Meet Payton Matthews | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Payton Matthews and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Payton, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
When I started Payton Herring Photography I had graduated high school and starting a college. In the early days I would go to class all week and then travel home to do sessions on the weekends and sometimes weekdays to fit more in as I got busier. Since then I am now married to my high school sweetheart of 3 years and we have a 1 year old. I have found myself shifting gears in my business to be more of a mom, but I definitely juggle both and they are both so rewarding!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a wedding photographer based in Goldsboro, NC. I travel all over eastern NC for weddings. I feel that I am different from other photographers because of how well I communicate with my clients. In today’s age, communication is KEY and more times than not I hear complaints about photographers not even getting back with their clients. I actually drop what I am doing to answer inquries more times than not because my clients are my main priority, after my family and God. They are what keep this business going and if I can keep them happy they will keep coming back.

I am most proud of my work ethic. If I want something I will push until I get there even if it means LATE nights and a few tears. I am very determined and always will do my best! I started out doing photography from a dorm room and that speaks for itself. It was challenging of course, but I wanted this dream to work, so I put in the effort and here I am today.

I have learned along the way that not every client is meant to be your client! Find the clients that click like family and keep them close. I have more clients that have become friends than friends that have become clients.

I hope when people leave my website, my Instagram page, a session with me, etc. that they feel loved, valued, and cherished! This is more than capturing memories for people, this is about creating lifelong friendships!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Little old Goldsboro has come a good ways since my childhood! We would head downtown for a little shopping. We would grab coffee and/or ice cream at Cry Freedom Missions. I would book us an air bnb downtown. We would grab drinks at a local restaurant. Breakfast in the morning at a local cafe. It would be mostly eating and shopping!!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I love this so much because I believe so much in helping others achieve their goals. I want to give a shoutout to Asterblooms Photography. I believe I did my very first mentoring session with her. Also, Dakota Hersey Photography (also my wedding photographer) and has helped me so much along the way!

Website: paytonherringphotography.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/payton.herring.photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paytonherringphotography

Image Credits
Dakota Hersey Photography