Matt Mansueto flying a drone while documenting a home in Telluride, Colorado

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Hi! I'm Matt.

I photograph interiors, retail environments, and commercial spaces for architects, designers, developers, and brands across Chicago and the Midwest.

That's me on the far left in the Cubs hat, flying my drone for an architect and builder in Telluride, Colorado.

Experience15+ Years
Based InChicago, IL
CertifiedFAA Part 107 Drone Pilot
ServingChicago · North Shore · NW Indiana · Milwaukee

Built for people who care about details

For the past 15+ years, I've photographed architecture, interiors, retail environments, and commercial spaces throughout Chicago and the Midwest.

I work with architects, interior designers, developers, construction teams, and brands to create imagery that feels clean, intentional, and true to the experience of the space.

Whether it's a luxury residence, a large-scale mixed-use development, or a hospitality project, my goal is always the same: to create photographs that help people feel the design.

My Approach

Technical precision with an editorial eye.

A collaborative, streamlined process from planning to final delivery.

01

Design-Focused

I pay close attention to light, materiality, composition, and the way people experience a space. My goal is to create imagery that feels clean, intentional, and true to the design story.

02

Collaborative

The best imagery comes from strong collaboration between architects, designers, builders, stylists, and marketing teams. I aim to make the process seamless from planning through delivery.

03

Easy to Work With

I'm often told I bring a calm, collaborative energy to shoot days. I communicate clearly, adapt quickly, and work efficiently so teams can stay focused while we create strong imagery together.

Good to Know

Questions clients ask most.

How far in advance should we book a shoot?

Two to four weeks is ideal for most projects. It gives us room to plan around weather, styling, and the building's best light. That said, if your timeline is tight, reach out anyway. I can often make it work.

Can multiple firms share the cost of one shoot?

Absolutely, and I encourage it. Architects, builders, and interior designers often split a shoot and share licensing. Everyone gets the full gallery at a fraction of the cost, and I handle the coordination.

How long until we receive our images?

Fully retouched, publication-ready images are typically delivered within two weeks of the shoot. Need a few selects sooner for a deadline or award submission? Just say so. Rush delivery is available.

Do you handle drone photography in the city?

Yes. I'm an FAA Part 107 certified drone pilot and manage the airspace authorizations required for flights in and around Chicago, including controlled airspace near the lakefront.

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Matt photographing a kitchen project with the team from 4th Avenue Design
On set with 4th Avenue Design, Wilmette IL
Matt Mansueto
Matt Mansueto

Beyond the Camera

The best part of this work has always been the people.

Architecture has introduced me to some incredible people: designers, builders, homeowners, craftspeople. Some projects last a single afternoon. Others have brought me back year after year as buildings rise from bare concrete to fully lived-in spaces. That's one of my favorite parts of this work.

The Mansueto family
The Mansueto family

Outside of photography, you'll usually find me exploring Chicago with my family, searching for the city's best tacos, dumplings, pizza, or catching a Cubs game whenever possible. My wife is a longtime United Airlines flight attendant, and I'm lucky to occasionally tag along on some incredible adventures with her and our kids. Our oldest daughter is heading to Purdue University soon, which feels both exciting and surreal.

I'm also passionate about supporting the design and local community. I previously served on the board of the Illinois chapter of ASID, and continue to support organizations including Designs for Dignity and Chicago Gateway Green. I believe great design, and great storytelling, should reflect the diversity of the people who experience it, and I'm proud to work with clients and businesses of all backgrounds, including BIPOC- and LGBTQ+-owned firms.

"At the end of the day, I'm grateful this work allows me to combine architecture, creativity, relationships, and community into something meaningful."

Matt Mansueto