I get so many messages every day asking questions about me, what I do, how I got started, etc.  Here are the answers :)  If you have any other questions, please reply to this blog and I'll add them!


Q: How long have you been doing photography?
A: I got my first digital point-and-shoot right after I graduated high school in 2004.  I used it for MySpace mirror pictures (ha) and taking pictures of flowers and stuff at my grandparents' farm.  Nothing exciting.  I bought my first "real" camera (a Canon Rebel XTi) in early 2007 and started doing music photography towards the end of the year.

Q: How did you get started?
A: I've been doing graphic and web design for over a decade, and have always been REALLY into music.  I've been a part of tons of street teams, and designed/ran the official website for a musician named Tyler Hilton in 2004-2005.  After that I started designing more websites for musicians, and when MySpace started becoming bigger, I began designing MySpace profiles for bands (in late 2005).  Some of the musicians that I worked with asked if I could take pictures for their websites and MySpace profiles, too...so I started out doing that with my point-and-shoot and eventually decided to buy a "real" camera so I could pursue it more.

Q: You've been doing graphic and web design for over a decade?!  How old are you?  Because you look like you're 17!
A: I know.  I get carded at Blockbuster when renting rated-R movies, and I get carded every time I go to the Mall of America on a weekend to make sure I'm over 16.  I will be 24 in September.

Q: How did you "get yourself out there"?
A: Since I was already working with bands, I already had a lot of contacts.  I've always loved going to shows, and when I started doing photography I went to at least 3 shows a week for the sole purpose of networking.  I'd make a point of meeting anyone and everynoe that I could, I'd have my camera so people would know that I was interested in photography, and I would shoots bands' sets to give me another reason to stay in contact with them.  I offered to do free shoots for friends' bands as I was getting started.  I did a shoot with my friends Linden in February of 2008, and once people started seeing those photos, I was being contacted constantly.  I quit my "real" job in July of 2008 and have been doing this ever since!

Q: What was your "real" job?
A: I worked for the Minnesota Department of Health for two years.  I sat in a cubicle, did data entry, answered phones, proof-read/edited/finalized legal documents, and other fascinating stuff like that.  It was a good job and I got paid really well, but I was not interested in it whatsoever.  I tried to do that AND photography/design, but I eventually got too worn out with trying to do it all.  I hated that I could only schedule shoots during the evening and on weekends.

Q: What kind of equipment do you use?
A: For two years I had a Canon Rebel XTi.  In May I bought a Canon 5D Mark II, which I am absolutely in love with.  My primary lenses are a Canon 85mm f/1.8 and a Canon 24mm f/2.8.  I use AlienBees for lighting.

Q: Do you have a studio?
A: I do not have a studio, but have portable lighting equipment that allows me to shoot anywhere & everywhere.

Q: What do you use to edit your photos?
A: I use Photoshop CS3 for all of my editing.

Q: We have the same camera but my photos don't look like yours.  Why?
A: There is SO much more to photography than the camera body itself.  The camera, the lens, the lighting (natural and artificial), the composition of the shot, the editing...all play huge factors in how a photo looks.

Q: Do you know Owl City?  What's he like?  Can you give me his phone number?
A: Yes, I've known Adam for over a year.  He's a super cool guy and has awesome music.  I've been privileged to work with him on a few occasions, and am excited to see how things go with him once his album is released.  And no, I will not give you his phone number.

Q: Who is your favorite band?
A: I have a really eclectic taste in music.  I work with a lot of pop artists, but listen to more indie stuff.  Some of my favorite bands are Lydia, The Dear Hunter, The New Frontiers, Weaver At The Loom, The Reign Of Kindo, and Barcelona.  NeverShoutNever is my guilty pleasure... :)

Q: Who has been your favorite band to work with?
A: I've had the privilege to work with some really awesome people over the past year and a half.  I always have a blast when doing shoots with Linden (I've done 5 shoots with them, I believe) because they're so stylish, photogenic, and just a lot of fun to be around.  Last summer I did a shoot with a band called We The Living and it's still one of my favorite shoots to date.  It was one of the first shoots I did with my lighting equipment, and the guys were so good looking, well-dressed, and fun.  They are now some of my best friends and I've done a lot of work with them in the past year, as a result of that first shoot.  I've done four shoots with my good friend Represent and we always have a freaking awesome time.  The last two shoots have been totally ridiculous, and we spend most of the time laughing.  I love it!

Q: Do you do senior pictures?
A: Yes I do!  Message me if you'd like more information!

Q: Will you travel outside of Minnesota/Wisconsin for shoots?
A: Absolutely, assuming my travel expenses are paid!  If you live in another state and want me to come do a shoot for you, I'd suggest trying to find a couple of other bands in your area that would also like to book me, so you can split the travel expenses.  :)

Q: Do you have a boyfriend?
A: Yes, I do :)  His name is Adam and he is amazing.  <3

Q: Did you go to school for photography or take any classes?  How'd you learn how to use your lighting equipment?
I attempted to go to college for graphic design...twice.  It didn't work out too well either time.  And I've never taken any photo classes!  I'm self-taught in pretty much anything I've ever done in life.  If I've ever wanted to learn how to do something, I've just...figured it out.  Google is my best friend.  If I ever have a question about anything, I just Google (or Wikipedia) it haha.  I learned about lighting by reading different blogs and websites, by being observant of what other photographers in the same field and with similar equipment used, and just by trial & error.  My good friend Jules Ameel has "assisted" me at a bunch of shoots, which was basically him telling me things about lighting and techniques that I never knew, and giving me tips on how to improve...without making me feel dumb :)  He's amazing.  :)

Q: Is Stephen Jerzak as cute in person as he is in the pictures you've taken of him?
A: Nope.  It's all Photoshop.  :)