About
Canaan Mattson is a Minneapolis-based photographer and creative strategist whose work is grounded in Black etherealism and emotional resonance. Rooted in fine art and fashion, his imagery is moody, textural, and concept-driven—crafted to evoke, connect, and move.
With experience across arts institutions, nonprofits, and independent brands, Canaan leads projects from concept to execution, blending photography, design, and digital strategy. His work has supported organizations like the McKnight Foundation, Walker Art Center, TU Dance, and the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and has been featured in PIXLR and NBCLx.
Whether directing a shoot or developing a campaign, Canaan’s process begins with emotion—and builds outward into narrative, aesthetic, and impact.
Professional Experience
Canaan Mattson Photography — Owner/Photographer
January 2019 – Present
Responsibilities include concept development, shooting, editing, retouching, and file management. Additionally, manage SEO, analytics, ROI, social media strategy, and platform-specific content creation.
Walker Art Center — Photographer
March 2022 – Oct 2022
Photographed event curators in Spring 2022 and selected choreographers in October 2022.
Target — Photo Assistant
July 2022
Assisted with setup, testing, and collaboration during photoshoots.
Public Functionary — Social Media Strategist
March 2022 – August 2022
Created organic content, managed paid media ad campaigns, and handled digital asset management and social listening.
McKnight Foundation — Photographer
October 2022–2025
Led concept development and photography for various projects, including photographing the 2023, 2024, and 2025 artist fellows.
Minneapolis College of Art and Design — Social Media Coordinator
July 2020 – January 2022
Created engaging content, ran paid media campaigns, and generated reports for stakeholders, while managing institutional photography and digital assets.
Rikshaw Films — Still Photographer/B Cam Operator
June 2020 – Present
Captured portraits and operated B Cam during interviews.
Free Arts Minnesota — Guest Artist in Residency
June 2017 – August 2017
Developed a photography curriculum focused on social activism, and guided youth in creating and exhibiting art related to social justice.
Exhibitions
Raging Art Online (2020) - Gamut Gallery, Minneapolis MN
Lush Future (2020) - Gamut Gallery, Minneapolis, MN
Air it Out (2016) - Gamut Gallery, Minneapolis, MN