Get to know one of my favourite Vancouver Wedding Photographers, Michele
Over the past 4 years (wow! four!) I have had the extreme pleasure to work with some phenomenal vendors and I can’t help but brag about the awesome people that my clients have introduced to me. Every now and then I will be posting about a favourite vendor and a short interview that I’ve done with them.
Up next, Michele Mateus of Michele Mateus Photography. We’ve worked together on one wedding back in 2018 (Thank you so much, Rita, for introducing me to this boss!). Since then, while we haven’t had any other weddings together, we regularly get together to chat and we’ve recently started working on a project together outside of our businesses. But more on that after we have more confirmed.
Michele was the beautiful soul who took my maternity photos too! And my first family photos with my 5 week old daughter (I miss so much when she was that small and these photos are such a precious reminder). On top of her wedding and family photography, she has recently opened a boudoir division! She can capture everything for you from your empowering boudoirs though your wedding and your family photos. There’s something beautiful to a cohesive set of photos over many years!
Into my questions for Michele!
How long have you been doing what you do?
5 years this April!
Why have you chosen to be a photographer?
Because I wanted to find a way to have my own business, be a work from home mom and throw myself into something I love so much: story telling. My background before those was in community development which has given me a strong foundation for working with people of all types, managing large scale events and able to work under pressure as well as have a knack of connecting with people that makes them feel comfortable and heard.
What has been your favourite wedding memory?
Rita & Amir’s wedding being lifted up by her brother and cousin and danced around the room when I went to go and say goodbye!
How has your experience been working with ThistleBEA in the past?
This year we didn’t get the chance to work together, let’s fix that! When I did get to work with your team it was a breeze! Organised, easy going and on the ball!
Tell us a bit about what someone can expect from you in experience when they book?
I pride myself in making connections with my clients that are genuine. I take time getting to know them, which starts off with a meeting at my home studio with snacks and all sorts of non wedding questions so we can really get to know each other. I am big on communication, and make sure I prep and support my clients the best I can. the thing that makes me really stand out in this modern market is that I am a big fan of print and tangible heirloom products to ensure memories live on beyond a screen and hard drive failure! All my clients get an album and other printed treats along the way! My clients often write in their reivews that they not only had a great photographer but that they gained a friend which really makes me happy to read 🙂
What kind of people do you love to work with?
Most of my clients are super easy going, quirky often leaning to the nerdy side of life, lovers of craft beer, tacos and authentic moments! I would say 80% have been dog owners and most love a good ol’belly laugh snorts and all! My clients don’t seem to take life to seriously, I have dodged the Bridezilla bullet and have won the Bridechilla lottery that’s for sure! My grooms have also been super cool! They are always more involved than one might think and are super sweet guys. I dream to have a yard big enough to through a client appreciation BBQ and invite them all!
How far in advance do you book up?
Quite far and now I only take on 15 weddings a year to make time for my family and other types of photography that I do
Do you have many 2020 dates left in your calendar?
I do! I am about half booked so far – I would love to fill my calendar with some super cool folks, I also love small intimate weddings and would love a few more of those!
If someone wants to get a hold of you, how would they do that?
www.michelemateusphotography.com all my socials are @michelemphotog