How I Made It: ‘I became a macro photographer while recovering from depression’

Welcome back to How I Made It, Metro.co.uk’s weekly career journey series.

Sit back and enjoy your New Year’s Eve, as this week we’re talking with Matt Doogue, a 37-year-old macro photographer based in Scotland.

He didn’t always do this having got into it around 12 years ago, after being made redundant and suffering a period of bad mental health, coming close to ending his life.

Already, he’s featured in National Geographic, BBC Earth, Canon and plenty more.

Now a mental health advocate and thriving photographer, his story goes to show it’s never too late to start again and try something new – a message we can all take into the new year ahead.

Here’s how he did it.

Hey Matt. How did you get into photography?

My mental health was at an all time low, it had been for some time. I had made an attempt on my life.

After speaking with doctors and psychologists my mental health was improving, but there was still something missing, that’s when I picked up a camera and a whole new world was shown to me.

My partner’s uncle sold me my first camera and it all started from there. 

How did you get into macro photography specifically?

I tried all genres of photography but one specific genre kept pulling me back, macro photography.

I would get lost in the hidden world beneath our feet, the world of the arthropods.

Macro photography awakened that again, I could disconnect, get away from day to day stresses and relax.

Have you always had an interest in nature, insects and the other life you capture?

When I was young, I would sit in front of the TV on a Sunday evening watching Sir David Attenborough on the BBC, I’d be glued to it, fascinated at the creatures of this planet.

Also Blue Peter, anything that would show me this fascinating world.

Did you ever work in other industries and career switch?

I’ve always worked full time, until I was made redundant.

It’s only recently I decided to try photography full time.

Photography was a hobby for a very long time but after being made redundant for the third time in 10 years I decided to take a leap of faith.

You’ve been open about your mental health – how has that affected your work?

My mental health battles are never over, I just know how to cope better.

Somedays I’m crippled with anxiety and I can’t get out of the door, yet, I know that what waits for me on the other side will actually help me feel better, those days are especially tough.

When I’m outside in nature, my mind instantly calms, I feel safe, I feel accepted.

I’ve been an advocate for mental health for so many years, I want to show people that there is hope, there is a way through the tangled mess of thoughts in our heads.

Most people who have read about my journey are inspired, they have reached out personally to thank me.

What do you love most about your job?

Being able to photograph the smallest and most amazing creatures of this world and showing them to people who never knew they existed. 

What do you dislike the most?

Rain and winter! There’s not many insects about in these conditions. 

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

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