Cinder and Ivory

Unique sessions to build your portfolio, your insta, or just your confidence. 

Let's tell your story

(Book digitals through this link as well)

Every session is built to push you emotionally, creatively, professionally.

I treat the relationship of photographer to client differently. I'm about diving into who YOU are, and what you want to communicate.

"Matt is an absolutely phenomenal photographer! He gave me great direction throughout our shoot & I felt very comfortable working with him. He always goes above & beyond for his clients! Highly recommend checking him out."
 - CINDY, KANSAS CITY MODEL

This is fine art with focus.

Knowing how to pose for the camera is not the same as knowing how to have the viewer understand they story.

The camera needs to disappear. Knowing the "why" behind why you are moving to this pose and how it connects to the story - matters.

We find the story first, then build around it.

It's about the story and not the pose:

To be clear, I am not against ecommerce or commercial work or modeling which is much more focused on the pose itself. Modeling comes in many forms (and those genres pay, let's not be unrealistic here.)

But we are seeing a shift. With A.I. With the digital space and the drive for authenticity having YOUR story, YOUR journey be a part of your shoot is vitally important. You separate yourself by recognizing who YOU are in the fashion world. It requires humility, honesty, and a willingness to get to the root of your emotions. 

You can't communicate an emotional journey through the lens if you are not in touch with your own emotions.

Anyone can copy a pose. Only you can live your story.

He was professional, personable, and put us all at ease from the start.

My daughter felt encouraged and beautiful the entire time and loves the photos,

we are so glad we hired Matt to help build her modeling portfolio.

— Kelli, mother of Kansas City Model

Matt is such an awesome photographer —

He's never afraid to be vocal

and make sure your work comes out as best as it can for your vision.

— Eugena, Kansas City Model

YOU’RE in the RIGHT PLACE

most photographers chase the perfect shot

I chase presence.

You'll leave with images, but you'll also leave with storytelling instincts that change the way you work.


Each session is intentionally a journey. We chat, we hang out, we adjust a light while talking about how you got to where you are.




This is for anyone that wants to create are for the sake of art. Art beyond the scroll.



Trust me — You’re in the right place. 

Very professional, personable, and dependable!

Matt helps bring out the fun in photography

He really creates a comfortable space and his work is excellent.

— JULIA, Kansas City Model

His presence is so fun to be around
and he always puts his models first

Matt has truly made modeling fun again

if i would recommend anyone it would be Matt. He makes your ideas come to life even better than you would ever think!

— Sasha, Kansas City Model

01

The Strip Down

We start with conversation. I get to know what you want to say, what you want people to feel. We talk through the story behind the shoot; how your body, face, and eyes are key. We break the mold of "being in a photoshoot" and start building the story you want to tell.

You’ll probably forget we’re working after five minutes because it’s just energy, connection, and attitude.

02

The Movement

Once we start clicking, I’ll guide you less like a director and more like a scene partner. We use movement to discover emotion — think small shifts, natural reactions, micro-expressions. I’ll throw out words or moods that fit the story and you’ll interpret them.

This is where you stop posing and start feeling.

03

The Art

We review in the moment, looking at your work and then tweaking, and refining. You’ll see how your body language and micro expressions and (most importantly) your eyes, change the story, and we’ll chase that raw, honest energy that feels like you.

By the end, we have told a story you wanted us to tell.

“In one word, incredible! I gained so much self confidence after working with Matt and am eager to show up every time!.” 

— LIDIA, KANSAS CITY MODEL

His skill behind the lens is matched only by his exceptional ability to create an environment of respect and comfort.

I quite literally don't know where to begin when it comes to talking about working with Matt.

What sets him apart SO MUCH is his uncanny knack for putting people at ease.

His friendly demeanor and calm presence dissolved any initial nerves, allowing for a natural and relaxed session.

This ability to create a comfortable space led to some of the greatest candid and authentic shots that I am SO grateful to have.

If you're looking for a photographer to work with and you come across Matt, you might as well stop scrolling and book with him.

You won't regret it.

— BRENNA, Kansas City Model

ALL the DETAILS

Wardrobe Matters

We are defined by what we put on, or choose to leave off. How we style our hair, Makeup, what clothes we choose to wear, all impact the story we tell. There is power in each choice.

It's Therepudic

A lot of people walk out lighter than they came in. You’ll confront yourself a little — confidence, vulnerability, all of it — and it shows in the images.

No pretending

This isn’t about “looking model-y.” It’s about being present. Every twitch, glance, and breath matters more than the perfect pose. 

Frequently asked questions

what even IS this?

It’s a storytelling session. We help you to communicate through movement, eyes, and emotion — not memorized poses. You’ll leave with art, but also awareness and control over your presence in front of a camera.

Do I need to have modeling experience?

Not at all. Many people who walk in have never modeled before. Others already shoot professionally but want to break their habits and find something more intentional. Either way, we start from scratch and build something real.

what should I wear?

Whatever helps tell your story. Denim. Linen. Lace. Skin. If you want I can help you build a small wardrobe that fits the mood — simple, intentional, and powerful. The focus isn’t on the outfit; it’s on you. Your outfit just helps us tell your story.

We focus on what tells the story best, consent is non-negotiable.

Why do people say it is therepudic?

Because it kind of is. You’ll confront vulnerability, confidence, and self-image in real time. It’s not therapy, but it hits those similar nerves — reflection, release, realization.

How long is the session?

We plan for two hours, but sometimes it takes less. Othertimes after two hours we can feel like we just started. But trust me, more than two hours and you will be exhausted. It takes a lot of energy to tell a story.

What do I get afterwards?

A curated set of finished images that tell your story. These are edited and portfolio-ready, emotionally driven, and designed to show your range. (anywhere from 15-30 final images)

can I bring someone with me?

If it helps you feel safe, yes. But once we start, it’s about you being fully present. Make sure that someone is someone you trust being vulnerable around. Most people prefer to be alone once they settle in. (There is a lovely coffee shop just around the corner if we are working in my studio.)

where is the session?

Typically in my studio in the West Bottoms in Kansas City, but we can go on-location if the story calls for it. As long as we have the space for you to open up that is all that matters.

Will these be shared online?

Only if you want them to be. I have been helping models tell stories for a while now, and many of their galleries are private and will forever remain that way. If you are wanting to try something new. explore a direction you aren't used to, or just allow yourself to be free in your own skin, these photos don't have to go anywhere you don't want them to.

So why nudity?

We live in a world that judges people for who they are, before they even have a chance to exist. Being comfortable in your own skin, with your own body, telling your own story, is at the core of these sessions. It doesn't mean nudity at all, but several have chosen to choose a level of nudity because they wanted to be free to just... be. And they knew it was a safe and empowering space to do just that.

We're known for professional, timely communication *and* stunning imagery, because you shouldn't have to choose. 

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