artistic black and white portrait of a woman putting on her black blazer by Vancouver 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

We don’t do basic here.

Vancouver Portrait Photographer / michele mateus

effortlessly cool.
vibrantly alive.

intimate portraits & brand imagery
for rebel hearts .

let’s work together
Vancouver boudoir editorial portrait of Black woman in contemporary minimalist styling smiling with hands held up to side of her face for photoshoot prep
Up close creative intimate portrait of woman with eyes closed wrapped in white fabric.

Hi, I’m Michele!

Award-winning Vancouver photographer making bold, evocative portraits, for people who are here for that effortlessly cool, completely alive feeling!

This is not a photoshoot, it’s a creative expereince to
f*ck around and find out. I work with people who want portraits with soul, a little swagger and who appreciate artistry over conformity.

Expect depth in the work, joy in the experience, served up with a fire playlist! Get ready to tune into your frequency.

Press play

awards & features

portrait masters . rangefinder . Bold Journey . By the north

Portrait of Shruti Ramani by Vancouver Editorial Portrait Photographer Michele Mateus
Black and white portrait of woman with dark hair smiling while covering her mouth with her hand.
Contemporary black and white portrait of a blonde woman with short hair sticking up her middle finger in a black blazer photographed by Vancouver Portrait Photographer Michele Mateus
Portrait of a woman with a leg limb difference by Michele Mateus Studios, Vancouver Portrait Photographer

Raw. Real. badass.

: Vancouver boudoir portrait in black and white featuring woman in minimalist intimate composition sitting while leaning her elbows on her knees.
Contemporary dancer in artistic minimalist pose intimate portrait
Black and white portrait of woman smiling while wearing a black dress with her hands tucked into her pockets
Personal Brand photo of Jodi Proznick, Juno nominated Jazz musician

I’m not for everyone

And I am ok with that.

I make work that lives across the whole spectrum of being
alive, the electric and the tender, the vivacious, and the still.

You deserve portraits that are an embodiment of yourself
that make you go:

“f*yeah that’s me!”

So if you’re ready to be wild and free and have some fun in front of the camera, then let’s make it happen!

Off camera you’ll find me searching for new vinyl, cooking barefoot to a groovy playlist, and daydreaming about flowers.

Life is too short and too interesting for one note.
I’m here for all of it: to create, to connect and to celebrate!

Ready to make something rad together?

Sign me up
book a consultation

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.

BOOK A CONSULTATION