A Photographer’s Journey Over 20+ Years To Feel Proud Walk Tall
Matt Reed has been a commercial photographer since 2009, completing 5,000+ photoshoots for all types of clients big and small.
Throw him into any scenario and he’ll come out with the photos needed.
Along the way, he has felt a growing disconnection with what he was making for clients. In a lot of cases what we were doing he would not choose to buy himself.
A bolt of clarity came on a regional shoot in the middle of nowhere. There’s one photo he took by chance of a genuine bloke called Mark. It changed the course of his life.
Matt now creates imagery that does more than meet a brief. It needs to help the people in front of the camera. We’re big believers in people feeling proud of who they are and their role in this world.
In addition to photos, Matt has wanted to make Branded Films for years.
It Made Sense to Tell Our Own Story
Feel Proud Walk Tall: A Photographer’s Journey is a branded film that tells the story of our very own Matt Reed and his journey to become the photographer and business owner we know today.
It was made with a lot of blood (figurative), sweat and tears (literal) and with the intention to entertain and inform.
What is a Branded Film?
A Branded Film can be a film of any length or format that focuses on heart and truth.
They are films commissioned by a company, organisation, business, or corporation with the intention of capturing stories based in reality. And are certainly not advertisements.
As a brand, doing this takes courage.
You have to break free from the usual rules of what your product or service has to look like, and how it can be treated. Do something that …
“shifts the corporate video dial”.
Tony Colley
It’s a legitimate, honest attempt to inform or educate by delving deeper. If you really want to create authentic branded content, this is the way forward.
Our Film’s Message
Something we really want to show to you all, is how important sincerity and authenticity is to us.
“A story of highs and lows of very real people who developed a business oozing with integrity.”
Suellen Horgan
We believe that when we are contracted to do a job, it’s to create a piece of media that informs the viewer of who you are. At its core, is the process of baring your mind and your soul to the world and showing them what you do and what you believe in.
This is best harnessed through exploration in the moment. To be present and be real. Letting down the walls of who you think you need to be and what you think people want to hear. Tell us and the world your truth.
When you do this, you build a connection to the audience like no other, like the connection we built with Marion.
“The film was really engaging and moving – especially at the tearful moment! – and that overall it made me, as the viewer, feel closer to you guys personally. Because you were speaking to the camera it felt like you were confiding to the viewer as a close friend – so that was very powerful.”
Marion O’Leary
The Photographer’s Journey Going Forward
Moving forward, we want to continue making media like this. Not only does it create a more sincere connection with the viewer, it feels good!
It feels so nice to be open and honest, liberating even. To do this we need you. We need you to be authentic, we need you let your walls down and we need you to trust us.
Of course we understand this isn’t always easy for some, who want a mapped out plan that is fixed to their agenda. But if you let us in, we can find the heart and soul of your story.
Share a piece of you with the world, and build a connection with so many others out there that don’t just buy products, but buy into you! People that want to invest their time and money into a person or people that they share commonalities with or find qualities they find endearing.
You don’t have to be the coolest, or the smartest or even the best. You just have to be you. We can do the rest.
We Feel This Is The Future
We’re proud of this 41.39 min film and would love you to see it too.
We feel this is the future for commercial photography and filmmaking. Making Branded Films. This is how we’d like to help businesses and not-for-profits tell their story.
We hope you like “Feel Proud Walk Tall. A Photographer’s Journey”.
Let us know.
5-Star Industry Reviews
Belgrade International Film Festival
In Feel Proud Walk Tall. A Photographer’s Journey, Matt Reed steps out from behind the camera to tell his own story—a rare and intimate move for a seasoned commercial photographer more accustomed to highlighting others. What unfolds is not just a documentary, but a creative self-reckoning: a deeply personal exploration of purpose, identity, and the transformative power of meaningful work.
The film traces Reed’s evolution from a humble upbringing on an Australian farm to the polished world of commercial photography, where over 5,000 photoshoots mark his industrious path. Yet beneath the impressive numbers and the polished client work lies a man increasingly unsettled by the transactional nature of the images he was producing. As Reed confesses early in the film, he often wouldn’t buy the work he was being paid to create. This dissonance sets the emotional tone of the film, building toward the pivotal moment that changed everything: a spontaneous portrait of a man named Mark, taken during a remote shoot. That image, raw and unfiltered, revealed a truth Reed had been seeking—photography as a tool not just for selling, but for seeing and honoring.
Director, subject, and narrator, Reed carries the film with an earnestness that avoids vanity. He doesn’t posture or over-dramatize. Instead, he allows his journey to unfold through quiet reflection, grounded interviews, and visual storytelling that mirrors his photographic aesthetic—clean, honest, and people-first. The documentary’s structure is simple but effective, moving chronologically through Reed’s career while layering insights about creative burnout, the tension between commerce and art, and the power of authenticity.
What makes Feel Proud Walk Tall stand out is its refusal to glamorize hustle culture. This isn’t a tale of meteoric success or industry accolades—it’s a story about rediscovering why you started. Reed’s pivot toward creating “imagery that helps the people in front of the camera” is both a personal and philosophical statement. It challenges viewers—especially fellow creatives—to reconsider what it means to do work that matters.
The film also subtly introduces Reed’s emerging venture into branded films for businesses and nonprofits, connecting his story to a broader mission: empowering others to tell their own. While this could have felt like a promotional plug, it’s handled with transparency and humility, aligning naturally with the themes of purpose and representation.
In just 42 minutes, Feel Proud Walk Tall achieves what many longer documentaries fail to do—it inspires without preaching, reflects without self-indulgence, and invites rather than instructs. It’s a quiet, powerful portrait of an artist finding his way back to himself and choosing, finally, to make something he’d be proud to buy.
Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ — A heartfelt and beautifully honest film about the creative journey, Feel Proud Walk Tall is essential viewing for photographers, filmmakers, and anyone navigating the search for meaningful work.
In Matt Reed’s compelling autobiographical documentary, the lens focuses not only on his illustrious career as a photographer but also on the inspirational journey of founding Didgeridoo Dojo and the dynamic evolution of his creative passions. Reed’s narrative, brimming with personal insights, exudes a profound sense of confidence and authenticity, revealing a man driven by an unwavering commitment to his craft.
The documentary paints Reed as a charismatic and passionate individual, portraying him not just as a photographer but as a hardworking, life-loving artist dedicated to the pursuit of creative excellence. Reed’s journey becomes a testament to the transformative power of following one’s passions, and his on-screen charisma invites viewers to share in his enthusiasm.
The film is a masterfully crafted ode to a creative life, with Reed’s story interwoven with a rich tapestry of contributions from his peers. Their insights offer a diverse and insightful perspective, creating a holistic view of Reed’s impact on the artistic community.
Matt Reed’s documentary is more than a glimpse into a photographer’s life; it is a celebration of creativity, dedication, and the boundless possibilities that unfold when one fearlessly pursues their passions. This engaging and inspiring piece is sure to resonate with audiences, encouraging many to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery and creative expression.
Verdict: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ — An inspiring documentary that is a symphony of creativity and passion.
Viewer Feedback
It honestly was one of the best examples I have seen of heart-centred, human, story-telling (in the context of a business or brand). Nailed it and I think there is a potential big market for this…..
Lorelei Campbell
An extraordinary story of love. Just brilliant.
Philippa White
You have made magic. And magic is soo hard to make in both what you create and in building a business and you have done it beautifully and authentically. Thank-you so much for sharing it.
Kammi Rapsey
I’ve wondered what your gift was, and this movie shows it. It’s love. The proper, unbiased, all encompassing type. So well done on what you’ve achieved so far, and with what is waiting for you in the tomorrows to come.
Jennifer Bishop
I was hooked to the very end – thank you. A lovely reminder of your beautiful souls and how the road has been lumpy but you’ve continued to make others smile and feel proud of you and proud to know you.
Jude Mahony
The film is an engaging short story of an interesting person with valuable skills; describing how they came to do what they do, and why they do it.
The audience buys into them and their work. Having made this investment, they have an enthusiasm/inclination/desire/predisposition to buy the product.
From a non-business point of view, my mum found it absolutely remarkable and commented to me that you’re “one in a million”. Without prompting she expressed her hope that those who are likely to engage your services will have a chance to see it. So you clearly have her in your team of cheerleaders too!
Josephine Horgan
In the lobby and first open floor of our corporate head office in Perth we play a generic branded video on loop. It’s full of company faces, dialogue and data. I now realise we missed the opportunity to capture and share the story of our amazing company through our extraordinary people.
Feel Proud Walk Tall style branded videos will be the new standard for the “about us” tab for every company who dares suggest their people are their most valuable asset!
The corporate video dial has just shifted ….
Tony Colley
Brad and I were inspired! We were humbled by your honesty and completely related to the ‘am I a fraud’ idea with regard to confidence.
Fleur Cassidy
Engaging, insightful, heart-warming and just so wonderfully honest!
You should most definitely Feel Proud and Walk Tall.
Jacqui Moxham
It was very inspiring for me and it really made me think about how we could do better with more genuine communication.
Sharin de Silva
What a marvellous expression of you and your team. So proud of you showing all of you to the world. We all benefit from what you share with your presence.
Charmaine Dove
Congratulations on such an inspirational film. So human, sensitive and honest. Such a beautiful process for you over the years. I hope you continue to flourish in your sensational work.
Dena Lawrence
A Sum Effect Production
Director // Matt Reed
Producer // Lisa Reed
Editor // Kate Ellen Campbell
Camera // Matt Reed, Kate Ellen Campbell, Henry Whitehead
Sound Designer // Haresh Chandra
Colourist // Dmytro Bas at The DB Post
Title Design // Kim Wood at 485 Design
Archival Footage // Provided by Sum Effect
Order of Appearance // Matt Reed, Kate Ellen Campbell, Haresh Chandra, Lisa Reed, Yoshitaka ‘Sanshi’ Saegusa, Henry Whitehead, Jasmin Bernhagen, Cristina Londono, Justine Kiggen, Cevrina Reed
Special thanks to our wonderful clients.
Music in order of Appearance, courtesy of Artlist.io:
“SYNERGY” composed by TURPAK
“CAFE DA MANHA” composed by Lus Allieres
“BETWEEN US” composed by Veaceslav Draganov
“ENDLESS SAVANNA” composed by Ikoliks; Remix Instrumental performed by Matt Reed; Remix arranged by Haresh Chandra
“DON’T CHEAT” composed by The David Roy Collective; Remix Instrumental performed by Matt Reed; Remix arranged by Haresh Chandra
“FIRST SUNRISE” composed by Ardie Son
“DRINKS ON ME” composed by Rex Banner
“FIELDS OF FAITH” composed by Noam Zaguri
“STRANGE CONNECTION” composed by Nobou
“INBORN” composed by Piotr Hummel
“UNDERTOW – INSTRUMENTAL VERSION” composed by Low Light
“ME” composed by Fjodor
“VOYAGE” composed by ANBR
“TRUE SELF” composed by ARYEH
Supported by:
Small Business Development Corporation
Go-to Equipment:
Canon Australia, DJI, Profoto, Manfrotto, Really Right Stuff, Tether Tools, SmallRig, Rode, Bose, Apple, Capture One, DaVinci Resolve, Adobe, Lowepro
