film inspired, editorial documentation since 2016.
MANHATTAN & KANSAS-CITY BASED, TRAVELING TO YOU
/
MANHATTAN & KANSAS-CITY BASED, TRAVELING TO YOU /
Hello, friend!
I’m Mattea (muh-tay-uh), a wedding, senior, and lifestyle photographer based in Kansas—capturing stories wherever they take me, whether it’s a road trip or a flight away. Let’s not let distance get in the way (I hear it makes the heart grow fonder, anyway).
When I’m not working—or let’s be real, sometimes while I’m working—you’ll find me soaking up the sun in West Palm Beach at my cousin’s guest house, catching up with dear college friends in Phoenix, or hiking Colorado trails with electrolytes in hand after a little too much amazing local coffee (I love you Building Three!). I love to travel, and I’d be honored to capture your story—wherever it unfolds.
A little about me!
– My home base is Manhattan, KS & I am often in Kansas City (my second base) visiting family + friends!
– I married my college sweetheart, Kaden, who works at our local home church <3
– I’m a cat mom to Blair, out bestie kitten (who’s obsessed with her springs)
– I am an at-home barista who’s always perfecting my craft ;)
– I love hosting friends and creating cozy spaces!
– I grew up drawing lots & lots & love to doodle in my free time
– I almost studied art education—ended up in ministry school + photography instead!
– My maiden name is Mattea Black, & my photo business for 10+ years was called Mattea Black Photo <3
I would love to
create with you!
MANHATTAN & KANSAS-CITY BASED, TRAVELING TO YOU
/
MANHATTAN & KANSAS-CITY BASED, TRAVELING TO YOU /
honest & intentional storytelling
My Approach
From the moment we connect, my biggest priority is creating space for you to feel seen, relaxed, and fully present. I know how fast life moves, and how it’s often the in-between moments—the quiet glances, the breath before you walk down the aisle, the laugh you didn’t know I caught—that mean the most. My job is to notice those things and preserve them, gently and intentionally.
I photograph with a documentary approach that values honesty over perfection. I’ll give gentle direction when needed (especially during portraits!), but my goal is always to let things unfold naturally so your images feel like you. Movement, laughter, soft moments, and true connection are what I’m drawn to—so if you're camera shy or not used to being in front of a lens, you’re in good hands. I’ll guide you without overposing you, and my hope is that you walk away feeling grounded, celebrated, and like you just got to be yourself the whole time.
Whether your day is a backyard gathering with your closest friends or a 3-day-weekend celebration, I’m here for the story that’s unfolding—not a forced version of it. I want to create photos that feel just as good as they look, and that will still move you decades from now.
SERVICES
-
Weddings
Full-service wedding collections begin at $4,000, with most couples investing between $4.5k–$6k.
Every experience is custom-crafted to reflect your day with a blend of timeless digital and optional 35mm film imagery.Elopements & Intimate Celebrations
Custom coverage for elopements and micro-weddings begins at $1,500.Now booking 2026 weddings & destination celebrations worldwide. Discounted travel rates for weddings in West Palm Beach, Florida.
-
Collection 01 - 60 minutes, 1 location, 1-2 outfits, 60+ images - $500
Collection 02 - 90 minutes, 2 locations, 2 outfits, 80+ images - $600
Collection 03 - 2 hours, 3 Locations, 1-2 rolls of film, 100+ images - $725
add ons:
35mm film scans - $35/roll
studio shoot - +$150
rush editing (2-5 day turnaround) - +$100
-
The Grad – $400
Perfect for grads who want a simple, polished session.
• 30 minutes
• 1 location
• 1 outfit (cap & gown optional)
• 30 edited imagesThe Simple – $500
A classic choice to capture a little more personality and variety.
• 60 minutes
• 1–2 locations
• 2 outfits
• 60 edited imagesThe Classic – $650
Ideal for grads wanting a full range of looks and locations.
• 90 minutes
• 2–3 locations
• 3 outfits
• 80 edited imagesThe Experience – $800
My most creative and flexible option.
• 2 hours
• Unlimited locations & outfits
• 100+ edited imagesThe Seasonal - $1250
Three sessions throughout the year to document your full senior season.
• 3 sessions (45 minutes each)
• 1–2 locations per session
• 1–2 outfits per session
• 150 edited images totalGroup Session -
Grab your friends and celebrate together — perfect for cap & gown or casual sets.
• 1–3 locations
• 1 outfit + cap & gown (optional)
• 20+ edited individual images per person
• Additional group photos included for the whole crew
• $250/person (2–3 people)
• $150/person (4+ people)Add–Ons
• 35mm Film Scans – $35/roll
• Studio Session – Inquire for pricing (based on rental and lighting needs)
• Rush Editing (2–5 day turnaround) – +$100 -
Collection 01 – $550
• 60 minutes
• 1 location
• 1–2 outfits
• 60+ edited imagesPerfect for families wanting a relaxed, heartfelt session — whether you're at a local park, in your backyard, or soaking up those quiet moments at home with a newborn. Simple, sweet, and meaningful.
Collection 02 - $650
• 90 minutes
• 1–3 locations
• 2–3 outfits
• 75+ edited imagesThis one’s for families who want to make a little adventure out of it — stopping for ice cream, wandering your neighborhood, or exploring a favorite trail or park. It’s a great fit if you’re drawn to storytelling and organic imagery.
add ons:
35mm film scans - $35/roll
studio shoot - additional price varies
rush editing (2-5 day turnaround) - +$100
The Investment
Mattea Bower Photo Company
matteabowerphotoco@gmail.com
BOOK NOW
For inquiries & bookings, please fill out the provided form & I will get back to you in 2-3 business days!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
I do! I’m based in Manhattan, Kansas, and regularly travel to the Kansas City area. Travel is included for up to 60 miles round trip. Beyond that, a travel fee of $0.50 per mile applies—but if I’m already planning to be in your area (especially KC!), that fee may be waived.
-
Absolutely—I’m always up for an adventure! Whether it’s a cozy elopement in the mountains, a beach ceremony, or a destination wedding somewhere new, I’m all in. I’m based in Manhattan, Kansas, and often work in Kansas City, but I love traveling for love stories of all kinds. I’m happy to road trip or hop on a flight to meet you wherever your day is happening!
P.S. If you’ve got a cool spot in mind, let me know. Sometimes I offer discounted travel if it’s a bucket-list location! <3
-
Once you inquire through my contact form, I’ll send over a full pricing guide with all the details! I offer a variety of photography collections for weddings, couples, seniors, and families—all tailored to different needs, timelines, and budgets. If you’re planning something in Manhattan, Kansas, Kansas City, or beyond, I’m happy to walk you through what collection would be the best fit.
-
I’m happy to offer some guidance on outfits! While I don’t do full styling, I can definitely give suggestions to help you feel comfortable and confident in what you wear. For photos, I recommend choosing something that feels like you—something you would actually wear! I’m always here to help with color coordination, layering, or choosing complementary pieces if you need a little direction! I am also down to let you borrow a piece if I have something you’re looking for!!
-
Absolutely! I love helping find the perfect spot for what you are envisioning! Whether you’re going for something romantic, natural, or urban, I’ve got lots of favorite spots!
In Manhattan, some popular options include Top of the World Park, Tuttle Creek, and downtown MHK for a mix of natural and city vibes. In Kansas City, I often shoot at Loose Park, Liberty Memorial, Shawnee Mission Park and around the Crossroads or West Bottoms!
We’ll talk through your vision and figure out what spot fits best—lighting, season, and mood all play a part!
-
Absolutely! I’ll guide you through natural poses and movements that feel comfortable & look great on camera :)
-
Yes yes yes! Just mention you want film included in your session if it is not already in your collection, and I will send you a quote!
-
If the forecast isn’t looking great, we’ll keep in touch leading up to your session and decide together what makes the most sense! I’m always happy to reschedule if needed, unless you’re down for some romantic, umbrella-in-the-rain photos. For weddings, I come prepared to adapt and work with whatever light and weather the day brings!
-
Expect around 60 photos/hour! Your gallery will be sent to your email and mobile through a site called Pic-Time! You may access the gallery on your desktop and mobile, while also receiving a guest link so that friends and family can take a peek too!
-
You can expect your full gallery within 2–3 weeks for sessions and up to 8 weeks for weddings. I always aim to deliver as soon as I can without rushing the process!
-
I don’t deliver RAW files. Part of my job is curating and editing your final gallery to reflect the full story in a way that feels true to my work and your day. The images you get are carefully chosen and edited with intention—no unfinished files, just the best of the best!
