Vancouver Portrait Photographer

vancouver portrait Photographer

Intimate portraits and artistic headshots for creatives, actors, dancers, and bold entrepreneurs that build confidence and deepen connection.

Non-binary person with shaved head in artistic black and white portrait

SEEN IN

portrait masters . rangefinder . CBC . By the north . Ripple of Change. Between the Covers. Bold Journey

Vancouver Portrait photography inclusive full-length portrait of Black woman in elegant contemporary session experience sitting on a chair with her hands on her knees.

vancouver black and white portraits

VANCOUVER ARTISTIC PORTRAITS

Mature woman in black and white artistic portrait with creative composition and styling

vancouver creative portraits

MEET the
photographer

I’m Michele Mateus, a portrait photographer based in Vancouver. If you are a creative, entrepreneur, performer or a free spirited human that craves something as unique and bold as you are, I am here to bring your vision to life.

My style is best described as having an editorial, minimalist aesthetic, offering you portraits that are effortlessly cool and vibrantly alive.

I also offer a selection of hand crafted print products and wall art to fully bring your portraits to life.

Expect ease in the experience and depth in the work.

work with me

testimonials

Michele has an approach best described as sacred alchemy.
Her incredible eye, her technical skill, and her deep understanding of 20th century portraiture and fashion photography come together to create imagery that is both timeless and generative. ~Amanda May | Actress & Fashion Stylist
Michele is an absolute treasure!
So welcoming and warm as well professional. She offers such great artistic vision and guidance while also being open and collaborative. Book her. BOOK HER NOW! ~Denise Chan | Contemporary Dancer
Honestly, this felt like actual art.
I booked a creative portrait session with Michele in her beautiful studio and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Michele is very talented, thoughtful, and genuine human. If you’re nervous about getting in front of the camera, especially if you’re thinking “I can’t do this,” or, “I don’t deserve this,” – BOOK HER. You deserve it and she will help you do it. I cannot recommend Michele enough. ~Ayako Gallagher | Grief Coach, Potter, Activist

A different approach

vancouver embodied portraits

My process is slow, unscripted and offers you space to embody a full expression of yourself. We explore, we move and groove to great music, taking time to be present instead of forcing it. That’s how I get the photos I am know for, full of raw emotion and genuine personality.
My work is often described as raw and poetic, and refreshingly human.

Having photos that build connection take time to create, so my sessions are longer by design. Session are typically 3 hours long, which gives space for an intentional process rooted in care and creativity. I only accept 3 clients per month, allowing me to be fully present with you from the moment we start.

secure your spot

PORTFOLIO

vancouver portrait sessions

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The process

1. We begin with your vision paired with my artistic style

Before you step into my studio I will take the time to get an understanding of your vision so I can help bring it to life through my artistic style. We’ll come up with a plan that allows you room to play and get creative in ways you haven’t before in front of a camera. If you’re a performer I encourage you to share the roles you’ve got your heart set on so we can create images to land those projects.

2. lights, play, camera!

I create a brave space for you to fully embody different parts of yourself, without pressure. We will use different lighting setups, backdrops, and play with expressions to give you a dynamic range of images. There’s no need to stick to one genre, from portraits to fine art nudes here you can explore it all. My sessions are longer, allowing time to let your nerves settle, ease into the process and get playful. Most portrait sessions are done in my studio located 30 mins from downtown Vancouver, or can be arranged at a location of your choice.

3. Image selection, editing & Delivery

I offer two simple portrait packages with transparent pricing, which you can view HERE. Most people go with my Artist Curated Collection (40+images) offering you a curated gallery of dynamic images from portraits, to details and everything in between. Images will be delivered in my signature black and white with colour options as well. This collection offers you the best value for your investment.

Others choose the option to select a smaller grouping of images where you only buy the ones you love. Whatever you choose is up to you.

Images will be given my signature retouching, which keeps you looking like you. My work is about authenticity therefore I am not a heavy handed retoucher. I ask that you review my portfolio to be clear on my style. Once retouched I will send you your final images through an online gallery, and you will also receive prints to enjoy your new portraits off a screen.

Book your session

I only accept 3 sessions a month as I like to be intentional about who I work with and take my time with you throughout the process. The first step begins with a friendly chat to see if we are a match.

book a consultation