As a professional windsurfer, Max Matissek was not only known for his sporting achievements in the discipline of freestyle, but also for his creative projects outside the competition zone. With "True Wind II" in 2016, for example, he staged spectacular windsurfing shots high above the rooftops of Vienna. "You should have to look twice before you understand it," Matissek explained his motivation behind such unorthodox image ideas. This approach would also prove to be groundbreaking for his later career. In this interview, the 37-year-old looks back on his career, provides insights into his work as a photographer and reveals tips and tricks on the subject of water photography.
Max, you were already known as a creative mind during your time as an active windsurfing pro. You were able to express yourself in projects like True Wind. When did you realise that you would pursue a career as a photographer after your career?
Working with cameras has always been a lot of fun for me. But I probably realised for the first time that I wanted to go further in this direction when I worked with Phil Soltysiak for the first time. Windsurfing into the Unknown-project on Vancouver Island. It was an adventure trip that I really like to remember - back then it was produced for all the windsurfing print magazines around the world to earn the incentives from our sponsors.
I had my best year as a professional windsurfer in 2014, with the PWA Indoor in Warsaw, where I finished fourth, and a 17th place in the annual world rankings. The following year I suffered a foot injury and I think it was in 2016 or 2017 that I first realised that it would also be reasonable to invest in a career after windsurfing. I was then lucky enough to be able to work with German fashion photographer Lina Tesch in Cape Town quite quickly - and a little later I was able to meet Paul Ripke in California through her, for whom I was then able to work in Europe. I definitely owe a lot to both of them. Shortly afterwards, my sponsor at the time, Chiemsee, offered me the opportunity to do all the visual productions for them - I've been doing that ever since.
So you could say that windsurfing has opened a few doors for you?
Definitely, windsurfing - and especially the projects that I was able to realise as a professional windsurfer - opened many doors for me. Above all, the people I met along the way were crucial. At the same time, I also believe that it has helped that I have always remained true to my lifestyle. I've never pretended and from an early age I tried to photograph and film exactly what really fulfils me - and that's everything that has to do with water, nature and the outdoors. That's why it was almost logical that it was such a good fit with brands like Chiemsee - but also with Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, for whose pro water sports team I've since been able to realise many projects, or with Duotone, with whom I've also worked. One of my very first photo jobs was for Red Bull - a contact that arose directly from my active windsurfing days. These connections were very valuable, but in the end, I think it was also the passion for what I do that opened doors.
Windsurfing has opened many doors for me.
You still like to go out on the water from time to time, don't you? Are you still active for sponsors in windsurfing in some way?
I still had a few social media deals with various brands until the end of last year, but all of them ended now - simply because I didn't have the time and energy for them alongside my actual work. Nevertheless, I am still connected to many of these brands, such as Duotone, in a certain way after all these years of collaboration.
Freestyle used to be your world. Do you still enjoy it as much as you did back then? Or do you prefer going to the waves now?
I have to be honest: No, I don't enjoy freestyle as much as I used to - and that's actually a good thing. I used to be downright fanatical about it. I'm now very happy that I've discovered windsurfing in the waves. It's something that fulfils me much more these days - and I'm also grateful for it because I can do it once or twice a year on longer trips.
Your water photos are impressive. Why do you like taking photos from the water so much?
Thank you so much - I'm really glad to hear that you like the pictures! I think the reason why I love taking photos from the water is the same reason why we all love water sports so much: the closeness to nature, the feeling of freedom, the element itself, the adventure - and of course the physical challenge.
I've never pretended to be anything other than what I am and tried from an early age to photograph and film exactly what really fulfils me.
Do you have any tips for beginners who want to take better windsurfing/water sports photos?
Nowadays there are so many ways to take really good water sports photos - even without a huge budget. Action cams, water housings for smartphones or affordable compact underwater cameras: it's never been easier to get started. My tip: accompany your friends' sessions with your camera or write to specific athletes. This often results in a real win-win situation - you gain experience and content, they get good pictures. Just do it. And if you want to do it more for the heart: Get an analogue water camera. I can recommend a Nikonos, for example - you can sometimes find them on eBay. I love taking photos with it. The pictures have a magic all of their own and force you to photograph even more consciously.
What other equipment do you use to shoot from the water? What should you definitely look out for?
I currently work with a Canon R5 in an Aquatech housing, an analogue Canon EOS 1V in a Salty Surf Housing or my beloved Nikonos V. However, there are now many good and also cheaper waterproof housings for a wide variety of cameras. If you are planning to go into more demanding conditions such as higher waves or shore breaks, I would definitely recommend a surf housing from a renowned manufacturer or a custom shaper you trust. The cheaper plastic models quickly reach their limits - and you want to be able to rely on your gear in the water.
Can the windsurfing world possibly look forward to another creative windsurfing work like True Wind from you, or are you out of it?
If you continue to give me such nice compliments and make me smile, then I might actually get weak again (laughs). I'm certainly not completely out of it - maybe I just need the right moment, the right people and a little vital momentum.
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