The Portrait System Podcast – Ep. 64 – My Story

“In Episode 64, Nikki Closser welcomes Matt Stagliano of Stonetree Creative back to the Portrait System Podcast. Matt has a passion for storytelling through natural glamour photography and personal branding with an edge. 

His ability to capture images that express what his clients want to see in themselves hinges on making deep connections with them by taking the time to hear their stories. Be sure to listen to the whole podcast to hear more about how Matt makes authentic connections with his clients as well as how he discovered his passion for portrait photography, developed valuable portrait packages he loves to sell, and adapted his sales pitch for Zoom.”  


Here is a link to the full writeup on the Sue Bryce Education blog. In that post I answer quite a few questions in writing.

  During my brief appearance on The Portrait System Podcast back in January 2021 where I talked about winning a silver award during the Portrait Masters Awards & Accreditation, the host Nikki Closser said in a passing comment that we should record a full episode. I thought it was an incredibly nice thing to say, but quite frankly I had no expectation that it would happen.


I mean, this podcast is one of the best in the world, and the guests are all extraordinarily established photographers. Who am I to be featured? (Note to self: get over the imposter syndrome and have better self-talk)    

So when I got the email asking me to setup time for a full episode recording, I was blown away. You see, last year I was setting goals for 2021. One of my goals was to be featured as a guest on The Portrait System. I didn’t know how I was going to make that happen, but I trusted in the Universe and just got out of the way. It’s funny how things happen like that.    

Nikki and I had a phenomenal conversation and I told my story about my journey into photography, all the ups and downs, and how I’m running my business today. We spoke about my years of struggle with a failing business because I had no self-value and had no idea how to run a real photography business.

I spoke openly about my money blocks and traced back to the exact moment in my childhood when they developed.

We also dove into fears, hopes, goals, sales averages, and what seems like 1000 other side tangents.

In aggregate, we talked about how important it is for me to develop deep and lasting connections with my clients. About making authentic connections, REAL connections, by taking the time to listen to their stories and helping them see parts of themselves that they often keep hidden. 

It is incredibly important for me to do that so that my clients feel safe, seen, and heard. I consider it a gift to be able to provide that for them through their portraits.  

I could easily have talked for several hours because Nikki makes the conversation SO smooth and comfortable. It’s no wonder that she has grown this podcast into the amazing show that it is.

Here I sit, still stunned at the fact that I got to be a part of something so wonderful. I am forever grateful for the Sue Bryce Education community, the Portrait Masters, and for every person that believed in my goals.

As you’ll be able to tell, I am an open book when it comes to my story so sit back, take a listen, and if there is something you want me to explain further, just let me know!
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