Matthew Forney ABISS Photography

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Introduction: Photography and Artistic expression are my life. The day I picked up a camera was the day I found the person I was meant to be. I am a veteran with more than a decade of active duty service. As proud as I am of that, I now know that my time in the military was always meant to prepare me for what I am doing now. I found myself when I discovered a way to share art and joy with the world. I use the latest in computer software to bring your photos to life. This process allows me to push the limits of locations and equipment. If you see something on Pinterest that you want to try at your wedding or event. I will help you bring it to life in your own special way. We are going to create works of art that other people want to have for themselves. There isn't an avenue of mainstream photography that I don't have experience with, Weddings, portraits, Pets, Real Estate, Landscape, you name it, I have a portfolio for it! I have a website you can review at anytime to gage, for yourself my passion and level of mastery. (ArtBecauseIsaidSo.com) The name might be a little off putting but I can assure you it is not born from a place of boastfulness but rather a place of inner peace. When I left the military I had spent a significant amount of time in the Middle East and Eastern Africa. The wear and tear on my mind, body and spirit are hard to quantify. When I started this company, I did so for myself with no one else in mind. I needed to take photos as a way to cope and come to terms with my past. It was the only thing that helped me find enough calmness of spirit to unravel the the painful thoughts circling my consciousness. The name means a great deal to me. It signifies a time in my life in which I had the strength to make major changes and run towards a passion to create art and bring a little joy to the world. I can't wait to work with you on whatever project you have in mind. Aloha Matthew Forney NOTICE:Due to a trend in cancellations thru Thumbtack bookings, I now require a non-refundable down payment of half the cost of the photo shoot. In photography this is a standard practice unmoung wedding and event professionals to ensure that we do not lose out on potential income due to last minute cancellations.

Overview

Background checked

2 employees

13 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash, PayPal, and Venmo.

Social media

Facebook, Instagram

Featured Projects

89 photos

Haiku Gardens
Wedding and Event Photography

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for value, punctuality, and work quality.

Exceptional 5.0

7 reviews

100%

Marissa P.

May 31, 2017

Over the last year and a half I've hired Matt for several shoots. All completely different. He's always been punctual and easy to communicate with and share ideas prior to every shoot. Our first shoot was a fun "I love Hawaii" photoshoot. Honestly it felt like a day at the beach with a friend. It was simple and the photos blew my mind. A few months later I saw he had done a photoshoot for a marathon runner. I loved the pictures and didn't realize he worked with athletes. I hired him again for a Personal Training photoshoot. I wanted something professional for my website. This time I had a lot of ideas. He managed to capture all of the shots I wanted. At one point he started posing me and I was a little nervous that I would look phony and posed. Of course those were the best most natural looking photos. We did a topless ocean photoshoot at my favorite place on the island. He made me feel comfortable and confident. The pictures were tasteful and magical. He's extremely creative and if you're open to it he can transform a photo into a work of art. Ohh I almost forgot. I was at an event he was hired to work and was lucky enough to have a portraits of my mom and I done. It was Halloween, so we had matching face make up. These ended you being some of my favorite mother daughter photos. I highly recommend Matt as a photographer. He's mastered his craft on many levels and doesn't limit himself to one style. I don't have a dog but I hear he's a dog whisperer so you better book your pup too.

Jocelyn F.

Jun 2, 2017

I was referred to Matt Forney through a friend, but was familiar with his work, as he is frequently featured on local Facebook and Instagram pages like MyKailua. I specifically remembered his magnificent photos of the Big Island lava flow that were featured by MyKailua and Hawaii Mag. I assumed I would not be able to afford his services, but sent him an inquiry which he responded to promptly with far better pricing than other, less reputable and talented photographers I had worked with previously. We met and he reviewed some some of his work with me which ranges from weddings/engagements, to family shoots, business and professional, to parties and private events. Matt was professional, personable, and a wonderful addition to our events. He provided our photos back VERY quickly (I have waited upwards of 6 months for photos back from other photographers). All our friends and family loved his photos and we have used him for multiple engagements. I highly recommend working with Matt for any pro-photo needs. He truly is the best!

Malia W.

Sep 15, 2016

Matt is very creative, super talented photographer. Hes professional, yet laid back and very easy to work with. I would highly recommend him. He showcased his photography in my live art exhibition in Honolulu at the Hawaii Yacht club and his showcase was a great success.

Joanna P.

Sep 15, 2016

Matthew Forney created a very mAgicial peaceful environment to capture beautiful pictures. Matthew is blessed with a gift to pause the love and bring it out in memories for all. I am not one who enjoys having my picture taken but knew Matthew would create beautiful family memories and he did!!! He moved the bar higher in all expectations! I highly recommend this company to all and will use this company again to capture memories. You will not regret it. ABISS pictures are taken with a gifted eyes with heart forward. Mahalo Matthew for sharing your gift!

Charlene P.

Sep 15, 2016

My photoshoot with Matt was a blast. Matt's passion for photography was instantly apparent to me when we started our shoot. This will not be a boring, "stand over her, move your hand here, sit on that bench" - type experience. Matt was full of fresh and creative photo ideas and he also incorporated and found ways to bring my ideas to life. He made the whole process feel very organic and the pictures came out great! I would certainly recommend ABISS. Matt was very professional but also a ton of fun. He made me feel totally at ease and comfortable. He is a great photographer but he is also just a really wonderful and interesting person to know and spend time with. I was beyond satisfied with my experience. I would be thrilled to work with Matt again in the future.

Credentials

Background Check

Matthew Forney

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I have standard prices for my art pieces sold on my web page, as for taking photos for people I work on a case by case bases. If I believe in a project, money becomes less and less of a factor.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I like to interact with a client in person or over the phone once or twice before the project starts to get a feel for what kind of shoot they are looking for. Bright colorful, black & White, Gritty & Raw, It helps me edit later if I can set my camera to setting that pull out what my clients are looking for.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 12 yrs Military experience working in the aerial surveillance community, 5 years as a professional photographer working - Wedding, Event, Portfolio, Pet and Landscape/Realestate photography. I have an Associates in Digital Media Production and a Bachelors in Business .