Shanty Dolans, the brain-child of 3 incredible brothers, used to be a dive bar on a pseudo-sketchy corner on the outskirts of downtown Reno. Enter the eclectic and ever so imaginative trio that is Nate, Breck + Shane (who also happen to be high school chums of mine), and you now have a killer watering hole to grab a pint, a shot, take in the latest football game, or saunter up to the bar in costume during one of their many themed live music events. All expertly done with the styling of their Irish heritage taking you back in time to Dolan history and the great-grandfather who inspired the name.

At Shanty Dolan’s you are always welcome and nothing is ever considered ‘over the top’. They serve strong drinks alongside even stronger friendships and the vintage vibe will not disappoint.

Shot on location at Shanty Dolan’s in Reno, NV…(at a nightly hour that was bordering morning). 2022

Shot on location in what is personally deemed ‘the creepy forest’ and the icy waters of Donner Lake, CA. With the ever-serious and seriously moody trio of men that is Justin, Kevin and Joel of the band Big Amygdala.

These dudes are so legit. Their musical talent is off the charts and the lyrics to their original songs, written by Justin McMahon + Joel Ackerson, are poignant, emotive, and full of real life personal stories. They are mysterious and deep and toy with the mainstream epidemic of toxic masculinity while wearing their feelings on their sleeve. The catch22 is intentional and powerful.

As individuals, they are good-natured and funny and artsy and thoughtful and brainy. As a team, they are unstoppable and adventurous and willing to do pretty much anything for a shoot…including getting in an icy-cold body of water in their Sunday best.

Project shot for first marketing release in 2024.

The groundwork for this beautiful project was being laid far before my involvement in it. Gudrun Johnston, the creator of this knitwear book ( and offspring of Patricia Johnston, the founder of a made-to-order knitwear business run in the 1970’s in the Shetland Islands of Scotland) has published two books previous to this one and has been knitting since she was a child. The concept for this book came as a nod to the aforementioned heritage and as a way to make these vintage heirloom patterns available to the growing community of knitters worldwide.  

The culmination of multiple vision gatherings and styling sessions was a full day shoot on a sweltering 105 degree August day. God bless our models for being willing to sweat it out in full length wool in order to achieve the desired Autumn vibe.

Shot on location in Reno, NV at Sierra Water Gardens and styled by Tessa Dee Miller of The Nest.

Book published by Pom Pom Mag

Additional book background excerpt:

“Gudrun Johnston joins forces with Pom Pom Press for the latest instalment of her Shetland Trader series. This third volume explores the very roots of the series: the made-to-order knitwear business run in the 1970s by Patricia Johnston, Gudrun's mother, which operated as The Shetland Trader.

Through archival research and a network of family, friends and fibre enthusiasts, Gudrun has unearthed some of her mother's best-loved designs and updated them for contemporary knitters. This collection contains 11 patterns for garments and accessories. Use them to create seventies-inspired dream ensembles as well as timeless heirloom pieces incorporating Shetland knitting techniques and motifs.

The Shetland Trader, Book Three: Heritage asks us to consider the traditions and fabrics we pass on to those we love, and the stories and wishes knit into every stitch.”

Nestled in the coastal foothills of the Del Mar Mesa community in San Diego, this family-owned and family friendly horse ranch is home to beginning riders and medal winners alike. Children of all ages are welcome here. They learn everything there is to know about caring for, riding and jumping horses all while under the glorious Southern California sun.

Shot on location at Del Mar Meadows Equestrian Center.

Shot for mbartstudios

I first met Mary in a juice shop in Truckee, CA. There was no meet + greet awkwardness, no chatting about the weather. She is authentic, unassuming and artsy + approaches life on a deeper level than most of us live it day to day. Her wares are beautiful; the story of her entrance into the art world even more so. mbartstudios is the perfect mix match of a husband wife duo making all of these porcelain products by hand in their garage. They are the real deal, folks.

Shot in the home studio of mbartstudios in Reno, NV, 2019.

During a super quick break between sound check and go time, I got the privilege of pointing a camera at this group of dudes. And, let me tell you, they are far more than just pretty faces. Headed up by the musical prodigy, keyboardist and ring leader, Eric Henry Andersen, the talent embodied in the other 4 musicians, Lucas, Kevin, Beau + Aaron are an irreplaceable part to the band as a whole. Their collaborative sound is phenomenal.

Playing in multiple iterations of different bands and different genres of music, both originals and cover songs, it is quite literally a privilege to get to share moments with them on and off stage.

Promo shots on location at the Cantaloupe Festival in Fallon, NV. 2024

Shot on location in downtown Truckee, CA, for Kalifornia Jean Bar in 2020.

Originally intended as just a product shoot for social media, this upstairs little attic turned into a make-shift rustic studio full of beautiful window light, wonderful outfits, and even more wonderful souls.

Featuring the latest arrivals in premium denim from popular brands such as Citizens of Humanity, Mother Denim, Moussy, Amo, Frame, Closed, L'Agence and Levi’s, this family owned business is for more than a jean bar. They connect classic lines and tailored pieces with warm leather, chunky knit and a little bit of that mountain vibe, carrying everything you would need to complete your wardrobe from top to bottom including all the accessories.  

Store locations in Truckee + Napa. Owned by Christy Hall.

Shot for A Subtle Revelry’s Halloween Edition.

I never realized how much my life lacked revelry until I started shooting monthly with this crew. Each shoot was packed with color, kids and a lot of confetti + I never left the studio with anything but a smile on my face.

A Subtle Revelry is everything but subtle. A colorful and fun kick in the pants to get yourself DIY’ing like crazy. Filled with holiday, party, food and decor tips, this is the. best. blog to follow if you need to add some celebration to your life.

Shot in A Subtle Revelry studio (AKA the home of the owner, Victoria) in Reno, NV, August 2016 (because people are already thinking about Halloween the day their kids go back to school).

Shot for Kea Peak

When you get the chance to borrow a classic vintage Land Cruiser to go off roading for a photoshoot, do it! This beautiful beast of a vehicle was the perfect shooting companion to a day spent climbing and adventuring at Moon Rocks in the Nevada desert.

The only better thing was wearing these visors.

Oh, and these boss ladies. They are pretty great, too.

This badass new brand of visors is a woman specific start-up company that is totally going places. Founded by Abby Morten in Reno, NV, this homegrown lady boss has pioneered a modern version of the popular 90’s visor. A trucker hat, visor mix-match hand sewn by women for women. And they didn’t even ask the dudes. Pull up your locks, pull on a visor and slay. Because messy buns are less a fashion statement and more a war cry to get things done. #upyourvisorgame #freethebun

Shot on location at Pyramid Lake, NV.

A collaboration with Bespoke, Truckee + The Nest, Reno and blessed by the presence of The Depot whiskey on a brisk autumn evening.

You couldn’t have picked a better time and place for this shoot. Thanks to the styling genius that is Tessa Dee Miller of The Nest.

Shot on location in a rustic old barn in Verdi, NV, 2017.

A collaboration with Bespoke, Truckee + The Nest, Reno.

It was the most magical of afternoons. No frills, no agendas, no preplanned styling. Just show up ready to make some pictures. We’ll figure it out on the fly.

And we did just that. In a grassy field on a farm with beautiful products and even more beautiful people, you can’t really go wrong.

Shot on location on the Sierraville farm owned and operated by the same owners and operators of Bespoke. Some darn tootin’ real life folk that I just can’t get enough of.

Shoot featured in the November 2017 issue of Reno Tahoe Tonight Magazine.

Shot for The Nest in Reno, NV.

An impromptu ‘Back To School’ inventory shoot turned into a giggle filled dress-up party. These high school seniors had so much fun donning vintage clothes they swore they would never go back to leggings and crop tops again. Well, at least until tomorrow.

Printed in September 2017 for The Nest’s Fall Lookbooklet

Shot on location for KEA PEAK.

This badass new brand of visors is a woman specific start-up company that is totally going places. Founded by Abby Morten in Reno, NV, this homegrown lady boss has pioneered a modern version of the popular 90’s visor. A trucker hat, visor mix-match hand sewn by women for women. And they didn’t even ask the dudes. Pull up your locks, pull on a visor and slay. Because messy buns are less a fashion statement and more a war cry to get things done. #upyourvisorgame #freethebun

This inaugural shoot took place on location in Reno, NV when it was just still too damn cold and snowy to take the epic summer pictures we really wanted. But, business is business and we had to start somewhere!