The Art of Documentary Photography: Matt McClain

The Art of Documentary Photography: Matt McClain by Sandy SugawaraOctober 28, 2025

A counter protester is seen peeking out from a banner during a pre-election rally for the Young Alternative for Germany which is affiliated with the far-right party, Alternative for Germany or AfD on Saturday September 22, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

©Matt McClain, Protest, A counter protester is seen peeking out from a banner during a pre-election rally for the Young Alternative for Germany which is affiliated with the far-right party, Alternative for Germany or AfD on Saturday September 22, 2018 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

The photographers we are featuring over the next few days are exceptional documentary photographers and photojournalists. What really stands out is their ability to capture reality and translate it into something poetic and powerful.

They are successful because of their extraordinary powers of perception. They often work under the toughest of conditions and are forced to make quick decisions on framing, light and gesture. They tackle subjects that are sensitive and complex. Their photos are often hypnotic, mysterious and emotional.

These photographers are successful because they are always in command of the scene. They have a clear vision of what they want to say. And they see things others miss.

When I was a reporter, I worked with some of the best photojournalists and documentary photographers in the business. What struck me was how present they
were, how they connected with people. I was always amazed when we would work a big crowd, they could spot the person who would open up, who had a gripping story to tell.

With so many complicated issues facing us, it seems crucial to have probing photographers bringing clarity to these debates.

I can often spot photographs by Matt McClain without looking at the credit line. They are so beautifully framed, with such exquisite details, they make a statement. Some are heartbreaking, some are witty, some are surprising and some are like beautiful paintings.

People cross a bridge on Sunday May 03, 2015 in the Nuwakot District of Nepal. A deadly earthquake in Nepal has killed thousands. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

©Matt McClain, Nepal, People cross a bridge on Sunday May 03, 2015 in the Nuwakot District of Nepal. A deadly earthquake in Nepal has killed thousands. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

I have been a professional photojournalist for over twenty-five years. During that time I have covered a variety of assignments and stories. Photojournalism has a way of opening the world to you. You’re exposed to and learn so much on so many subjects that you otherwise wouldn’t get to witness. It also offers you a front row seat to history. I have done extensive work in the United States and some coverage internationally.

Visually, I’m drawn to scenes by a combination of lighting and composition. My goal is to try to capture the essence and mood of a situation. Often times I’ll spend an hour or more waiting for the elements of a situation to come together once I find the right composition. It’s hard for me to give up on a scene once I have an idea of what I’m looking for. I don’t believe in luck in capturing the right photograph. Patience and the ability to see the possibility of a photo is most important. – Matt McClain

People are reflected in mirrors along a staircase at a business on Venice Beach on Monday August 16, 2021 in Venice, CA. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

Matt McClain is a staff photojournalist at The Washington Post. Born and raised in Indiana, McClain attended Indiana University where he graduated with a B.A. in journalism. Before working at The Washington Post he worked on staff at the Ventura County Star in Ventura, CA and the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, CO. During his time as a photographer, McClain has covered a wide-range assignments, including the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami, 2015 earthquake in Nepal, Zika Virus outbreak in Brazil, five presidential inaugurations, the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol among other stories. His work has been recognized by World Press Photo, Pictures of the Year International, NPPA Best of Photojournalism, Atlanta Photojournalism Seminar, and Scripps Howard Foundation National Journalism Award for Photojournalism and Siena International Photo Awards.

Instagram: @mattmcclainphoto

U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corp. Ivan Matteson, center, gathers with others for the Tuesday Sunset Parade at the United States Marine Corps War Memorial on Tuesday July 29, 2025 in Arlington, VA. The parade featured “The Commandant’s Own”, United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps along with the United States Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon. Next Tuesday August 5th will be the last event of the summer season. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Aliyana Stokes, 10, and her brother, Bryson Stokes, 5, right, take part in a gun safety class for children with replica firearms as people gather at Choppa Community gun range on Sunday July 10, 2022 in Welcome, MD. Choppa Community gun range has become a place for African American gun owners and others to assemble to learn gun safety, self-defense and have a place to target practice. Many are from nearby Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD and have been affected by gun violence. The rates of gun related crimes in large metropolitan cities across the United States has been on the rise. This has caused many people to obtain guns as a means of personal protection. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

A man, who identified himself as “Doc” rests in the shade as an inflatable Earth that is part of the exhibit entitled, “Celestial Bodies: Earth, Moon, Mars is seen at the REACH at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday April 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. Tuesday was Earth Day. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Philomena Wankenge and others gather outside the United States Capitol to protest over the death of George Floyd on Wednesday June 03, 2020 in Washington, DC. Floyd’s death in Minnesota has sparked protests across the country. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

Erin Herrgott, 20, of Oxford, MI, center, is talked to by instructor, Howard Parsons after arriving with other new trainees at the United States Border Patrol Academy on Wednesday August 29, 2018 in Artesia, NM. The academy is on the grounds of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Christian Jacobs, 7, sits against the headstone of his father, U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Christopher James Jacobs as he visits in observance of Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday May 28, 2018 in Arlington, VA. Christopher died during a training exercise in 2011.(Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Travelers are seen at sunrise at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport on Tuesday October 22, 2024 in Arlington, VA. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

Zach Cardwell, right, watches the Flying Heels Rodeo as a rainbow streaks across the sky as a storm passes through on Saturday July 03, 2021 in Granby, CO. The Colorado River passes through the area and has it’s headwaters in Rocky Mountain National Park. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) walks through the United States Capitol rotunda on Tuesday March 05, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Bill Niarhos, center, of Bark River, MI and others wear patriotic hats to celebrate the 4th of July at Mount Rushmore National Memorial on Thursday July 04, 2024 in Keystoe, SD. The monument celebrated the holiday by having historical interpreters of each of the four presidents represented in stone. (Photo by Matt McClain/ The Washington Post)

People cross 13th St. NW during the evening rush hour on Tuesday May 02, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Supporters of President Donald Trump take to the trees for a view as they gather for the Save America March event that stretched from the White House to the Washington Monument on Wednesday January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump supporters were gathering to protest last November’s election results. President Trump spoke at the event. The U.S. Capitol was later breached by supporters. (Photo by Matt McClain/The Washington Post)

Tags: Matt McClain, Sandy Sugawara