About the Artist

Currently based in Mariposa California, Matt Cairns is a portrait, live events and adventure photojournalist.

An avid traveler, he seeks to tell the stories of the people he meets along the way.

Matt has hitchhiked across Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, England and much of the United States relying solely on the kindness of others for transportation and places to sleep. His rides have included busses full of nuns, hay wagons, eighteen wheelers, and even sailing yachts. 

Additionally, he rode a 125cc Honda motorcycle alone from Santiago Chile to Medellin Colombia through four countries in South America, the Atacama Desert and the remote mountain towns in the Andes Mountains. 

In 2014, he and Jocelyn McLean canoed over 990 miles from Winnipeg to Churchill MB over the course of 64 days.

He has summited Denali (20,310’) and Aconcagua (22,837’) and paddled the 277 mile length of the Grand Canyon.

In Nashville, Matt photographed live music and portraits for local and touring bands. In the western US, he is a backcountry guide for REI Experiences.

His credits include The Wall Street Journal, Sidetracked Magazine (UK), Alternative Press, Mobile Bay Magazine, Travel Manitoba, Do615, Nashville Underground & No Country For New Nashville.

If you would like to inquire about contributions for your magazine, or to offer an assignment, please contact him at matt@mattcairnsphotography.com 

c: 330.705.8537