Nurturing Young Photographers with Lancer Alum Matt Harbicht

It was in the mid-90s when Matt Harbicht first glimpsed his passion for photography within the very walls that now embrace him as a judge for the annual William G. Ericson Photography Awards & Scholarship Competition.

“I never considered pursuing photography as a career until I took my first photo class at PCC,” said Matt. “It changed my life.”

Now an award-winning photographer with over 20 years of industry experience, Matt has retraced the steps of his formative years by serving as a panel judge for the photographic art competition.

“There was something about my PCC experience that resonated with me,” he said. “I’m glad to see that photography is still a sought-after artistic medium there, as well as the local high schools.”

Matt finds solace in the knowledge that he was not only evaluating student photographs but nurturing the next generation of visual storytellers—a fitting tribute to the college that ignited his own creative spark. 

“I love looking at students’ work,” he said. “It’s great to see ideas when they’re fresh and when people are inspired. It can be students who want to make photography their career; it can be someone who really loves the art form. It can also just be for the sheer enjoyment of it. There are many reasons to pursue photography, and I want to see everyone’s take.”

From humble beginnings to professional acclaim, Matt’s journey has come full circle, intertwining his past and present at PCC.