Matthew Bennett — Actor, Photographer, Director
Two Careers. One Rare Credential.
I am a working Toronto actor with credits spanning two decades — Doc, Law & Order Toronto, Battlestar Galactica, Orphan Black, Cold Squad, and two upcoming Netflix productions. And I am a portrait photographer based at 366 Adelaide St. East in downtown Toronto, where I've spent years helping actors, executives, entrepreneurs, and creatives get images that genuinely represent who they are.
These two careers are not separate. They are the same discipline expressed in two directions.
What Being an Actor Changes About a Photo Session
Most photographers direct a session from the outside. I work from the inside. I use improvisation techniques to create real, spontaneous reactions — not manufactured expressions. I use emotional memory work to help clients access authentic presence on demand. I read microexpressions in real time and adjust direction moment by moment.
The result is headshots and portraits where something is actually happening behind the eyes. Not a photo that was taken — a moment that was captured.
My clients — many of them veterans with 20 to 40 years in their industries — consistently tell me this is the best headshot session they have ever had. That matters more to me than any technical credential.
The Studio
Portraits.To is located at 366 Adelaide St. East, Suite 243, in downtown Toronto's St. Lawrence Market neighbourhood — a professional, creative space designed to put you at ease from the moment you walk in. The studio includes a private change area and multiple professional lighting setups.
Every session begins with a conversation about your goals and ends with images you are proud to use.
Acting Credits
• Doc
• Law & Order Toronto
• Battlestar Galactica
• Orphan Black
• Cold Squad
• Two upcoming Netflix productions
Selected scenes — Matthew Bennett, Actor
What Clients Say
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Never felt this comfortable in front of the camera and the results show. Having a trained and experienced actor with a very artistic eye has produced some of my favorite photos for headshots and more." — David Michael Moote, Verified Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I felt like we were collaborating on a masterpiece. He takes his time and doesn't rush anything." — Rojan Molanian, Verified Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I imagine that 30+ years as an actor have taught Matt about what he personally likes and dislikes in a headshot session, and because he is approaching it as a photographer but with the understanding of the experience as an actor, it's incredibly comfortable." — Stacey Iseman, Verified Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Matthew used his acting expertise to explain the emotions and feel required from me. He captures the beauty in the moment and relies less on heavy post production editing. The final pictures from both sessions turned out beautifully." — Dee Jay, Verified Google Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Matthew is a wonderful photographer and person — the true spiritual artist. He knows exactly how to have you open up emotionally to get that magic image." — Patricia Duffy, Verified Google Review
Beyond the Studio — Fine Art Photography
Alongside portrait work, I photograph the world I move through — street scenes, landscapes, long exposures, moments that don't involve a client brief. This work is collected and occasionally exhibited. Fine art prints are available by enquiry.
