Portrait Photographer · Bethel, Maine
About Me
I make images that come from real connection and honest storytelling.
Learn about me
How Photography Helps Me Tell Your Story
There was a time when I lived behind masks.
Corporate life rewarded performance, not honesty. I blended in, played the part, and spoke the words that were expected. But my heart wasn’t in it.
What I cared about was connection. The kind that shows up when people stop pretending. The kind that makes us feel human.
Portrait photography in Maine became the way forward. It taught me how to see without judgment and how to notice the real story. That’s what I offer to every client now: a chance to let go of the performance and be seen for who they truly are.
Matt’s ability to connect with his clients is undeniable. His vision is transcendent. Matt helped me see myself for who I REALLY am, which is priceless. Photography is truly his purpose here on earth.
I’m not the right fit for everyone, and I don’t try to be.
Life Is Way Too Short to Have Uninteresting Portraits
Most portraits don’t go deeper than the surface. You get a nice shot, but it doesn’t really feel like you. There’s a performance happening, and you can see it. I make portraits that skip that. We take our time, we talk, and I pay attention to who you really are instead of who you think you’re supposed to be.
Maybe you need headshots that don’t make you cringe, or images for something you’re building, or a portrait that honors where you are right now. Whatever it is, the work is straightforward: we figure out what you need, we shoot, and I deliver images you’ll actually use.
I’ve been doing this for 15 years, with people in boardrooms and basements. The best portraits always come from the same place, paying attention and giving a damn about the person in front of the camera. If you want something fast, there are quicker options. But if you want portraits that feel like you, let’s talk.
More about me
Awards and Appearances
Awards
2021: Accredited Master Photographer – The Portrait Masters
2021: Gold Award for Excellence – Craft Videography and Cinematography – #SHERO Project – Communicator Awards
2021: Gold Award for Excellence – Craft Editing – #SHERO Project – Communicator Awards
2021: Gold Telly Award (and 3 Silver, 1 Bronze) – #SHERO Project – Online General Information
2019: Maine Professional Photographers Association: Commercial Image of the Year
Appearances
Canvas Rebel Magazine – Daily Inspiration: Meet Matt Stagliano – October 7, 2024
Rangefinder Magazine – Podcasting Builds Empires – Sept 4, 2024
Bold Journey Magazine – Meet Matt Stagliano – June 18, 2024
The Studio Takeover Podcast with Cat Ford-Coates – Dec 5, 2023
Rangefinder Magazine – The Portrait Masters Conference: Looking Back and Ahead – Nov 21, 2023
The Self Value Podcast – Episode #3 – Healing From Childhood Messages: Matt Stagliano’s Journey from Pain to Self-Value – Oct 2, 2023
Rangefinder Magazine – Diary of a WPPI Newbie: Day 2, The Evening Buzz – March 6, 2023
Rangefinder Magazine – The Portrait Masters Conference Recap: Creating Connections – Oct 5, 2022
The Portrait System Podcast – Clubhouse Edition – Q&A: Reframe Your Mindset with Matt Stagliano – March 24, 2022
Rangefinder Magazine – Diary of a WPPI Newbie: Day 3, Show Floor to Shootout – March 7, 2023
Rangefinder Magazine – The Portrait Masters Conference: Main Stage Presenters & More – Aug 15, 2022
The Portrait System Podcast LIVE from WPPI 2022 – a short segment (starting at 17:45) talking about my “superpower in business”
The Artists Forge – “The Morning Walk with the Artists Forge” – Moderator and Panelist – Daily
The Portrait System Podcast – Episode 64 – “Elevating Clients’ Stories Through Portraits” – March 22, 2021
The Portrait System Podcast: Clubhouse Edition – “The Power of Healthful Balance” – July 1, 2021
The Portrait System: Photography Studio Tour
The Portrait System Podcast: “Q&A Mental Blocks and Boundaries” – Aug 5, 2021
The Portrait System Podcast: “Bronze to Silver: Level Up Your Awards Submission” – Jan 21, 2021
SKILLSET LIVE – Episode 86 – “Going Dark 101 – Crypto Currency and The Dark Web” – Sept 17, 2018
Staff writer for SKILLSET Magazine since 2016
Get in touch
Let’s talk about your portraits.
If you want to see the studio before you book, the studio tour is a good place to start. And if you’re ready to talk, the contact page is right there.