photograph of Jen Matson

I am a fine art photographer living in the Back Bay, known for photographing Boston’s parks and historic buildings. My aim is to bring new life to old architecture, and to show places and things people pass every day in a new way.

photograph of Jen Matson

 

Taking pictures was a hobby of mine when I was a kid–I received my first camera as a gift at my 8th grade graduation. Just a point & shoot. I loved it, took tons of pictures, all the way through college.

When I graduated from BU, I went to Bromfield Camera and bought myself a used 35 mm film SLR– a Minolta x-370. Very basic. No autofocus, no motor drive. It does have a light meter and aperture priority, that’s it for features.

I was a Psychology major in college; I did not study art at all. After graduation, I took a lot of night classes at the New England School of Photography in Kenmore Square. First I learned f-stops and shutter speeds. Then I learned how to print black and white, then print in color. I was hooked!  I used their darkrooms to print all of my photos until they closed several years ago. I can print 8×10 at home; anything larger is made by Colortek.  (The best professional photo lab in the City!)

I started my business in 1998. Pre-Covid, I did art shows all year long, such as the Beacon Hill Art Walk and the Boston Arts Festival.  I also have work in galleries and stores in Boston and the suburbs. I license rights to use my photos in books, magazines, information pamphlets, and greeting cards. I have many corporate clients as well.

I’m also involved with several organizations that promote local art:

Artists Crossing, Owner/ founder

Beacon Hill Art Walk, Organizer

The Boston Arts Festival, Director

The Boston Local Music Festival, co-founder

United South End Artists, Board of Directors

Holiday Art Sale in Beacon Hill, Founder/Coordinator

Art Fridays, Co-Founder