A witness to the beauty of the unplanned
Hi, I'm Matthew
I approach every wedding day the same way: by listening first. Before I pick up a camera, I want to understand what matters most to you, not just the photo list, but the emotions you're hoping to feel again years from now.
If you want to know more about how I got here, from hiking mountain trails to teaching in a classroom to photographing wedding receptions, keep reading below.
hudson valley photographer
Preparedness built on a mountaintop
A couple of New Year's Eves, I camped on a Catskills mountain overnight to reset for the year ahead. Once a blizzard rolled in and I had to improvise to stay warm. It's the same instinct I bring to a wedding day: staying calm and prepared, whatever the conditions.
Now, in between weddings, I explore local trails, rivers, and parks with my wife Adriana and our dog Toby.
In my twenties I volunteered for two years in Honduras, teaching a dozen subjects in Spanish to kids from small mountain villages. This experience taught me the value of being genuinely present, and today I carry that same sense of presence and service to every wedding.
Presence founded in service
Empathy nurtured in the classroom
I continued to develop my sense of presence, empathy, and service through teaching and coaching distance runners; both jobs sharpened my ability to read a room and lead with empathy.
Before weddings, I often hiked sixty mile stretches of the Appalachian Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail with a camera in hand, waking before sunrise and venturing out after sunset to photograph the night sky. That same eye is what finds the light at your scenic Hudson Valley venue today.
Composition born in the Hudson Valley landscape
Bringing it all together at
Hudson Valley weddings
Ten years ago, I started photographing weddings with a close friend, working my way from second to lead photographer. On your wedding day, you'll have someone who is patient, attentive, and genuinely invested in your priorities. Not because it's a job requirement, but because those qualities were developed long before I ever picked up a camera.
What this means
for you
When you work with me, I don't simply show up and execute a photo list. You are building a relationship with someone who has spent a career learning how to make people feel at ease, read a room, and quietly document what is real, without getting in the way.
The experience of working together starts long before your wedding day. If you would like to see how that process works, I would be glad to walk you through it.
Heartfelt photos that truly tell your story
"From the moment he arrived, his calm, kind, and grounding energy set the tone for the entire evening. Beyond his amazing presence, his work speaks for itself. The photos left us absolutely speechless. Every image looked like it belonged in a magazine, yet still felt so personal and full of heart. He captured the perfect balance of candid moments and thoughtful details. Matthew is such a rare soul, unbelievably talented, but also deeply good-hearted. He’s a must-hire for your wedding where you want stunning, heartfelt photos that truly tell your story."
— LITAL and matthew
Frequently asked
Questions
How would you describe your approach and style?
My approach is documentary and empathetic. I observe what's happening, rather than manufacturing moments, so you and your guests can stay in the day. Every image is edited individually to keep galleries true to life, with attention to light, moment, and feeling. When you look back at your photos, you feel the emotions of the day all over again. I use both natural light and flash, always in service of the moment.
How long before our photos are delivered?
You'll receive preview images within 48 hours of your wedding. Your full gallery is delivered within six to eight weeks. Every image is individually edited with attention to light, moment, and feeling before it reaches you.
How do you deliver the photos?
Your gallery is delivered through a personalized online link. From there you can download your images and order prints directly. Unlimited downloads and personal print rights are included in every collection.
Do you offer different coverage lengths?
Yes. Collections are available in six, eight, ten, and twelve hour options, built around your priorities and the flow of your day.
We'll talk through your timeline together and find the coverage that fits. Additional hours can also be added if you want to customize further.
Do you use flash photography?
Natural light is my first choice, as it's what makes a photo feel true to the moment. When the light calls for it, I add flash to make sure nothing goes undocumented, whether that's a dark reception hall or a subject that needs to stand out from the background. Either way, the result looks and feels natural.
Do you charge travel fees?
Travel is included within the driving range set out in your collection. This covers your wedding day and engagement session. I'm based in Garrison, NY, and most Hudson Valley, Westchester, and New York City couples are within range. If you're planning something further out, we can talk it through together.
Are you Insured?
Yes. I am a fully incorporated LLC with liability insurance and can provide a certificate of insurance to your venue upon request.
Calm and observant
On and off the clock
Anyone who's worked with me will tell you that I am calm and never thrown off kilter. Although I'm not the loudest person in the room, that calm is my biggest strength on a wedding day. Second to that is a keen sense of observation and ability to anticipate a moment, honed through my study of biology.
I’m one of the oldest in a large family, and some of my favorite moments are from our yearly reunions. I’m also used to wrangling family for huge group photos!
If I had to pick a favorite fictional hero, it would be Batman for his ability to work quietly in the background but appear when needed. Samwise Gamgee is a close second because he was an ordinary person with an incredible sense of loyalty and fortitude.
When I'm not taking photos, hiking, or spending time with family, I recharge with other creative pursuits like cooking or brewing beer or cider.
let's connect
Your date might still be open. Send me a message about your day and I'll check my availability. I take a limited number of weddings each year so every couple gets my full attention.
If your date is open I'd love to get to know you and your wedding day vision.
I look forward to talking!
Thank you!
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