Lots of people ask how long I have been shooting, and the answer is: a long time! I shot my first wedding at age 17, and signed my first commercial storefront lease at 18. I received my Commercial Photography degree though Hennepin Technical College, back when film was the only medium and the smell of developer meant that you were about to see your photos for the first time! I also have a Master Photographer degree through Professional Photographers of America, which is attained through education, receiving merits for images or albums submitted to international competition, and through speaking/teaching photography. I’m also a Certified Professional Photographer, which is awarded through a portfolio submission and peer review process as well as written exam on technical photographic knowledge.