ABOUT ME
I create powerful imagery based on
human connection and authentic 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.
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.
Matt helped me see myself for who I REALLY am, which is priceless.
Photography is truly his purpose here on earth.
I don’t aim to serve everyone. I aim to serve the right ones.
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 actually feel like you. There’s a performance happening, and you can see it.
I make portraits that skip that. We take time. We talk. I pay attention to who you actually are, not 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 matters, 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 carry some weight, let’s talk.
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