Volunteer photographer Matt Beard brings passion and enthusiasm to the Red Cross mission, using his images to highlight the lifesaving efforts across local communities. (Photo by Lily Chan/American Red Cross).
Lisa Rampsberger/American Red Cross
In 2024, photographer Matt Beard began searching for new opportunities to support his community. As a third‑generation Angeleno—Matt, his mother, uncles and grandmother all graduated from Venice High School—he witnessed the American Red Cross consistently serving Los Angeles in many ways.
“I was wondering what I could do to give back and thought the Red Cross may need help with photography and documenting what’s going on,” Matt said. “I wanted to find ways I could really help out, and I thought this could be a good way to do that.”
As a professional photographer, Matt has spent his career behind the lens. He got his start studying commercial photography and photojournalism at Santa Monica College and shooting for the student newspaper while working at photo labs and camera stores.
Of all his work, Matt does have a favorite subject. “I love shooting musicians,” he said. “I think it's something about being able to tell a story with the images. When I listen to their music and hear specific songs or lyrics, it gives me a feel for how to visualize them—the lighting or background or composition—and the storytelling that goes with the photos.”
Matt is using the same storytelling approach in his role with the Red Cross. Assignments he has photographed include a Sound the Alarm smoke alarm installation event in Lomita; documented disaster response services for people affected by the Eaton Fire; the Paula Bazar Blood Donation Center naming dedication and a blood drive on the set of NBC’s “St. Denis Medical.”
Matt also brought his photography partner, Lily Chan, into the Red Cross volunteer community. She shared his desire to volunteer for the organization, as her children—who are friends with Matt’s kids—received dozens of blood transfusions when they were younger.
“I enjoy giving my time and my skills,” Matt said. “No matter what role you're doing at the Red Cross, you're helping out in meaningful ways. The best way that I know to help is with photography and telling visual stories to help draw people in.”
Matt encourages others to find their own ways to give back to their communities. “When I talk to other people about the Red Cross, I ask them if they're giving blood and, if not, whether they’d be interested in doing something else to help out.”
He also offered tips to emerging photographers. “Since I was young, I would look through the newspaper, like the Los Angeles Times—those photographers are such good storytellers,” Matt shared. “So, the advice I would give is to look through magazines, look through newspapers, look online and see which images really grab your attention. Then think about why those images are grabbing your attention and what emotions they’re bringing out and try to emulate that. Look at other work that inspires you or makes you feel something, then you can add your own style or signature look to your photos.”
Discover the many ways to volunteer with the Red Cross and make a difference in your community today by visiting redcross.org/volunteer.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
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