In Hackney, there’s a force to be reckoned with and her name is Matilda Egere-Cooper. This one woman band juggles a pretty impressive repertoire. Award winning photographer, journalist and lecturer, she’s also the Managing Director of Culture 360 – the company that runs Cultural Exposé, a site for arts and hip listings and The Culture Club Photography Workshops. Obviously, she’s a very busy woman, so we were lucky enough to sit down with her for a quick chat. Here she shares a few Wise Words on combining her passion for visual arts, journalism, technology and making a difference through teaching…..
On photography…
I love being able to capture what defines the moment. That is one of the reasons I love street photography and shooting weddings. I am not a fan of staged photography. Often times if someone wants a portrait I like talking to them as they’re posing. They’ll do something, laugh, or look a particular way and that’s the moment I choose to capture because I feel it encompasses what it’s all about. I like to take things as they happen and that is also what I teach best. I guess this may have to do with the fact that I like to bring a touch of journalism in everything I do. There is somewhat of a constant beauty in the structure of my pictures; I like capturing moments in an artistic, romantic and subtly poetic way, where even if its art, you can always find a story behind it. The other tutors who work with me through The Culture Club Photography Workshops also approach photography in a similar way.
On inspiring teachers…
I find teachers who believe in a student’s potential to be the most inspiring. I once had a teacher, Mrs. White, back in Texas who wrote the most beautiful letter to us back in 4th grade. It said “There’s nothing in life that you won’t be able to do Matilda”. I still have the letter and I’ll never forget it because it was so motivational and inspiring. I also think the best teachers are those who can be flexible, creative and fun.
On life lessons…
You have to be consistent and keep going. I’ve been a journalist for years and while there wasn’t always a long-term goal, in this consistency, I’ve only seen more opportunities open up. If you keep at whatever you’re doing and do it well, I think you’ll flourish and develop. In order for you to grow, to learn a new skill or to be a better person – you just need to keep going.
I once challenged myself by deciding to take one picture every day for a whole year, I called it the 365 Project. While it was one of the hardest things I ever did, I got to see my photography develop in countless ways, something I consider extremely valuable.
On making a difference through teaching…
If you engage people with the right activity it can be life changing. I want to contribute to London by helping young people in a different way. So, I’m raising money to buy some SLR cameras because I want to start a photography programme for young people. I’m happy for me and my tutors to go to schools, teach and share photography with young people in the hope of inspiring them to develop a new passion, skill, or even career path.
Read more about The Culture Club crowdfunding project and contribute to it here
On what she wants to learn…
I would love to learn the piano. I love music and it’s one thing that I haven’t fully accomplished.
Would you love to learn from The Culture Club? Find their classes on WiseMap soon!
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