I've had an interest in video and photography for as long as I can remember. But not in the typical "high school film club" way.. far too many pretentious boys in that crowd. Instead, I taught myself using my family's old point-and-shoot camera. I spent countless afternoons in my Iowa backyard convincing my friends and unsuspecting dog to be the stars of my short films and music video parodies (which unintentionally infringed on copyrights - oops! - and thankfully, are no longer on the internet).

But it wasn't until college that I realized my passion for video and photography was an expression of my love for storytelling. As I fell more and more in love with being behind the camera, I understood that it wasn't just about capturing the "perfect shot." It was about asking the right questions and truly connecting and engaging with others. After graduating, I caved to societal pressure and endured five agonizing years in the advertising industry (where I often found myself as one of the few, if not only, women in the video department). However, that's when I discovered weddings as a platform for visual and creative storytelling, and everything fell into place. During the week, I would suffer through my 9-5 job, but on weekends, I could use my background in photojournalism to document once-in-a-lifetime moments and preserve cherished memories for couples in love (leading to inevitable burnout).

Eventually, the job dilemma resolved itself - I was laid off in 2020 (thanks, COVID!!), relocated to freezing Minnesota in 2021 (still thawing out), and never looked back. I have been working full-time in my business ever since! When I'm not at a wedding or a couples' session, you can find me in the photo pit at a local concert venue (peep that work here), exploring a new brewery, or doting over a senior dog. At heart, I'm a goofy, music-obsessed, emo kid, and I'm so excited to meet you.

Hey, I’m Janet (dammit, you love me) — Your fav midwest photographer + filmmaker!