vancouver portrait photographer

Portraits with
soul & swagger

Artistic Portraits
for rebel hearts
Artistic black-and-white portrait of Vancouver photographer Michele Mateus, shot in Montreal

Effortlessly Cool.
Vibrantly Alive.

That’s the energy we are going for.

Hi, I’m Michele Mateus, award-winning Vancouver portrait photographer. I’ll be honest, I’m not for everyone. I’m for those ready to let go of perfection, allowing yourself to be curious and playful, expressing yourself fully, and have a damn good time while you’re are at it. That’s how I show up too.

If that’s your jam then we’re a fit.

get in touch
Artistic black-and-white portrait of Vancouver photographer Michele Mateus, shot in Montreal
Black and white artistic portrait by Vancouver portrait photographer Michele Mateus

Bold.
Evocative.
raw.

Vancouver Boudoir portrait of a brunette woman in an artistic effortless pose wearing gold jewelry posed on a hand painted canvas backdrop
Vancouver boudoir editorial portrait of Black woman in contemporary minimalist styling smiling with hands held up to side of her face for photoshoot prep

SEEN IN

portrait masters . rangefinder . Bold Journey . By the north

explore my

portfolio

see what’s possible

Editorial portrait of Lakesha Miner by Vancouver portrait photographer Michele Mateus

The goal is presence, not perfection.

What you’ll find here: unfiltered, quietly poetic, wildly alive portraits of people who showed up ready to ditch perfection for something so much better, themselves.

If that’s also what you’re after, let’s make it happen.

And for the record, you don’t have to stick to one genre. Your photoshoot is what you choose to make it.

01

Portraits

02

Intimate

03

Lifestyle

Book a consultation

KIND WORDS

Portrait of a woman with short brown hair and red lips in slip ace top taken by portrait photographer Michele Mateus
vancouver personal brand photoshoot for a contemporary dancer

“An amazing experience!”

Simply wonderful to meet Michele, she’s authentic and transparent with her ideas and her work. I had a blast! Looking forward for a pt.2!!!

– Diego c.

Black and white portrait of Diego, non binary vancouver model by vancouver photographer Michele Mateus
old portrait by Vancouver portrait photographer Michele Mateus — personal branding and creative portrait photography
Portrait of a woman with a leg limb difference by Michele Mateus Studios, Vancouver Portrait Photographer
Black and white minimalist portrait of woman wearing a white tank top while laughing with contemporary styling

fresh on the blog

musings

“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

recent work

Vancouver portrait photographer Michele Mateus captures dancer Natalie in intimate expressive studio portrait
Vancouver Editorial Photographer Michele Mateus shows a portrait of woman in the ocean at Whytecliff Park Vancouver
Black and white studio portrait of contemporary dancer Shion Carter photographed by Vancouver portrait photographer Michele Mateus
Lifestyle portrait of black woman posed on a chair in soft romantic mood and natural styling
Contemporary black and white portrait of a blonde woman with short hair in a black dress photographed by Vancouver Portrait Photographer Michele Mateus
Vancouver Dance Movement Portrait Photography | Mateus Studios | Michele Mateus
creative portrait of a woman with glasses in the sun by vancouver photographer michele mateus

moments
of life
immortalized

Mature woman in black and white artistic portrait with creative composition and styling
Black and white portrait of woman sitting on a backwards chair with hands in her tousled hair.
Black and white image featuring stylist Dee Clarke in an editorial styling shoot by Vancouver Photographer Michele Mateus
Vancouver portrait editorial photographer creates sophisticated image of owman sittin on floor leaning casually against a chair with timeless styling
Woman in contemplative black and white fine art portrait.
Black and white portrait of Shruti Ramani against a artistic canvas backdrop wearing a white tank top and suspenders with black pants, photographed by Michele Mateus

If you like what you see then reach out.
It all begins with an easy going chat.

let’s chat

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.

let’s do this!