Matt Lankes 1969-2025

Beloved Austin-based photographer and friend to all, Matt Lankes, passed away on Sunday. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Matt was a really sweet, gentle and loving man and loved by everyone who got to meet him. I met him 40 years ago when we were both at Austin High School and reconnected when I moved back to Austin in the early 90's. Matt came on the show last summer and we had a great, fun conversation about his journey. I feel very lucky to have known him. Rest in peace, old friend. Below are my original notes for episode 1419.

Austin based photographer Matt Lankes is my guest for episode 1419! Matt has an extensive client list that includes HBO, LiveStrong, Fox Searchlight, Texas Monthly, New York Times, Amazon, Netflix, Time Inc., Newsweek, Austin Monthly, Lee Jeans, CBS, Random House, Warner Brothers, EMI, Sony, Universal, and many more. He currently has his work in the permanent collection of The National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian and at The Wittliff Collections at Texas State University. Matt has also been the photographer on a handful of Richard Linklater films including 2014's Boyhood. His book Boyhood: Twelve Years on Film, captured the progression of the film and the actors through the lens of a 4x5 camera, creating a series of arresting portraits and behind-the-scenes photographs, and is available through University of Texas Press. Find it HERE. Go to mattlankes.com for all of your Matt needs. I had a great time getting to know Matt and his journey as an artist. I'm sure you will too.