Portrait of a nude woman sitting on a wooden chair with her legs pulled up top her chest by Vancouver Fine art portrait photographer Michele Mateus

Vancouver Editorial Photographer Michele Mateus shows a portrait of older woman posed sitting on edge of sofa in rusty brown dress

Vancouver Portrait Photographer

michele mateus / since 2015

Contemporary dancer in artistic minimalist pose intimate portrait

“If I could give one million stars, I would. Michele is the best of the best. Not only is she technically skilled with shooting, lighting, posing and more, she creates the most amazing atmosphere just because of the person she is. And not every photographer has that. “ ~Adrienne Miller

Up close creative intimate portrait of woman with eyes closed wrapped in white fabric.

Hi, I’m Michele,

Vancouver Portrait Photographer, known for my laid back approach, published for my editorial eye. My work is intimate, raw and intentional.

The human experience is beautifully messy, and I believe all parts of ourselves deserve to exist in portraits.

more about me

as seen in

Between the Covers. portrait masters . cbc. rangefinder . Bold Journey . By the north

Black and white fine art portrait of a Black Woman by Vancouver portrait photographer Michele Mateus

Vancouver Boudoir portrait of a brunette woman in an artistic effortless pose wearing gold jewelry posed on a hand painted canvas backdrop

old portrait by Vancouver portrait photographer Michele Mateus — personal branding and creative portrait photography

Woman's hands gently touching in intimate black and white portrait.

Vancouver boudoir editorial portrait of Black woman in contemporary minimalist styling smiling with hands held up to side of her face for photoshoot prep

Artistic black-and-white portrait of Vancouver photographer Michele Mateus, shot in Montreal

Portrait of Shruti Ramani by Vancouver Editorial Portrait Photographer Michele Mateus

I’m not for everyone

And I’m ok with that.

I aim to honour the full range of human experience, which means ditching perfection for presence.

I welcome your vivacious energy, sensual self expression, and the quietly poetic sides of you into my space to create wildly alive portraits that reflect an embodiment of you.

I’m for the free spirits, who are ready to choose artistry over conformity. Those who run on their own frequency.

If that’s your jam, we’re a fit.

work with me

Frequently asked questions

Artistry over conformity, always. I’m not interested in making you look perfect. I’m interested in making you look like yourself, on your best, most alive day. That’s the whole philosophy.

Intentional, minimalist, and editorial. My work is simple and artistic. No over-processed images, no beauty standards, just you.
I focus on emotional depth and timeless imagery over trends

I offer personal brand photography and intimate portraits, though I try not to stuff people into a genre box, offering photoshoot experiences where you can explore a full range of yourself. Your final portraits can be used for personal use as art in your home or on your website.

I work with a range of people, from purpose-driven professionals needing personal branding to individuals seeking intimate portraits.
My clients value authenticity, appreciate a minimalist aesthetic, and are ready to be seen as they truly are.

I’m based in Vancouver, BC and work with clients locally in my studio as well as on location throughout the Lower Mainland.

Yes absolutely! Depending on your location a travel fee may be applied.

Every session includes a pre-session style consultation, a 2-hour photoshoot in studio or on location, and a neuro-affirming approach.
There’s no pressure, just exploration and fun.

I make portrait sessions feel less like “getting your photo taken” and more like hanging out with a friend who happens to have a camera.
My easy-going, playful energy helps you relax and be yourself. The connection we build shows up in every image.

Hair and makeup is optional. I can arrange professional services for you, or you’re welcome to come exactly as you are.

I keep my pricing tranparent and easy to understand, you can view my full pricing menu HERE

Ideally, 3 weeks in advance to ensure availability and time for our pre-session consultation.

I typically work on weekends, making it easy to fit into your schedule.

Your final gallery will typcially be delivered within 2 weeks of your session.

Your comfort is important to me! I ask consent from all my clients around their sharing preferences, the choice will be all yours.

work with me

SEEN IN

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

Frequently asked questions

Artistry over conformity, always. I’m not interested in making you look perfect. I’m interested in making you look like yourself, on your best, most alive day. That’s the whole philosophy.

Intentional, minimalist, and editorial. My work is simple and artistic. No over-processed images, no beauty standards, just you.
I focus on emotional depth and timeless imagery over trends

I offer personal brand photography and editorial portraits and a contemporary approach to boudoir photography, though I try not to stuff people into a genre box, offering photoshoot experiences where you can explore a full range of yourself. Your final portraits can be used for personal use as art in your home or on your website.