​Tell us about your journey of Photography. 
I have been in business since 2009 after retiring as a Detective with the Indianapolis Metro Police Dept. When I picked up my camera in 2008 I had no idea what I was doing but there was a challenge to learn all I could.  I took one 4 week class which was one night a week.  Then read as many books and magazines as I could get my hands on.  I also watched free classes on CreativeLive. Then the most important part was picking my camera up every single day to practice.  In 2009 I had been published in a few magazines and had two goals at that time.  One was to be an instructor for the business I took my first class, and the other was to get on the cover of Birds & Blooms magazine.    In 2010 I was hired as an instructor where I taught photography for three years.  I photographed several weddings, families and seniors during that time.  I quickly learned my passion was with high school seniors.  
I currently have a studio in the town of Martinsville, IN. I have 21 senior reps who I love to spend time photographing. Another way I give back to the community is by photographing High School sports. I try to attend all the home games/meets and share my photos through downloads and social media posts.  Covid has really hurt my seniors the past two years and I feel photos are even more important right now. They are missing out on sports and being able to share my talent is a blessing. 
 I think it's our duty as photographers to document as much as we can through photographs. Photography is a way for me to continue giving back.

​How would you briefly describe your activities with your team/s and/or photography in general?  
My senior rep team and I have a group chat on Instagram we stay in contact through.  I give them inspiration a couple times a week by sending them shoot ideas and sometimes just checking in to see how they are doing.  We try to get together every 4-6 weeks for shoots.  With Covid things have gotten a bit tougher though.  
I only have a senior rep/model team.  I generally open my applications up in December and choose by January.  I look for inspiring Seniors.  They have to do well in school, be a team player and be active on social media.  My team are ones others look to for inspiration!   

Tell us what, if anything, you learned from being a detective that is useful when working with teens.
While working as a Detective I was assigned to the child abuse unit for two years.  I feel being a police officer I was a role model for teens which has carried over to being a senior photographer.  I want my teens to know they can come to me with problems. So much of what I learned as a police officer carries over to my job as a photographer though.  People skills, work ethic, ability to listen.  Being part of my team, I feel is a job with exceptions and my exceptions are very high. 
​
 What legacy or thoughts do you hope to leave behind for your clients?
I want my seniors to look back at their session and feel special.  They should feel like they are beautiful and leave with confidence.  Then when they look at their photos, I want them to think. “Wow, is that me?”  As for my reps/models I want them to think this was the best part about their senior year.  They get to hang out with their friends, feel special, be featured on Instagram and possibly appear in senior magazines. 

Is there anything else you'd like to tell us about your business?
I think its super important as a photographer to be involved in the community. Of course we all love to make money but giving back in the way of documenting our high school senior's lives with photos is why we should do what we do!
Being just a photographer is not good enough for me! I want to be the best at lighting, editing and most of all being a positive role model.    

Other than photography, what do you like to do?
I am married and have a 16 year old daughter and 14 year old son.  I love to spend time in my gardens playing in the dirt and photographing flowers, birds and bugs.  I especially find it challenging to photograph hummingbirds. My kids are also involved in 4-H. They show cattle and swine.  I’m on several 4-H boards and in charge of our beef club.  ​

Bonus questions: 

1.     Who or what influences your style most? 
I love Jon Snip’s style of photography and love the posing and lighting of Craig Stidham and editing of Alex Miller/@liquidverve. 

2.     If you could learn from any photographer or business mentor, who would it be?  
Hands down Jon Snip. 

3.     What was the last podcast you listened to? (photography or not) 
I just bought a class on ProEdu
 
4.     Other than photography, how do you spend your time? 
I am on several 4-H boards which keeps me busy. 

5.     What advice would you give to upcoming photographers? 
Learn all you can and then learn more!  Do NOT compare yourself to others. Photography is an art and you are the artist!

6.     Best business book you ever read and/or conference you ever attended? 
I think most artist lack in the business area.  (I do)  
Best conference by far Senior Style Guide PUSH conference. 

7.     All-Time-Favorite image you’ve ever taken 
The gal in the glasses if prob my favorite photo along with my hummingbird. 

8.     Three things on your bucket list:  
To make the cover of Birds & Blooms magazine, make the cover of a Senior Magazine and I would say attend a seminar of Jon Snip’s.

9.     What is your best tip for teens before their photoshoot: 
I have an entire list!  (LOL)  I think the main one.  Look at poses and practice them in the mirror.  Of course its my job to help pose but if they feel comfortable it sure helps. 

10.  Most binge-worthy show:  
I love NCIS Los Angeles

11.  If you could teach a course on anything (doesn’t have to be photography related) what would you be confident teaching and why?  
​I would totally feel comfortable teaching the fundamentals of photography.  After teaching it for three years its very rewarding when the student has the “Aha Moment”.  (Don’t laugh but I was also an DUI instructor on the Police Dept. Why am I confident?  Making the streets safer by arresting drunk drivers was my specialty.   
 

​How did you get started in photography?
I got started in photography because my mother shoe store was next-door to the town photographer who later became my mentor John Guyette.   I would ride my bike to visit my mother at her shoe store and just sit in Johns studio and rifle through his example albums. John was one of the best senior portrait photographers in upstate New York so you can say I was lucky. I love photographing high school seniors to this day

What do you love most about photographing teens?
I love photographing teens because these are the last years that they will be photographed before they become adults.  I have so much fun with them and it is very rewarding when they’re shy at first and I can make them feel at ease. Especially guys.  Of course, I love all of the fashion for the girls. But it’s the simplicity with the guys that I find challenging and rewarding. 

​
​We see you have both a senior and a teen model team. What is the difference between the two?
The difference between my teen modeling program and my senior modeling program is that my teens actually are excited about being photographed.  My senior modeling team are motivated by incentives and money.  When a senior is excited to be photographed by me and to represent my business I feel very blessed because they have so many more choices now more than ever as far as choosing a photographer for their senior portraits.

Tell us about your special connection you are making with your teams and senior citizens.
I’m super excited about an idea I came up with it’s called seniors helping seniors. I help a few senior citizens in their homes, and I noticed when a young child or teen would walk into the room that senior citizen would just light up.  One day I was talking over outfit choices with a high school senior and they said I really want to be photographed and something different that no one has ever been photographed in.  So, we got a sweater at Goodwill and I found a senior citizen to help this high school senior embroider different words and patterns all over the sweater (see image below).  Needless to say her senior portraits were taken in the sweater and there is not another sweater around like it.   I’m going to connect a retired gentleman to help a senior guy build the frame for his senior portrait. 

​
​What legacy or thoughts do you hope to leave behind for your clients?
The legacy I hope to leave behind for my clients are obvious. I want my high school seniors to look back and 40 years at their portrait and either have a laugh or remember something about that day and definitely love or cringe at the outfit they chose to be photographed in.  And I hope the images make it into their wedding montages. 

​
​What else should we know about you?
I Was a painting major at Syracuse University. My style is influenced by renaissance painters.  I would draw magazine covers as a young teen you could say I’m obsessed with Magazine covers. 

I try not to listen to other photographers too much because I do want to develop my own style and not be so influenced
​
What are your favorite podcasts and books?
So I have to say rich roll podcast was one of my favorites to listen to. It’s about business, living a healthy lifestyle and just being the best you can be. 

The best business book I’ve ever read is the e myth.
Another book I enjoyed and was very influenced by us by Stephen press field the war of art. 

​
​Other than photography, what do you like to do?
Other than photography I love to spend my time outside hiking I played tennis I spent a lot of time with my friends. 

​What could you speak to a group about?
I feel confident I could teach a course and discovering creativity within yourself.

​What advice do you have for upcoming photographers?
My advice for any upcoming photographer. Is to stay in your lane and be true to yourself just don’t regurgitate what you see out there on the Internet.  It’s OK to be different. 

Visit Kelly on her website or instagram account above!

​How did you decide that you wanted to get into the photography business?  
Initially, I was a mom taking pictures of her kids’ sports. I would take them and post them on social media. One day, I had two of the moms on my daughter’s softball team ask me to do senior pictures for their children. I just laughed….but they insisted! From there it has taken on a life of its own! In the spring of 2017, I started thinking that it might be God trying to tell me it is time to create a business. So, I did! July 5th, 2017, I became an official business in the state of Ohio. It has been a journey of pure faith.  Currently, I have an office, a large indoor studio space and a beautiful outdoor studio and business is booming!
 
What do you love so much about getting to take photographs of teenagers and capture their beauty?
I love it when teens are unequivocally themselves and it shows in their images. I love helping them witness their true beauty! I also love to hear what their hopes & dreams are, and their plans for their future! I am a middle school teacher and used to lead a youth group with my church, so I have always loved being around young adults. My very favorite thing is when parents tell me kids hate to get their pictures taken or hate to smile and I manage to get them to have fun with it and work a few smiles into their session!

I know that one of your goals is to start a model team, what are your goals for this and what would you want it to look like?
I really would like to showcase teens and their talents. Dancers, athletes, artists, actors … Whatever they feel makes them unique and special. Teenage years can be rough, and a time when kids become critical of themselves. I want them to celebrate what makes them amazing and to capture their true beauty.
 
What was the toughest thing about starting your business? What advice would you give to others looking to do the same?
Doubt. Doubt creeps in big time. All the “what ifs” start to pop in your head and it is easy to fall into a trap of comparing your work to others. When I went to rent my indoor space, it took me a long time to commit. I was worried sick that I wouldn’t be able to make rent and bills. I worried people would not like my work. The best advice I could give is BE YOURSELF and be willing to take risks! I started my business at the age of 48!  You will never know what you are capable of until you put yourself out there! Three years ago, I would have laughed if anyone told me they knew my business would be where it currently is. I am proof that staying the course and believing in yourself can help you achieve anything!!
 

​I know that currently you do not do any destination shoots, but would you be interested in starting them? What different places would you shoot?
I would LOVE to!  I did an engagement shoot one time in Pittsburgh, PA, which is about an hour from where I am located.  It was SO much fun! We discovered so many cool places to shoot!  Part of the fun of a shoot is discovering little hidden treasures that create amazing images!
 
Who or what influences your style most?  
My cousin Scott.  He is a retired photographer and is my mentor, sounding board, and the one who pushes me and challenges me to continue to get better and grow. He never tires of my endless questions; he is honest and supportive. I could never show enough appreciation for his incredible influence.
 

​If you could learn from any photographer or business mentor, who would it be?
I love Annie Leibovitz’s work, and Peter Hurley’s. I love how their images capture the soul of someone. I also enjoy the work of Chris Orwig. They would be amazing to spend a day with and learn from! 
 
What was the last podcast you listened to? 
It wasn’t a podcast, but a recorded zoom meeting with Beverly Williams. She is pretty “to the point” and fun to listen to. 

​Do you photograph anything other than teens? If so, what? 
Yes!! I also enjoy doing families, engagements, smash cakes, and newborns.  I love people. I love their stories, and I love capturing their personalities and emotions in an image. My husband, who is a retired Army helicopter pilot, teams up with me and we also do drone photography!

​Other than photography, how do you spend your time?
I love spending time with my family. Having all my people in one space and listening to their laughter is the absolute best!  I also love stealing a little bit of time with my hubby where it is just he & I.  
 
What advice would you give to upcoming photographers?
Immerse yourself. Take in all that you can learn from other photographers. Since I have had images recently featured nationally, I have come across some really incredible photographers.  It is fun to study their style and learn from them!

Favorite image you have ever taken? (below)
Yikes!  There are many, all for different reasons.  The one that sticks in my brain is Tanner.  It was our first drone shoot for a senior, and he did great, and it came out amazing!

​​Best business book you ever read and/or conference you ever attended?  
Worth Every Penny by Sarah Petty. It has some incredible techniques in how to properly market yourself.

​Three things on your bucket list:
Do a tour of Europe!  I have been to a few countries…but so many more on my list!!
See Eric Clapton in concert!  I have had the privilege of seeing many of the greats, but he is one that we missed!
See an actual Broadway play ON BROADWAY!  I am a lover of musicals!

​What inspired you to want to get into photography and start your own business?
I have always loved photographing everything and I decided to ask for a DSLR camera for Christmas several years ago! I started my own business because I knew it was something I wanted to continue to do. Starting my business and majoring in photography at Point Park University are two of the best things I've ever done! I was inspired to attend college to major in photography because of the opportunities I receive at my college to photograph many different things! If someone tells you that you can't do it, prove them wrong!

​What is your favorite thing about photography and getting to take pictures?
The absolute best thing about photography is meeting all the amazing people who are in front of my camera as well as the other photographers I get to meet! Because I photograph people who have done amazing things, who are just down to earth and genuine, it makes my job so fun! I love getting to capture a moment in time for these people!

​Tell me more about your model team, what they do and how you started it!
My model team started about 3 and a half years ago and has really taken off since! I have 13 on my team this year and they help me try new things, location-scout and really stay on top of my game! Their willingness to help me is amazing to me. Some of them drive more than an hour to make it to sessions and I am extremely thankful for them! I started with just a few friends while I was in high school and since, I have expanded to ladies from all over Central Pennsylvania!
 

​Where is the coolest place you have shot so far? What is one place you would really want to shoot at?
The coolest place I have shot is Pittsburgh in general. I love the architecture and the variety of photos you can get just from one session. It is a cool city with more and more to discover. In Pittsburgh, I also get to shoot at Highmark Stadium photographing professional soccer players, and that stadium has a great view of the city!

​What is one goal you have for the future of your photography business?
One short-term goal I have for my photography business is to book more sessions in Pittsburgh! I have a large client base in Central Pennsylvania, but I would love to get some seniors and other amazing people in downtown Pittsburgh with me!
 

​Do you photograph anything other than teens? If so, what?
Yes! Not only do I do other portraits such as couples, I have done a bunch of sports photography for my college and I got an amazing internship for the professional soccer team in Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC!

When did your passion for photography come about, and what do you love most about being a photographer? 
Looking back photography is something I have enjoyed since I was a child, I was about 5 years old when I got my first camera.  In college I pursued photography even more.  I got a “fancy” camera, took a photography class, and started booking sessions.  I love that I can capture the beauty of someone or something in a moment and save it forever.
​
Tell me about the different genres of photography you focus on in your business. 
I focus on a few different genres; weddings, family, lifestyle, newborn and seniors.  I enjoy landscape and nature as well!  I have also had the opportunity to photograph merchandise for a local boutique which was new and exciting.

What inspired you to start your own photography business a little less than a year ago, and what has the process been like? 
A couple of years went by and I never picked up my camera.  One day I picked it back up, started taking pictures of my daughters (step) and that passion I always had came back.  I began booking sessions for friends and family and as I shared my images with others, I was encouraged to start my own business.  A friend who is also a client of mine offered to pay for my business license so, I took the leap and registered my business online.  
Since, I have booked holiday minis, family sessions, formals, weddings, seniors, and newborns.  I also have a local business that rents studio space out for me to use whenever I need it.  For the first year of business it is going quite well.  My professional background has helped me prepare for the financial side of the business. I take care of taxes and all other financials on my own.
​ 
How do you stand out in a community saturated with talented photographers who have been doing this for years? 
There are so many outstanding photographers in my community.  I have used these individuals and their work as inspiration for my business.  What makes me stand out among them is my style of work. I stay away from trends unless I have a client that requests something specific.  My goal is to offer scenes and styles that other photographers aren’t offering at that time.  My editing style is minimal. A photo captures who someone is in that moment and I don’t want to alter that, I simply want to enhance it.

What does your photography business stand for, and what does it mean to you?  
Greyscale Photography LLC is my outlet to pursue a mission of beauty, to help others find confidence within and share their passions.  
​
Who or what influences your style most? 
My clients and their individual styles.

If you could learn from any photographer or business mentor, who would it be? 
Milton Greene, he photographed Marilyn Monroe. I would love to stand back and watch him during a photoshoot.

​What advice would you give to upcoming photographers?
Follow your passion! Take positive feedback and run with it, take the negative feedback to fuel your fire.
​
Best business book you ever read? 
Right Hook, Gary Vaynerchuck

Favorite image you’ve ever? Our youngest at age 11 in the creek by an old white chapel.  “Take Me to Church” (above)
​
Three things on your bucket list – Safari Photoshoot, Swim with Sea Turtles and interact with elephants. 

​Other than photography, how do you spend your time?
I work a full time job at the West Virginia Golf Association. Me, my husband and 2 daughters spend a lot of time on our boat in Summersville, WV. I love to bake and cook.  

Other than photography, how do you spend your time?
I work full time as a librarian clerk. I used to drive a book bus. Spend time with my family. 
 
What advice would you give to upcoming photographers?
I would say you need to know what you are doing before you jump in with both feet and start a
business. Take some courses on marketing, business side of things. Also, you will never stop
learning the craft of photography. 
 
Best business book you ever read and/or conference you ever attended?
Worth Every Penny, by Sarah Petty
 
Do you photograph anything other than teens? If so, what
 YES, I photograph kids, tots, newborns, and business headshots, families…
 
Three things on your bucket list
Become a Full-time photographer 
Mentor and Teach Moms with cameras
Travel and enjoy life. ​

​
​What do you love most about being a photographer and what kind of shoots do you do?
What I love most is the gift of eyes that see beauty in everything.  It’s truly a blessing and makes you so much more grateful for your surroundings and just embracing the world around you! I always say - Everywhere is my studio! My style is a combo of traditional portraiture with an emotional storytelling vibe. I shoot seniors, engagements, families, and bridals.
 
Tell me how you got involved with photography and what inspired you to pursue it.
Probably how most photographers do - just wanting great images of our son Ryle, who is now 10 years old.

​How do you like to edit your photos, and how do you also take time with detail to edit them?
I’m a perfectionist and crazy detail oriented – I probably spend way too much time editing!  I love the before and after and the magic in photoshop!  I do a lot of light and tone manipulation and some detail work that can give a 3D-ish effect. I also love mentoring and teaching other photographers!
 
What are you looking forward to most about heading to St. John in July for a destination shoot?
I’m a total nature girl, and I’d live in the wild somewhere in a treehouse and sleep under the stars most nights if my family were willing!  I just love the raw untouched jungly feel of St John, and it goes right with my style and vibe!  I’ll take a gorgeous nature shoot over something in town any day and I love shooting in the ocean and underwater.  Plus, this year I will be shooting my niece Paige’s senior session there, which makes it extra special!

​If you could learn from any photographer or business mentor, who would it be?  
Lara Jade
 
What was the last podcast you listened to? 
Rachel Hollis’ Rise podcast
 

​What advice would you give to upcoming photographers?  
Don’t spend time trying to make your work look like another photographer’s - find your style and brand that is true to your heart, shoot where others don’t, and most importantly don’t be afraid to experiment and play and try new things!

​
​Other than photography, how do you spend your time?  
I love to spend time with my family, workout, be active, cook, hang by the pool with friends, hike, and travel! 

​Three things on your bucket list
Go on a mission trip with my son, run a marathon, and shoot surfers in the ocean
 

• What inspired you to get into the photography field?

My family has always loved art.  I picked up my first camera in high school and have never put it down.  I love capturing the fleeting moments in life and creating memories for the families that I work with.

• Tell me more about your dance and model teams.  What specifically do they do?

My ambassador team consists of twelve ballet dancers who also model.  In addition to helping boost their portfolio, they help me by spreading word about my business and help create promotional pieces throughout the year.

• Where are you planning on going for your destination shoots, and what are you planning on doing there besides photoshoots?

I am planning to take some of my ambassadors to Austin, TX, White Sands, NM, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.  I will be focusing on shooting while I am at these locations.
 

• How do you boost your client’s confidence, and what do you love about getting to do this?

Several of my clients have never done a photoshoot before coming to me.  I do a video or in person consultation before the date of the shoot. During the consultation, we discuss the type of the shoot, outfits, poses, location vs. studio, and how the shoot would go.  This helps break the ice and bring in a level of relaxation and comfort with the client.  I love seeing the excitement on their faces as the shoot comes together.  

• If you could learn from any photographer or business mentor, who would it be?

I would love to spend time with and learn from Rachelle Neville in New York
 

• Favorite image:  It is hard to pick one favorite but this one is definitely in the tops:

• Other than photography, how do you spend your time?

When I am not doing photography, I am either doing social media marketing or baking.
 

• Do you photograph anything other than teens? If so, what?

I photograph teens and younger children:

• Three things on your bucket list

I have a few locations on my bucket list.  There are a couple of locations along the coastline in California and in New York that I would love to shoot.  I would love to take a couple of people either overseas or to a beautiful national park for a fun photoshoot.
 

Tell us about your model program.
I started my model team program in 2016, the year my daughter graduated from high school. Why? I wanted to try something new. I feel like my model team shoots are the ones I can really get creative in, I can try new things, new equipment, etc. I always start with a group shoot with the entire team. I love watching them bond and come together as a team! I always give them an exclusive SHP Model Team t-shirt that I design and we always end the year with a College T-shirt/Cap & Gown session together.
I’m not really changing anything as far as the program goes. I try to come up with new ideas for shoots each year. I go through their applications looking for inspiration based on things they do, like, etc. Going off of testimonies I’ve recently received, I know the girls love meeting people from several different schools. They love to be creative and do extra shoots beyond their senior session. 

How did you get your first model?
When I first started, most of the people came to me through some association from my daughter and many I asked to participate...I chose them, with a few exceptions. What I love more about my teams now is that most of the girls choose me. Most I don’t know, or have had little interaction with beforehand, but end up being incredibly close with.
​
What goals do you have for your model team?
I don’t really set goals for my model team other than to capture really fun, creative images. When I started it, it was almost a chore making sure people were posing, tagging, etc. Now, other than having fun, I would say the goal would be to reach more people through the images captured. I learned a long time ago that I wanted members to come to me, to want to participate; otherwise it would be more work than it was worth. I post on social media when applications will be opening and want it to be the senior (or juniors actually) responsibility to complete the application...not the parent! I want to know this is something they want and are excited about. That said, I always include parents in all correspondence. 

Tell us about project beauty.
I had my first Project Beauty shoot this year. Project Beauty is a no makeup, no retouching campaign. High school and college students participate in a make-up free photoshoot celebrating each individual’s natural beauty. Its mission is to free participants from the idea of perfection leaving them empowered to not only feel confident about themselves, but to embrace the flaws that make them so uniquely beautiful.Our PB20 campaign got interrupted by Covid-19 and we had to finish everything virtually, but the impact was amazing! So rewarding to see these young ladies take a minute to stop and realize their true beauty! 

 What was your background before photography?
I was an Office Manager and Business Consultant. 

How/why did you get started in photography?
I’ve always loved taking pictures and being creative. For many years, I sold scrapbooking supplies. Making my own albums inspired me to learn how to take better pictures. When my son was a senior, I took his pictures, his friends, and eventually it spread further and further. 

What would you say is your favorite part/s about being a photographer in general?
I love working with high school seniors, learning their personality, their quirks, what makes them uniquely special and capturing that in their images. 

Do you work alone or with a team? What are the pros about this choice?
My daughter is my assistant and goes to most shoots with me. I will work alone but prefer to have her there. I call her my Master of Light. She can find light with the reflector in the worst circumstances...much better than I can! Pros: two eyes are better than one. I can focus on the senior while she focuses on making sure I have what I need and also helps chat with the moms and answer their questions. 

Do you have a studio or primarily shoot on location? (Or both?) What have been some pros and cons for this?
I do have a small, home studio that I use mainly for headshots or model team shoots but primarily work on location. Pros: I love being on location because the backdrop opportunities are endless. Cons: northeast Ohio weather is extremely unpredictable, and you can only work about six months out of the year...seven if you’re lucky. 

Did you go to school for photography or where would you say you got most of your photography education?
I went to business school but have taken many classes on photography, but I would say I’ve learned more from other photographers at workshops than any class I’ve ever taken. I do take advantage of as much training as I can find time for. But all the classes and workshops don’t help if you don’t practice so I always try new things and continue to try to improve every time I shoot. 

Tell us about your model program. 
I started my model team in 2018 for the class of 2019, so this is only the start of my 3rd year. I think like most studios, I started a model team as a way to market my senior portrait studio. I wanted a new way to build my business and get my name in the community. I realized my style and approach to photography was different from the other studios within my area. I'm not traditional— I make each session very personal and I approach this more as an overall experience. I thought the best way to show my vision was to recruit girls that wanted an over-the-top portrait experience. I also wanted to create more business-to-business connections that could benefit other small businesses in my area. Lastly, and most importantly, I wanted to create a program that would help empower young women. These kids are growing up in a social media saturated environment where everything appears to be perfect and they can't escape who they think they're supposed to be online. I have chosen to encourage these girls (who are from different schools) to come into this program and just be themselves. Celebrate their differences. And understand that this group is a clean slate and a safe place for them to just be who they are.
Every year we start with the Headshot session and pizza party. I invite the team to the studio all at the same time, put out snacks and beverages, encourage them to mingle, and one by one I'm taking their personal headshots for their rep cards. This is a great opportunity for my girls to get to know one another and for me to learn more about each one in a stress free environment. They have a ton of fun and by the end they've exchanged snapchat information and all the nerves are gone. I encourage them to chat on social media and get to know one another. This gives them another group to lean on when maybe their other circle of friends are not being so supportive.
 Every year I have 5 different stylized sessions planned. Depending on which level the girls choose to be involved, we plan and style them accordingly. I try to come up with something new for each year. However, in at least one of the stylized shoots I ask the girls to give me something about themselves that makes them unique, describes them, or is maybe an obstacle they've had to overcome. I then create something around their idea that's super personal to them. I want to celebrate what makes them different and enforce that being different is okay and is beautiful.
This year I have expanded my program to include a "Dude Crew". I have 3 young men that have signed up to be involved in this experience and I'm already blown away by their energy and excitement.
My model team from the past would all say they LOVE the crazy stylized photoshoots. Of course, they love being pampered in hair and makeup and doing crazy themes. However, I've always heard this from not only my team but their parents:
Mandi was an amazing mentor to my daughter! She had a once in a lifetime opportunity that resulted in stunning pictures, new friends, and a new-found confidence that will carry her into college and beyond!
Candid crew is a once in a lifetime opportunity that has changed my life greatly! I have gained both confidence and another family by being a part of the crew.
When I started this program I had hoped it would be more than just pretty pictures. I truly wanted to help build these girls up over the course of a year. I'm so humbled to have such amazing feedback from my girls and their moms to hear I've helped prepare them to entire their next chapter with a new found confidence and love for themselves. That makes this all worth my time and energy. My biggest goal for the 2021 team is to successfully include my Dude Crew into the mix and hope that I can have the same effect on these young men as I do my young ladies. In regards to recruiting new team members for the following year, I'm lucky enough to say that I post a model call and get an amazing response. I do take any recommendations from a previous model team member very seriously. My past models know what I expect from a rep team member and they're very open with who they think would be a good representation for not only my studio but a great fit for the team.
Last year was the first year I held a Tween Model team and I had a huge response. I wasn't expecting to get as many applications as I did. It was a crazy experience working with a younger group. They certainly bring a lot of energy and they're so excited to be on a shoot. What I found interesting about my tween team is they were more open about what they were concerned about or self conscious about going into the program and they were also more willing to be crazy and different. I was lucky enough to have 7 girls and 1 boy who all supported one another amazingly well throughout the program. I plan to do another tween team in the future. 

​What was your background before photography?
I've been shooting photography for 11 years and full time for the past 6 years. However, my background is in Interactive Media and Design. I've designed everything from website, software, interactive training for the D.O.D, to museum exhibits, and even motocross graphics. I think my very broad design background has helped to bolster my creativity in my photography business. 

​How/why did you get started in photography?
My start in photography was because I wanted to give a family member something special as a gift during a very difficult time in their life. I realized doing this impromptu shoot how much I loved the fact that a single portrait could be so completely priceless. I was giving a gift that they'd be able to cherish forever. After that I was hooked. I loved the art aspect as much as I loved the emotion behind capturing the portrait and then delivering. This was my start but my decision to go full time and put my all into my studio is because of my mom. In 2014 my mom suffered a stroke. My mom and I have always had a close relationship but when this happened it made me realize how precious time is with our family. I wanted to be in charge of how I spent my life and my time. Going full time was always the ultimate goal but this event made me realize that life is now and to do what's important and what I love for those I love. So, for 6 months after her stroke, I moved in with my mom and helped her get stronger and rehabilitated. I left the 9 to 5 world, became my own boss, made my own hours, and spent time with those that meant the most to me. 

​Do you work alone or with a team? What are the pros about this choice?
I'm a lone photographer but I have an amazing team that helps behind the scenes. My mom is actually my assistant, she would say gopher, but I couldn't run a big shoot without her. I have an amazing hair and makeup team for my large stylized shoots that are the backbone to helping make all my crazy ideas to life! I think having a supportive group of people around you and being able to rely on them to help you create the ultimate goal is vital to being successful. The most important thing is always communication.

​Do you have a studio or primarily shoot on location? (Or both?)
What have been some pros and cons for this? Two years in August, I moved into my big, new, beautiful studio space. I love having the option of shooting indoors and out. Before having a studio, I was predominately on location and living in Wisconsin; this really stifled my shooting season. Not everyone wants to freeze for portraits in the snow. I think having the versatility of both is absolutely key for me. I used to think the only way I could be creative and think outside the box was to shoot on-location. However, now having the space it's pushing me to be even more creative and test my technique. I'm always learning and I love that challenge. Having the flexibility is awesome too! 

​Did you go to school for photography or where would you say you got most of your photography education?
I didn't go to school specifically for photography, however, I had photography courses to obtain my degree. Frankly, if I wouldn't have been so focused on getting done with my BA as quickly as possible, I would have minored in photography. I really enjoyed it when I was in school but at the time I thought that web design and interactive design was the right way to go for a stable financial future. I think if I would have been more comfortable to lead with my heart and passion, I would have gone for photography and marketing. My learning and education specifically for photography has been through online workshops, mentorships, conferences, as well as trial and error. I think it's important in this industry to have a desire to continue to improve your skills and techniques. 

What inspires you?
Over the course of my career, I've had several people ask me this question. It always seemed like I had a different answer depending on where I was at within my career. Starting out I would mention photographers or other artists I loved. Then It would be a trend or new style that's gaining hype on the internet. I think it's wonderful to admire other artists or really find the emotion in something new that sparks your interest. However, in the past few years I've tried to drown out some of the noise. I wanted to be me when it came down to creating. Not to say I haven't continued to learn, be mentored, and take workshops from amazing photographers but I have found I'm now more excited to make it my own. I love finding a location that is a challenge or to others is hideous and, through how I see it, making it desirable and unexpected. I often tell my seniors, "I have all these crazy ideas running around in my mind and I've brought you all here to help them come to life". I love being inspired by everyday life or taking a concept and figuring out how I can turn it up a notch to make it into a fairytale. I guess my inspiration truly comes from the fire and passion that my clients give me, especially my seniors. I think I've opened the door to allow them to challenge me and I'm always game.


Mandi has had teens featured in multiple issues and as of 5/4/200 has had two scholarship winners in issues 31 and 32 with Sophia Sander $1000 and Kristen Lee $500, and a cover win from issue 31 with Sophia Sander!