"He has a background in nature photography and the natural beauty of the Hudson Valley is really pronounced in our photos."

A little about Matthew Rigby

Matthew Rigby smiling with cameras on leather straps in Hudson Valley winery wedding with wooden railing and barrel room in the background.
Vintage 1989 photo of Matthew Rigby taking his first photo with help from his mother, using her camera and flash together in dim lighting.

With over 9 years of experience, I am an adventurous photographer and biologist based in Garrison, NY, in the heart of the Hudson Valley. I also travel and work in the larger tri-state area. I sincerely appreciate the beauty and serenity of the natural world, which greatly influences my photography. Just ask my wife, Adriana, how often we have to stop for "random" photos of subjects that would typically be overlooked!


Mindful observation of the world around me leads me to see, appreciate, and photograph moments within the moments, which can be so important to the documentation of your wedding day story.


Why I do this?


I love weddings because of the deep meaning and natural connection that couples bring to their day. I truly feel honored and privileged to be trusted to photograph a couple’s most important day. It is my goal to help their wedding be what they had always dreamt it to be.

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What makes me different?

White organizational chart or hierarchy diagram with square nodes showing a simple tree structure layout.
Minimalist white magnifying glass icon on transparent background.

Personalized timelines and photo lists

Organization and attention to detail

 

Red-shouldered hawk perches on a wooden fence post in a natural outdoor setting.
Soft white circular pattern with light grey concentric rings creating an abstract geometric design.

Mastery of both natural light and flash photography

No presets! Candid, cinematic, and emotive photos

A small decorative boat or canoe sits in water with a row of colorful flowers along its edge, creating a garden display.
Close-up of a snowy owl perched on a branch with wide orange eyes looking at the camera.

Educational planning resources

Stunning Hudson Valley location suggestions

On your wedding day I bring empathetic listening and a calm presence. Dad needs a chair while he’s waiting for his photo? I’m already getting it, and one for mom, too. Your niece has two more minutes until her nap time? Don’t worry, we’re doing that photo now.

Let's talk more
Silhouette of couple embracing under weeping willow tree with reflection in water during golden hour at Ruins at Sassafras, Hudson Valley.
chelsea & alon

"A vendor who is patient, detail-oriented, and willing to hold your hand matters, and Matthew could teach a masterclass in this."

Five grey olive star shapes in a horizontal row against a plain background.

 

Four fun facts

 

Matthew Rigby with his dog and wife in autumn forest in Massachusetts smiling for family portrait.

I SPEAK SPANISH

I found my passion for teaching while volunteering in Honduras, where I taught every subject under the sun, all in Spanish. Today I am grateful for that experience because I can communicate with my wife's Peruvian family!


landscape photographer

The natural world is my biggest inspiration, and I have been documenting travel, landscapes, and hikes for as long as I can remember!



BIOLOGY & MATH TEACHER

Observation, analysis, and patience are skills I have honed in my "other" career that I find myself leaning on heavily during weddings. I am happiest when both sides of my brain are working together—creative and technical.



BREWERY ENTHUSIAST

I am an aficionado and brewer of craft beer (and cider, whiskey, wine...) I love to immerse myself in both the stories that ingredients can tell through a glass, as well as those stories shared around a bar or campfire.

Let's connect!

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I would love to hear about your day: your partner's name, your date and venue, your dream vision, anything else!

Storm clouds gather over a rustic wooden barn with wide angle flash portrait of couple kissing at Fortune Valley Manor in Saugerties, NY.

I am a wedding photographer based in Garrison, NY, and serve couples throughout the Hudson Valley. Whether you’re planning an intimate day at The Garrison, a barn wedding at Fortune Valley Manor or the Barn at Villa Venezia, a brewery or winery celebration in Warwick or Chester, or a creative elopement in Beacon or Cold Spring, I’m here to help you feel relaxed and seen while documenting the beauty of your day with a thoughtful, artistic eye.



hello@matthewrigbyphotography.com

860-218-8494