MACON, Ga. — For photographer Matthew Odom, it still feels surreal that he gets to work his dream job every day.
"I'm just thankful because I know that any day, this could all be taken away," says Odom. "So I try to cherish and enjoy the moment because a lot of people don't get this opportunity."
Odom has worked as a commercial photographer for 10 years. During that time, he's done work for publications like National Geographic, The New York Times, and the Associated Press.
"I would've never thought that I would've been able to shoot for some of the people that I've shot for in the last five years," says Odom.
But even with big bylines under his belt, the photographer still calls Macon home. "I get asked all the time, 'Why haven't you moved to Atlanta?' I just love being around Macon."
Looking at Odom's photo exhibit in the Tubman Museum, you can see how much influence Central Georgia has in Odom's work.
The gallery features portraits of Central Georgia icons like Mama Louise Hudson and Kirk West.
"I hope that I can inspire people here, to show that Macon can produce great talent," says Odom. " I think Macon has the potential to become bigger than Atlanta. We have such a village of artists."
Through his work with photography and the Macon community, Odom wants to let Central Georgia creatives that the sky is the limit.
"Just because you're in Macon doesn't mean you can't succeed. You don't have to be from Atlanta," says Odom. "You just have to continue to put out good work and make sure that people can hear your voice."
Odom's gallery will be at Tubman Museum through Jan. 24. A reception for the exhibit will be held Friday, Jan. 10, at 6 p.m. in the museum's BB&T Gallery.
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