Matthew Parks Photography is an LGBTQ-owned safe space for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC people and families. Matthew Parks Photography is a Family Portrait and Documentary studio that aims to tell your family unique story. This is an inclusive studio that welcomes and embraces the diversity of ALL family styles.
*Frequently asked questions*
How much does it cost? Pricing varies based on the type of servic
e you are looking for. You can find a list of services at matthewparksphotography.com/services. I can assist by recommending options that will fit most budgets. Add-ons are available a-la-carte, so the length of your session and the delivery method (printed/digital/etc.) How does this work? I like to talk with families directly. If you hire me, I’m going to be photographing or documenting personal moments for you and I want you to be comfortable with me, so that your photos authentically reflect you. Because of this, I prefer to have at least one phone call to get to know you before your session. You can book with me by phone, or you can schedule your own session at https://booksessions.as.me/schedule.php
What experience do you have that relates to your work? I am a parent to three amazing children whose lives I have enjoyed documenting since 2013. I have 30 years of photography experience, including professional experience with Birth Story, family portrait, and event photography since my studio founding in 2012. Why lifestyle and documentary, instead of studio and formal portraits? I used to do a lot of my work in studio, especially working with newborns. While this studio portraiture definitely has an important place in photography, I am drawn more to the uniqueness, honesty, and rawness of documentary and lifestyle photography. I get to create photos that say something specific about your family. What is Lifestyle versus documentary? They're both candid, right? The short answer is; Sort of. Lifestyle isn't a documentary, as there is some direction from me, suggesting where to sit and angle yourself and offering ideas on what to do. It's still informal, as I do not makes you pose or smile. I want you to be you. Day in the Life is true documentary. I do not direct you at all. I am photographing your family throughout their day, as if I am just another person you are hanging out with. My influence is limited to the interactions we have during coverage. I'm not a complete fly on the wall. I get into the action. This makes everything more comfortable, as it gets really awkward really fast if we try to pretend I'm not there. How do I know you are the right photographer for me? Are you looking for a professional photographer who you feel connected with? I'm going to be a part of your day. That's unavoidable. If you're looking for someone to "shut up and take the damn picture", I'm probably the wrong person for the job. For Lifestyle and Day in the Life, I will be engaged. Birth story is a bit different. This is the only type of photography where I may limit my interaction to maintain a calm environment. Some birth spaces have a lot of talking and laughing and joking around. I will join in with this. Many home and birth center spaces are very quiet, calm, and minimal stimulation. For these spaces, I try not to speak unless addressed. I want to assist you and your birth support team with creating the atmosphere that best serves you and your birth. Other thoughts. If it’s truly important to you, don’t compromise quality to reduce cost. Save for the photographer you truly want. It’s worth it. We can help find a way to make it happen. What questions should you ask? Does my portfolio match the style you are looking for? Want minimally directed portraits or candid documentary style, or studio/formal portraits? Do you know what style or aesthetic you prefer (Colour vs Black and White, deep and contrasty vs light and airy)? Do you have a specific location in mind? What do you want to see most when I look at my photos? Why are you looking for family photos?
