About | LENS & LIGHT

My Story

From Curious Eye
to Crafted Vision

Photography found me before I found it. Growing up in the midwest, I was always drawn to the light — the way it slanted through barn windows on August afternoons, the way it turned a puddle into a mirror. My first camera was a beat-up 35mm borrowed from my father's closet.

What started as a hobby became a calling. After studying visual arts at the University of Minnesota, I founded Lens & Light in 2024 with a singular mission: capture the moments that words can't hold.

Today I work with brands, creatives, and individuals who believe a photograph is never just a picture — it's a permanent record of something real.

My Philosophy

◈

Authenticity Above All

The most powerful photograph is one where the subject forgot the camera was there. I work to create an environment of trust and ease — not because it's a technique, but because I genuinely believe the best version of a person exists when they feel seen and safe.

No artifice. No excessive posing. Just you, the light, and the truth of the moment.

"Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we should be."

◉

Light is the Language

Every photograph is ultimately a study in light. I spend more time thinking about light than any other variable — the quality, direction, color temperature, how it wraps around a subject, how it renders shadow.

Whether natural or artificial, controlled or chaotic, light is what separates a snapshot from a photograph.

"Photography is the art of frozen light."

◎

Every Shoot is a Partnership

I don't shoot at people — I shoot with them. My process begins long before the camera comes out: we talk, we plan, we align on vision. The subject or client is always a creative equal in that room.

The result is work that feels personal because it is — crafted together, not imposed from behind a lens.

"Great photography is a collaboration between two people: the one looking through the lens and the one being seen."

◆

Relentless Excellence

From the first email to the final delivered gallery, every interaction is treated as a reflection of the work. Gear is maintained, deadlines are honored, edits are meticulous.

Clients shouldn't have to wonder. They should know — with certainty — that every detail has been cared for.

"Quality is not an act — it is a habit."

The Journey

2018

First Frame

Shot my first roll of 35mm film on a borrowed Canon AE-1. Developed it in a friend's makeshift darkroom. Three frames were in focus. I was hooked.

2019

University of Minnesota

Enrolled in the Visual Arts program. Shot for the campus newspaper, second-shot weddings on weekends, and spent every free afternoon in the photo lab.

2021

First Published Work

A portrait series on Minneapolis street musicians was picked up by a regional arts magazine. Fourteen pages. It felt like everything.

2022

Studio Internship

Spent a year assisting a commercial photography studio, learning lighting, client management, and post-production workflow at a professional scale.

2023

First Solo Exhibition

Midwest Portraits — a 30-print exhibition at a Northeast Minneapolis gallery. Sold out opening night. Built a waiting list for commissions.

2024

Lens & Light Founded

Launched the studio with a clear vision: bring editorial-quality photography to portrait and commercial clients who deserve nothing less.

Kind Words

"Working with Lens & Light was unlike any photo experience I've had. I walked away with images I'll treasure forever — and the process felt effortless."

Sarah M. Portrait Client, 2024

"The editorial shoot for our campaign exceeded every expectation. The photographer understood our brand DNA immediately and delivered stunning work on a tight deadline."

Marcus T. Creative Director, Local Brand

"I was nervous about being photographed — I always am. But by the second hour I forgot the camera existed. That's the magic of how this studio works."

Priya K. Portrait Client, 2024

"The final gallery was delivered ahead of schedule, beautifully edited, and exactly what we envisioned. Booking again for our fall campaign without question."

Jordan L. Marketing Manager

Seeing the World Through a Lens

From Curious Eye
to Crafted Vision

Expertise &
Craft

My Philosophy

Authenticity Above All

Light is the Language

Every Shoot is a Partnership

Relentless Excellence

The Journey

First Frame

University of Minnesota

First Published Work

Studio Internship

First Solo Exhibition

Lens & Light Founded

The Kit

Cameras

Lenses

Lighting

Post-Production

Kind Words

Let's Make Something
Remarkable

From Curious Eyeto Crafted Vision

Expertise &Craft

My Philosophy

Authenticity Above All

Light is the Language

Every Shoot is a Partnership

Relentless Excellence

The Journey

First Frame

University of Minnesota

First Published Work

Studio Internship

First Solo Exhibition

Lens & Light Founded

The Kit

Cameras

Lenses

Lighting

Post-Production

Kind Words

Let's Make SomethingRemarkable

From Curious Eye
to Crafted Vision

Expertise &
Craft

Let's Make Something
Remarkable