Welcome to my corner of the internet where I’ll share my mix of photography, creative experiments, and the random musings that pop into my head. Some posts dive into capturing moments in Cleveland or on the road, others explore ideas, experiences, and curiosities that inspire my work. Think of it as part visual diary, part creative outlet. Always authentic, always in progress.
Matt Rutter’s Blog
We Need to Talk About Photography Shorthand
We need to talk about photography shorthand. The safe, easy shots that perform well but don’t push us forward. They’re not wrong, but they can’t be the whole story. Here’s why moving beyond shorthand matters for Cleveland.
Has Cleveland Lost Its Edge?
Is Cleveland sacrificing its unique grit and art deco heritage for a "pretty" but bland image? This unpopular opinion explores how the city might be losing its edge.
Building Cleveland’s Photography Community
Forest City Collective began with a simple need: helping photographers in Cleveland find their people. What started as one person’s search has grown into a movement to unite, inspire, and represent the city’s full creative spirit.
Grind City Meet 2025
Discover the highlights of Grind City Meet 2025, Memphis's iconic photography community event celebrating a decade of creativity. Learn how this inspiring gathering sparked the creation of Cleveland's Forest City Collective to build an inclusive, collaborative creative community.