Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Calicdan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I first picked up a camera in 2018 during college—not because I had a plan, but simply as a way to hang out with friends. One day, we decided to take some casual photos just for fun. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but when I sent the images to my friends and saw their reactions, something sparked. I realized I genuinely enjoyed the creative process—capturing a moment, editing it, and finding ways to make it feel cinematic or emotionally resonant.
From that point on, what started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion. I began experimenting with everything—light, color, composition—and did collaborative shoots with anyone who shared a creative spark. Over the years, I discovered that I’m most drawn to fashion, portrait, and conceptual photography. These genres allow me to tell stories, explore emotion, and build visual worlds that feel intentional and expressive.
My creative direction is deeply influenced by the things I love. Music plays a huge role—especially Sad Boy Pop and alternative rock bands like The 1975. Songs with introspective, emotionally charged lyrics often shape the mood and tone I bring into a shoot. I also find inspiration in video games that prioritize emotional storytelling, strong art direction, and atmospheric lighting. And when it comes to crafting bold poses or dramatic scenes, I pull from cinematic action films that teach me how to use tension and light to tell a visual story.
Today, photography is more than just taking pictures—it’s how I express myself. It’s a space where I can blend emotion, style, and narrative, and continue to grow creatively with every project I take on.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road—creativity rarely follows a straight path. After taking a two-year hiatus to focus on my 9–5 career, returning to the photography scene in Orlando came with its own set of challenges. The creative landscape had changed; collaborations that once came easily through a quick message now require more intention, planning, and alignment. Gone are the days of spontaneous meetups—today, creative partnerships often begin with a clear vision and shared goals.
To rebuild momentum, I started reaching out to new creatives in the area while also reconnecting with people I had worked with in the past. That mix of familiar energy and fresh perspective helped me get back into the rhythm of creating. Along the way, I’ve learned to be more thoughtful and intentional with my shoots—prioritizing projects that have meaning, direction, and a mutual sense of commitment.
While the road back hasn’t been easy, it’s made me a stronger collaborator and more purposeful in my craft.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers around fashion, portrait, and conceptual photography—with a strong focus on storytelling through mood, color, and intentional lighting. I’m drawn to visuals that feel emotionally charged, cinematic, and editorial. Whether it’s a dramatic studio setup, a fashion-forward look, or a more introspective concept, I aim to create images that feel like a scene from a larger story.
One notable concept I created after returning to photography was “Beneath The Surface”, a Silent Hill 2–inspired shoot that explored themes of grief, inner conflict, and duality. It was deeply influenced by the game’s psychological horror and symbolic environments. I used contrasting lighting setups—bright whites to represent the “real” world, Mylar as a reflective veil between dimensions, and deep blacks to embody emotional purgatory. The goal was to create a visual narrative that felt haunting, introspective, and layered. It was the first project where I fully immersed myself in storytelling and symbolism, and it reminded me of how powerful conceptual photography can be when tied to emotion.
What I’m most proud of is how I’ve developed a distinctive visual language that blends my love for music, film, and gaming aesthetics into my photography. From moody RGB lighting inspired by action films and neo-noir visuals to softer portraits influenced by song lyrics and character-driven narratives, I like to build shoots that are both stylistically bold and emotionally grounded.
I feel what sets me apart is my ability to fuse multiple creative influences—like the emotional storytelling of video games, the cinematic tension of action movies, and the visual rhythm of music—into cohesive, highly stylized shoots. I treat every project as a collaborative process, putting just as much thought into the concept and atmosphere as I do the final frame.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that growth doesn’t happen all at once—it’s a series of small, intentional steps, even during the quiet seasons. There were times, especially during my hiatus, when I questioned if I’d fallen behind or if the creative spark was gone. But I realized that taking a step back can also be part of the process. It gave me clarity, helped me reset, and made me more intentional with the work I create now.
I’ve also learned that collaboration isn’t just about convenience—it’s about alignment. The best projects happen when everyone involved is on the same page creatively and emotionally. Because of that, I now approach shoots with more purpose, planning, and respect for the time and vision of everyone involved.
Ultimately, the journey has taught me to be patient—with myself, my craft, and the timing of opportunities. The creative path isn’t always linear, but staying true to your voice and evolving with intention is what makes the work meaningful.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flo3photography.myportfolio.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flo3photography
Image Credits
1st Photo – Emily Rose Miceli
2nd Photo – Cora
3rd Photo – Emily Rose Miceli
4th Photo – Cameron McKegney
5th Photo – Danielle Moore
6th Photo – Deion, Derrick, Devin Thomas
7th Photo – Danielle Moore
