#7 Meet Matthias Neefs

In our blog series "Meet the Maker," we introduce a new image creator each time.

In just five questions, you’ll learn more about the person behind the camera, their photography style, and the experiences of a featured creator.

In this 7th edition, we travel to Belgium to meet Matthias. Known online as @thechillingsloth, Matthias is completely passionate about animals. In this blog, you’ll get to know the young Belgian photographer better and discover his tips for capturing animals at their best.

B&W Chimp – Matthias
code: 8598

1. Who are you, what do you do, and what gear do you prefer to use?

I’m Matthias, 30 years old. I’m a photographer and work part-time at a pet nutrition store, where I sell supplements for animals. My goal is to become a full-time creator. Over the past two years, I’ve been deeply immersed in photography. I’ve always had an affinity for animals. Seeing them directly through my lens touches me deeply.

At work, I had a colleague who was a photographer. He introduced me to this world, and since then, I haven’t been able to part from my camera.

Gear:
My favorite equipment includes the Sony A7&R3 with the Sony 200/600mm lens. For wildlife photography, my go-to lens is the 5.6/6.3f. Additionally, I use the Sony 70/200 F4 for close-ups and nature photography. While I sometimes use a tripod, 90% of my photos are handheld.

2. What is your preferred photography style?

My preference lies with wildlife and nature photography. This primarily has to do with my feelings. It feels right, and I find fulfillment in capturing animals. Since I often have to wait a long time for that perfect shot, it feels incredible when I achieve a good result.

In nature photography, I enjoy capturing small details. I find it fascinating to create a genuine atmosphere. This is why macro photography appeals to me more than landscape photography.

Eurasian Eagle Owl – Matthias
code: 8626

3. Who is your biggest inspiration in photography?

My biggest inspiration over the past few years has been Michele Bavassano. Beyond the photos he takes, I admire how he shares his work and engages his audience in the creation of an image. His editing style is a true source of inspiration, and I hope to follow in his footsteps.

4. What is your favorite work of your own?

This is always a tricky question. As a photographer, you have countless different photos. However, one image immediately comes to mind when I think of my favorite photo. It’s a shot of a leopard, and coincidentally, it was also my first upload on Picfee.

This photo is my favorite (so far) because I’m incredibly proud of the result. Additionally, it significantly grew my audience, and I received an overwhelming amount of feedback from various sources.

Leopard – Matthias
code: 8590

5. What tip or trick would you share with other photographers?

This might be even harder than choosing your favorite photo. There are countless elements that, in my opinion, contribute to creating good or beautiful images.

• Get out there.
• Learn your camera.
• Back button focus: Especially for wildlife and nature photography, this technique can make a difference. Even a split-second advantage can be crucial in capturing the perfect wildlife shot.

Kestrel – Matthias
code: 8627