Hi, I'm Matthew Hicks, and my passion for photography sparked when I was a young child. Owning my first 35mm camera was a monumental moment for me – being able to capture precious moments and preserve them in albums brought me pure joy.

The thrill of waiting for the film to be developed and then discovering the images I had taken was always an exciting experience.

As technology advanced, I embraced the improvements in cameras and took some really cool pictures. When the first camera-integrated phone came out, I was first in line, eagerly shelling out £175. The image quality back then was incredible, but in no way comparable to today, little did I know that it was just the beginning of an incredible journey. it's nothing compared to the remarkable technology we have today.

Growing up in the 80s and 90s, sharing pictures publicly was challenging, and MSN was our go-to for sharing images with friends.

The invention of social media, particularly Facebook in 2004, changed everything, allowing us to share our images in real time.

In 2013-14, I stumbled upon the captivating hobby of Urban exploring (Urbex). I saw beauty in the charm of documenting abandoned buildings and forgotten spaces left to decay. With a few friends, we explored mansions, cinemas, and even abandoned mines. Sharing our experiences through social media, I took on the role of the group's photographer, and our community quickly grew. Our adventures caught the attention of prominent figures in the Urbex community, opening doors to bigger and exclusive explorations with a growing viewership on social media and YouTube.

As life evolved, my career took precedence, and exploring opportunities began to dwindle. However, in 2019, my passion for photography was reignited when I purchased my first professional drone. Aerial photography gave me a whole new perspective, and I started creating captivating mini trailer videos of my explorations. Armed with a snazzy new iPhone and an upgraded DSLR, I expanded my photography subjects, capturing aviation, scenery, modelling, and wildlife. I shared my work on Facebook and Instagram, receiving a positive response from the Urbex community and forming friendships with fellow photographers.

In recent years, I've collaborated with a podcaster, producing images for advertising campaigns and contributing mini videos to their online content. This experience has inspired me to explore the entertainment industry further, working with The Hoosiers band, local musicians, celebrities, and businesses. The journey so far has been an incredible one, and I'm eager for what lies ahead!