I create powerful imagery based on
human connection and authentic storytelling
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.
Photography 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 helped me see myself for who I REALLY am, which is priceless.
Photography is truly his purpose here on earth.
Life Is Way Too Short to Have Uninteresting Portraits
Most portraits never go deeper than the surface.
Snapshots, headshots, even glamour shots can look nice, but they rarely capture the truth. A portrait that feels like you, without the performance, is uncommon.
That’s why I’m here.
I believe portraits should honor who you are. The process should feel safe, it should be built on trust, and it should show you a version of yourself that’s both real and lasting.
If you want something fast or forgettable, I’m not the photographer for you. If you value work that has weight and meaning, you’re in the right place.
Why I Do What I Do, For You
At Stonetree Creative, I work with people who are tired of surface-level imagery. Entrepreneurs, artists, executives, and everyday humans who want something deeper. We slow down. We breathe. We talk. That’s when portraits take shape that feel powerful, soulful, and real.
Whether you need headshots for a big pitch, personal branding that reflects your growth, or a fine art portrait to honor your legacy, the process here is simple and grounded in trust.
Every detail, from lighting to conversation to delivery, is designed to reflect your truth. It’s about who you are.
After more than 25 years in boardrooms and behind a camera, I’ve learned one thing: every person has a story worth more than stock photos and staged smiles.
You’re ready for portraits that carry weight and meaning and I’d be honored to create them with you.
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 64Â – “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:Â 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