Hi, my name is Matt Malwitz and I’m a wildlife and nature photographer.

This wasn’t the result of a lifelong hobby, rather, a chance encounter. In the latter years of senior high school, nature was the least of my concerns. I was preoccupied with choosing colleges, finding the right major, and ultimately, choosing what I wanted to do with my life. During this time, I began suffering severe anxiety attacks. During a particularly intense episode, a trip to a local nature center was suggested. A famous little birding spot in Northern New Jersey called “The Celery Farm”. I had visited once or twice as a child.

At The Celery Farm, I had a close encounter with a lone Great Blue Heron. The birds apparent lack of fear and graceful nature were enough to make me return, and return I did. This time with a camera. At this point, I had primarily focused on video production. I had little to no knowledge of still photography, let alone wildlife. This second trip would produce nothing noteworthy, but the seed had been planted. I returned to that exact spot again and again, trying to photograph each and every animal I encountered. Slowly, I began visiting different parks and exploring new natural places, all while honing my skills as a photographer.

Today, I can proudly call myself an award winning wildlife photographer. In 2024, I won the grand prize of the National Audubon Society Photography Awards with my image of two blackburnian warblers fighting. When not out taking photos, I’m a photography writer in NYC. Who would’ve thought that the fateful trip to The Celery Farm would have led down this road. I have lead instructional photography workshops near my home turf in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York as well as co-lead a photo tour in Iceland with Bergen County Camera during the Summer of 2025.

I can’t wait to see where my journey takes me, and will continue to get out in nature as much as I possibly can. The Celery Farm is still currently local and remains one of my favorite spots to explore. Though it has changed quite a bit over the years, it still holds a special place in my heart. I would not be the person I am today without it.