film inspired, documentary-style photography since 2016.

MANHATTAN & KANSAS-CITY BASED, TRAVELING TO YOU

/

MANHATTAN & KANSAS-CITY BASED, TRAVELING TO YOU /

photography branding image, blonde hair girl with jean vest and white button up, white ballet flats, natural girl pose, senior portrait photographer

Hello, friend!

I’m Mattea (muh-tay-uh), a wedding, senior & life-style digital & film photographer based in Kansas. I love capturing stories wherever they take me—whether it’s a road trip or a flight away. Let's not let the distance come between us! (I hear it makes the heart grow fonder, anyways).

A little about me!


– My home base is Manhattan, KS & I am often in KC visiting family + friends!
– Married to 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)
– At-home barista who’s always perfecting my craft ;)
– I love hosting friends and creating cozy spaces!
– 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.

hidden creek at stonehaus, waco wedding reception bride and groom, beautiful reception candid photography
classic white wedding bouquet with lots of greenery, bridal bouquet + white ribbon, white roses & daisies
Film photo of mother holding baby girl with bow during outdoor lifestyle family session near wooded trail in Kansas, candid and joyful moment
garden party guest outfit idea, green abercrombie wedding guest, bridesmaid dress, vintage hair-style
manhattan, kansas senior, kansas state university senior, film photo, beautiful white flowers and white dress for graduation
Wedding detail photo featuring a pearl headband, wedding invitation, and elegant heels
Film-style bridal party photo in a lush garden in Waco/Belton, Texas, capturing the bridal party in elegant attire surrounded by greenery and natural light
Cinematic Style Photo of Girl with Red Hair on Guy's Back at Tuttle Creek, Kansas
Newborn baby with lots of hair and a cute bow, sleeping peacefully on a bed in Manhattan, Kansas, or Kansas City, captured in a serene and heartwarming photograph.
Bride and groom sharing a kiss under a veil, captured in a soft, vintage film style with an early 2000s aesthetic, creating a timeless and romantic moment.
Film-style photo of little girls making lemonade in a cottagecore house, filled with warmth and nostalgia, capturing a simple and joyful moment in a rustic, cozy setting, Amanda Pahls, Kansas lifestyle photography
Black and white candid, documentaray-stylephoto of a little blonde girl sitting on a man's shoulder at a wedding, capturing a joyful and carefree moment during the celebration.

SERVICES

    • Custom wedding collections beginning at $3750

    • Elopement and micro-weddings beginning at $1200

    • film add-ons available

  • Collection 01 - 1 location, 1 outfit, 20 min, 30+ images - $350

    Collection 02 - 1-2 locations, 2 outfits, 80+ images, 60 min - $500

    Collection 03 - unlimited locations, unlimited outfits, unlimited images, 1-2 rolls of film, 90 min - $650

    add ons:

    film - $100

    studio shoot - $150

    rush editing (2-5 day turnaround) - $100

  • The Simple - Anderson lawn or university lawn of choice, 1 outfit + cap & gown, 30 min, 30 images - $350

    The Classic - 1-3 locations, 2 outfits, 60 min, 60 images - $500

    The Experience - unlimited locations, unlimited outfits, 90 min, unlimited photos - $650

    The Seasonal - 3 Sessions (45 Minutes Each), 1-2 Locations Per Session, 1-2 Outfits Per Session, 150 images - $1250

    Group Session - 1-3 locations, 1 outfit + cap & gown - $250/Person 2-3 Friends, $150/Person 4+ Friends

    add ons:

    film - $100

    studio shoot - $150

    rush editing (2-5 day turnaround) - $100

  • Collection 01 - 1 location, 1 outfit, 40 images - $400

    Perfect for families looking for a relaxed session—whether it’s at a local park, in the backyard, or cozying up at home with a newborn. Simple, sweet, and meaningful.

    Collection 02 - 1-2 locations, unlimited outfits, 75 digital images, 1-2 rolls of film - $550

    This one’s for families who want to make a little adventure out of it—maybe stopping for ice cream, wandering your neighborhood, or exploring a favorite trail or park. It’s especially loved by those drawn to the timeless, nostalgic feel of film photography and storytelling (kind of like the photos you find in your parents scrapbook!)

    add ons:

    film - $100

    studio shoot - $150

    rush editing (2-5 day turnaround) - $100

  • The Simple - 1 location, 1 outfit, 30 min, 30 images - $350

    The Classic - 2 locations, 2 outfits, 60 min, 60 images - $500

    The Experience - unlimited locations, unlimited outfits, 90 min, unlimited digital photos, 1-2 rolls of film - $650

    add ons:

    film - $100

    studio shoot - $150

    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!