Mary Ellen Matthews

Bio

Mary Ellen Matthew, a celebrated New York native, has garnered acclaim as a premier entertainment portrait photographer for over twenty years. Renowned for her vibrant and iconic imagery, she has captured the essence of a vast array of cultural luminaries, from the electrifying energy of pop icons like Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, and Bruno Mars, to the influential figures in politics such as Al Gore, George Bush, and John McCain. Her lens has also immortalized sports legends like Tom Brady and Derek Jeter, alongside rock titans including Mick Jagger, U2, Jack White, and Neil Young. Since 1999, Mary Ellen has held the prestigious role of photographer for "Saturday Night Live," where she is instrumental in crafting the show's distinctive visual identity each season. Her unique ability to blend creative styling with a warm, approachable demeanor allows her to capture her subjects in their most authentic light. This, combined with her meticulous post-production techniques, results in striking portraits that resonate with audiences, even under the pressure of live television. Mary Ellen’s impressive portfolio extends to collaborations with major clients such as Warner Brothers Studios, The Fox Broadcasting Company, and 20th Century Fox Films. Her work has been featured in esteemed publications including Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, and the Spanish edition of Harper’s Bazaar, solidifying her reputation as an influential force in the world of portrait photography.