Soul Portraits | Branding | Headshots
Madison, NJ
Honest, meaningful portraits that feel like you.
Soul Portraits
It's one thing to make a picture of what a person looks like, it's another thing to make a portrait of who they are. - Paul Caponigro
Soul Portraits are relaxed 75-minute on-location sessions that capture you as you really are.
Sessions are unique to each person, and focus on creating images that feel authentic and timeless, without feeling staged or overly posed. We work slowly, creating a calm space where real expression can surface. The result is a set of portraits that feel natural, sincere, and quietly expressive.
Every session includes an archival-grade print that will last for generations.
Makes a meaningful, personal gift. Gift certificates available.
Branding Portraits
Whether you’re an artist, small business owner, therapist, or creative professional, these sessions focus on clarity and approachability. The goal is to create images that feel natural, honest, and unmistakably you.
Headshots
A good headshot should feel confident and genuine. No stiff posing, no pressure. Just a relaxed session where we find your natural expression.
About Me
Hi, I’m Matt Barry, a portrait and fine art photographer based in Madison, NJ.
I specialize in portraits that help people look and feel like their best selves, whether for business, acting, creative work, or personal branding.
Before becoming a portrait photographer, I spent many years in consumer insights, which taught me how to really listen to people and help them feel at ease. That background shapes the way I work. Most sessions feel like conversations, which helps people relax and come through naturally.
I’ve been passionate about photography since I was a kid. And my creative photography, often focused on the quiet beauty of everyday life, has received national and international recognition.
In 2024, I was honored to be selected by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts as one of a small number of digital artists featured at the newly redesigned Newark Airport Terminal A. My work has also appeared on the covers of local magazines such as Experience Madison and Madison Living. [See more of my creative photography on Instagram]
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me at home in Madison with my wife, Rachel, and our three cats, who, like most art critics, always have opinions about my work.
Featured in Madison Living, June 2024 Read the article
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Follow my work on Instagram: @mattbarryphoto
Portrait & Headshot Packages
Soul Portraits - $399
Gift Certificates available
A 75-minute session focused on honest, natural images. You’'ll receive:
A curated proof gallery of the best images from our session (about 20-30 proofs to choose from)
Three fully edited portraits of your choice
A museum-quality 4x5 print of your favorite image
Unlimited use of your final images for your personal and professional needs
Optional additional portraits and print sizes available
Soul Portraits can take place on-location or in studio. On-location is recommended for the most natural feel, but both options work beautifully.
Headshot Express - $199
A quick, relaxed 20-minute studio headshot session. Includes:
One fully edited headshot, chosen right after your session
A curated proof gallery of the best images from our session (about 10-20 proofs to choose from)
Guidance on expression and posing
Unlimited use of your final images for your personal and professional needs
Branding Portraits - Starting at $499
A 75-90-minute session designed to capture real, honest images that reflect who you are and how you work.
Perfect for therapists, authors, musicians, academics, and creative professionals who want portraits with warmth, trust and personality. You’ll receive:
A curated proof gallery of the best images from our session (about 40-60 proofs to choose from)
Three fully edited portraits of your choice
Unlimited use of your final images for your personal and professional needs
Optional extended sessions and additional edited portraits available
Headshot Signature - $349
A fuller, more customized studio headshot session with plenty of time to explore different looks. Usually 45-90 minutes. Includes:
Three fully edited headshots of your choice
A curated proof gallery of the best images from our session (about 40-60 proofs to choose from)
Unlimited use of your final images for your personal and professional needs
Optional additional edited portraits available
Fully edited portraits include professional retouching. Additional images: $50 each.
Prices exclude NJ sales tax
Ready to Book? Let’s Chat!
Have a question? Want to book a session? Just send me a message. I’d love to hear from you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soul Portraits FAQs
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A Soul Portrait is a relaxed, 75–90 minute on-location session designed to capture you as you naturally are. No stiff posing. No pressure. We take our time, talk, explore, and create images that feel warm, honest, and quietly expressive.
Before we meet, we’ll have a short 15–20 minute call to talk about what you’d like from the session, where we’ll shoot, and anything that feels important to you. Just a chance for us to connect briefly so I can get a sense of who you are. It simply helps me go into the session with the right mindset so everything feels natural and true once we start. -
They’re for anyone who wants something more meaningful than a standard portrait, individuals looking for a personal keepsake, legacy image, or simply a portrait that feels like them. You don’t need to be “photogenic” or comfortable in front of a camera. These sessions are about authenticity, not performance.
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Outdoors or at a location that feels right for you. Parks, neighborhoods, backyards, cozy indoor spaces. Anywhere with natural light and a relaxed atmosphere. We work together to pick something that fits your personality.
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You’ll receive a curated proofing gallery of about 20-3 images to choose from, three fully edited portraits, and one museum-grade archival print of your favorite image (about 4×5, depending on the image). Larger sizes, additional prints or creative edits are always available.
Each finished portrait receives careful, individual attention so the final images feel natural, expressive, and true to you.
You’ll receive your proof gallery in 4-7 days, and final edited portraits a few days after you make your selections. The print will arrive about a week later.
If you need the images sooner, just let me know and I’ll see what I can do. -
Yes. Soul Portrait sessions make beautiful, meaningful gifts. Just reach out through the contact form or email me directly, and I’ll prepare a physical card you can give as a gift.
Branding Portraits FAQs
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Branding sessions are designed to show your personality, style, and professional presence. We’ll either shoot on-location or in-studio.
You’ll receive a curated proof gallery (~25 images), three fully edited portraits, and the option to add more. These images are great for websites, bios, publications, and professional materials. -
Absolutely. You don’t need to know what to do, that’s my job. I guide you in a way that feels natural and relaxed, not stiff or overly posed.
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Yes. Branding sessions typically include one primary location. Additional locations are welcome if they’re close by. For sessions that involve more complex logistics, travel, or wardrobe changes, we can design a custom session.
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Proofs are delivered within 4–7 days. Final edited images are delivered a few days after your selections.
Headshot FAQs
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Solid colors, simple layers, and clothing that feels comfortable and confident. Avoid busy patterns or anything that draws attention away from your face. If in doubt, bring a couple of options.
I will send over a guide on how to prepare for your session after booking. -
Yes. Each selected headshot is gently refined. Natural skin and hair work if needed, color balance, tone, and small distractions removed. I keep everything looking real and true to you.
General FAQs
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Proofs are lightly processed previews from our session. They’re unretouched images showing the best expressions and moments we captured.
Their purpose is simple. They help you choose the portraits you’d like fully edited.
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Most frames from a session are stepping stones. The curated proof gallery is already the strongest work from your session.
Final portraits take more time and care. Each one is edited by hand so the tone, light, and detail feel natural, expressive, and true to you.
Those finished portraits are the ones meant for sharing, printing, and wherever you choose to share them.
If you fall in love with more than what’s included in your package, additional edited portraits are always available.
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Yes. For outdoor or on-location sessions I travel within a reasonable distance from Madison, NJ. Further travel may include a fee depending on distance and travel time.
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Life happens. Sessions can be rescheduled with at least 48 hours’ notice. Short-notice cancellations may incur a small fee to cover setup and planning time.
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Just reach out through the contact form or email me directly. We can set up a brief call to talk through your goals and choose the right type of session. Booking is simple and personal.
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Sessions are relaxed and conversational. I give gentle direction when needed, but the atmosphere is easy and pressure-free. Most people settle in quickly and actually enjoy the process.