, why I abandoned this technically solid shot, and how one small editing session years later became an act of self-liberation.

If you struggle with self-doubt, you need to read this. The image wasn't the problem—the voice was. Tap the link in bio to see the full transformation and read the story of The Quiet Resilience.

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➡️ https://mattchesebroughphotography.home.blog/2025/10/20/mesa-arch-fine-art-print-story/

09/29/2025

This is more than a photograph. It is a reminder of the night that I learned the difference between approaching photography as an amateur versus a professional.⁠
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That night at Mono Lake was a technical disaster until one breakthrough moment. I'm breaking down the three critical mistakes I made and detailing the specific, professional-level approach I now use to ensure a successful night shoot. ⁠
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➡️ Read the full story and get the technical lessons now. ⬅️⁠
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https://mattchesebroughphotography.home.blog/2025/09/22/mono-lake-night-photography/

09/18/2025

Hi everyone,⁠
This is a combination post—thankful Thursday and just sharing some life.

Last weekend, I did something that really pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I stood in a tent for 8-9 hours a day for two days straight, showing some of my art to strangers. This was not physically uncomfortable, but mentally and emotionally painful for a couple of reasons.

One, as an introvert, talking to strangers is something that I need to steel myself for. And doing it for two days straight meant cranking my inner showman to 11, ripping the dial off, and embracing the adventure.

Two, as someone who struggles with self-confidence, putting my work in the public eye and having to stand next to it is scary because what if people had nothing nice to say? What if this? What if that? What if......? See, what I mean? Scary.

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It turns out that none of my worries happened, and the weekend WAS A BLAST! And this is where the tie-in to Thankful Thursday comes.

I'm thankful that the weekend was super fun. Everyone I met was as nice as could be. I wouldn't have expected it, but I got the most joy from seeing little kids who dragged their parents into the tent to say, "WOW! COOL!" ⁠as they pointed at my photos.
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Finally, I'm thankful for the love and support of my family and friends who supported me as I chased my dreams this weekend.⁠ Now that I know this isn't so scary, I look forward to showing my work at more festivals in the future.

Thank you all for reading this super long post.
Have a great rest of your week.
Matt

09/12/2025

T-minus 1 Day!!!!

Yesterday I picked up all of the remaining pieces of art for this weekend's Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival. My focus for this show is the landscapes of California, from surf to summit.

I'm nervous but stoked. If you have time and are in the area, I'd love to see you. Wish me luck!

Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival
Santa Clara Central Park
909 Kiely Blvd
Santa Clara, CA 95051

09/09/2025

Happy Tuesday y'all,
I really enjoy getting up before dawn to see the start of a new day. On this particular morning, I was able to capture the sun shining through the branches of this Oak tree in one of California's amazing state parks.

Where do you like to watch the sunrise?

09/08/2025

Good morning everyone,
Wishing you all a great start to the week.

08/25/2025

I’m thrilled to share that I’ve received an invitation to participate in the Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival on September 13th and 14th! During this two-day event, I’ll be showcasing pieces from my portfolio that highlight the stunning natural landscapes of California. Swing by my booth to chat about photography, hear the stories behind my pieces, purchase some artwork, or just come by to say hello!

I can’t wait to connect with you.

08/23/2025

Howdy y'all. You know how life gets away from you sometimes? This year has been one of those "sometimes". :) Well, I'm slowly starting to shake the rust off on this online social stuff. Looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and meeting some new friends along the way.

Have a great day. See you on the trail.

01/01/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

With all that is going on in the world, I'm resolved not to give in to the belief that everything is terrible and to practice seeking at least one thing per day that brings me joy whether that's five minutes of quiet reflection or being better at reaching out to friends and family just to say hi.

What are your resolutions for the coming year? What brings you joy?

12/31/2024

Happy New Year's Eve!

May this last day of 2024 allow you to reflect on the year and focus on the blessings in your life.

11/12/2024

Some words of wisdom.

BASKING IN MORNING LIGHT - CALIFORNIA

"Too many people merely do what they are told to do. The greatest satisfaction derives from the realization of your individual potential, perceiving something in your own way and expressing it through adequate understanding of your tools. Take advantage of everything; be dominated by nothing except your own convictions. Do not lose sight of the essential importance of craft; every worthwhile human endeavor depends on the highest levels of concentration and mastery of basic tools.

The next time you pick up a camera think of it not as an inflexible and automatic robot, but as a flexible instrument which you must understand to properly use. An electronic and optical miracle creates nothing on its own! Whatever beauty and excitement it can represent exist in your mind and spirit to begin with."

-- Ansel Adams, "The Camera"