My name is Payton Matthews, and I’m a family photographer based in Goldsboro, NC.
I married my high school sweetheart, Chandler, in 2020, and we’re now parents to two sweet little ones—Stella Kate and our newest addition, Tate. Becoming a mom has shaped the way I see the world, and it’s one of the biggest reasons I’m so passionate about preserving the little moments that make family life so meaningful.
We also have a golden doodle named Murphy who keeps our home lively and full of laughs. I’ve been photographing families since 2017, and what started as a dream quickly turned into the career I love. After graduating from Dental Assisting school in 2020, everything aligned and I stepped fully into photography—and I’ve never looked back.
When I’m not behind the camera, you can usually find me volunteering with the communications team at church, snuggling my babies, or catching up with friends over a good cup of coffee. My life is full, busy, and beautifully ordinary—and that’s exactly the kind of magic I love capturing for other families, too.
hello sweet friend
so glad you're here
My biggest goal in life is to serve others and I pray to impact people daily. While pursuing these dreams I want to let my drive and passion shine through photography. I've always dreamed of becoming a photographer. My dream came true after my grandparents bought me my very first camera for graduation. It was the beginning of a lifetime dream.
i live for
serving others
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I have some amazing parents who have supported my passion from day one. I have one brother, a step-brother, and step sister. I also have an amazing husband that keeps me in good spirits when I feel overwhelmed. We recently became parents to our beautiful Stella Kate and have a golden doodle named Murphy! Overall, my family has been the best support system. I stand strong in my faith with God, as he has guided me to where I am today.
family
i love
Chandler and I started dating
November 2013
We graduated high school and I got my first camera as a graduation gift from my grandparents
June 2017
I went to ECU to pursue dentistry while running my side hustle.
August 2017
Moved back home after 1.5 years at ECU to pursue another path. I wasn't sure what that was going to be at the time, but knew it would be dental related.
December 2018
Started working at a dental office as a admin assistant to get experience.
January 2019
Got accepted to DA school at Wayne Community College.
May 2019
Started Dental Assisting school while running my side hustle still. Things were extremely difficult and busy.
August 2019
Moved in with Chan and got our first pup, Murphy.
February 2020
We got engaged!
June 2020
Graduated DA school and pursued photography full-time
July 2020
stella kate was born!
October 2021
September 2022
We got married!
December 2021
We got married again! We wanted to have a larger ceremony for family and friends.
October 2020
Found out we were pregnant
Started Dental Assisting school while running my side hustle still. Things were extremely difficult and busy.
August 2019
Moved in with Chan and got our first pup, Murphy.
February 2020
We got engaged!
June 2020
Graduated DA school and pursued photography full-time
July 2020
We got married!
October 2020
We got married again! We wanted to have a larger ceremony for family and friends.
October 2021
Found out we were pregnant!
December 2021
Stella Kate was born!
Septemer 2022
