Matthew Huber is something of a mad scientist. His elegant still life images are often powered behind the scenes by self-constructed lighting rigs, laser-triggered shutters, "aquapults" and other maverick inventions. His assistants are sought after by sinister government agencies for their agility in dodging flying objects and absolute imperturbability in the face of loud explosions.
Huber has been living and working in New York City since 1992, when he left his native Atlanta to study photography at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn and trade in his southern drawl for a newscaster's purr. After graduating from Pratt, Huber spent a few years assisting Bill White and other prominent pros before beginning his career as a professional still life photographer.
Huber's innovations in still life have earned him attention as an emerging artistic and technical talent in his field. His work, in which the subject often floats in a realm of light and space, reflects his obsession with detail and belief in simplicity. "I see the objects I shoot as being complete unto themselves, having their own stories and subtle contexts. My work is about revealing whatever is beautiful, or poignant, or provocative about each object."
Clients have taken to Huber's distinct style and his passionate approach to his work. In addition to his editorial work for magazines such as Out, Child, Hers Muscle & Fitness, and Nylon, Huber has significant advertising experience, including campaigns for GM, Canon, MasterCard, and Destefano + Partners Architects.
Huber's plans include continuing to perfect his contraptions, further exploring his interest in splash photography, and upgrading his studio's square footage whenever possible, in the interest of launching increasingly large objects and amounts of liquid past the camera's lens.
"Moving fluidly between the commercial and the art worlds, Huber's considerable skill as a photographer is evident in his ability to communicate visually with precision—as well as in the stunning effects created with lighting, composition, sheet metal presses, bungee cords, etc."