As always, we’re Stoke’d you’re here! I remember the days before Google when the local library was the best resource for learning new things. Books are great, don’t get me wrong – we have come a long way. In just a few hours, we can learn what it may have taken several months to acquire through formal education. I have the honor to work in an industry that has no secrets. Collaboratively we have created a community dedicated to raising the standard and removing the walls of competition. We don’t have to be lonely and isolated hiding behind our computer screens comparing ourselves to others anymore. I hope this page offers greater insight into who we are and what we believe! We have been encouraged and inspired by others and we hope we can do the same for you!

ONA Bowery Camera Bag (Canvas, Smoke)

ONA The Union Street Camera Bag

Lowepro Flipside 500 AW Backpack (Black)

Canon 5D Mark III (3)

Fujifilm X100S Digital Camera (Black)

Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L USM Lens

Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L USM Lens

Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM Lens

Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM Lens

Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM Lens

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens

PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Slave Transmitter for Canon E-TTL & E-TTL II Systems

PocketWizard FlexTT5 Transceiver Radio Slave for Canon E-TTL II System

PocketWizard PowerMC2 Receiver Module

Canon ST-E3-RT Speedlite Transmitter

JAMES:

I, James, grew up on a dairy farm. It was the greatest childhood a kid could ask for, but I knew very early on that I was called serve people. My father was an amateur photographer who collected old cameras and lenses and my grandfather was an oil painter. I guess I just combined to two to create my own art. Film and darkrooms are very much a part of my past, however, being a computer geek has allowed me to fully embrace digital photography and all it has to offer.

It has been an incredible blessing to pursue my calling and love for others through photography. Being able to tell authentic stories through timeless photographs is part of the WHY I get out of bed each morning, but it is bigger than that. As a father of five, I don’t really get a choice.  My children have shown me how precious and fleeting life is. In the beautiful controlled chaos that is our life, I am reminded of the BIG PICTURE through small intimate moments we so often forget without the help of photographs. I am reminded to be THANKFUL for everything I have been given.

I believe that God can use something as simple as a photograph to repair a marriage, enhance a family, or tell a story nearly forgotten.

My perfect day is spent on the water or exploring the great American west. Utah and Wisconsin are my favorite places on earth and if I could live in a tree house I would. I dream of owning a Tiny House and living off the land. If I wasn’t living the American dream, I would be caring for orphans and widows (James 1:27). A prayer and dream I believe will one day come true.

OUR STYLE:

Since we live in the Northwoods, we embrace all that nature has to offer! In two words, I would describe our esthetic as Rustic Romance. We absolutely love the outdoors & barn weddings, much like our own! We like when our faces hurt after photographing two people desperately in love. Katie and I are fueled by moments filled with laughter and genuine emotion that are both fun and romantic. We want the images we capture to feel fresh and original having an organic feel. We are drawn to the look, feel, and cohesiveness of film. Katie and I try to replicate this in our work by using wide-open apertures, natural light, and warm creamy skin tones.

The combination of documenting and stylizing allows us to blend the art of photojournalism and beauty that is fine art photography. We push ourselves to be creative and adventurous and if that means risking getting a little dirty, wading in lake Michigan, or standing in a canoe, so be it.

OUR FAVORITE LENSES:

JAMES: 85L & 35 L
KATIE: 50L & 70-200 2.8

OUR FAVORITE DESTINATION WEDDING:

Dublin, Ireland
We dream of traveling back to the Emerald Isle as well and Ireland & the UK. Both Katie and I have British & Irish roots!

WHAT DO YOU WANT YOUR VIEWERS TO TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR WORK?

 We want our photographs to feel alive! While they exist in two dimensions we want them to exude a feeling, a memory, nostalgia. We do this by curating photographs that fit our personal esthetic and personal criteria. We want our images to both tell a story but also be a cohesive body of work. Each image needs to lead into the next all the while being able to stand-alone as a piece of art. Our goal is to design an album for our clients that will stand the test of time. Shooting with this in mind allows us to systematically approach a wedding day, which actually gives us the freedom to try new things!