For Mill Creek residents, Jason and Anika, photography began as a personal passion and grew into a shared creative journey. Jason had long pursued photography as a hobby, while Anika expressed her creativity through watercolor, oil painting, clothing design, and DIY projects. When their interests began to overlap, they started exploring professional photography together, trying everything from sports to portraits to weddings. What drew them in was the emotional power of photography. “Photos turn moments into memories,” they explain. “You can’t possibly remember every detail of your life, but a single photo can bring it all back.”

Working as a married couple in business is a natural fit for them. “We’re one of those couples who are obsessed with each other,” they joke. “The kids think it’s cringeworthy, but we love it.” Whether they’re commuting to shoots or editing side-by-side into the night, they find joy in building something together. Balance isn’t always perfect. They’ve been known to stay up late editing or turn a vacation into a working trip, but since it’s something they love, it never feels like a burden.

Each brings unique strengths to the business. Jason gravitates toward tightly framed portraits that are ideal for headshots and senior photos, while Anika excels at wide-angle compositions that incorporate the surrounding environment. Jason handles the gear, from researching to hauling it, while Anika leads the editing process with a creative eye and deep understanding of client expectations. Together, they form a balanced and collaborative team. Although they shoot a wide range of subjects, they specialize in portraits.

Photos range from business headshots to maternity sessions to senior portraits to weddings. “People want professional photos during life’s big moments,” they explain. “We’re capturing growth, transitions, and the love that surrounds them.” One unforgettable moment came during a senior session at Mukilteo Lighthouse. After showing the client a preview on the camera, they were surprised by her emotional reaction. “She looked stunned,” they recall. “We asked if she wanted something different, and she started to tear up. She said, ‘These are amazing. I’ve never seen myself look like that before.’” It was a reminder that even in a selfie-saturated generation, professional photography can provide a powerful sense of self-worth.

From the first inquiry to the final delivery, Jason and Anika emphasize a client-first approach. Most clients have seen their work on Instagram, TikTok, or their website, which sets the tone. Their process starts with a consultation designed to feel like a relaxed conversation, something they describe as a “happy hour among friends.” They discuss everything from style preferences and outfit coordination to weather plans and photo inspiration. Anika often creates color palettes for sessions, while Jason connects easily with photo-reluctant participants, especially the dads or boyfriends, helping everyone feel comfortable and included. The actual shoot is all about having fun and being natural. Their editing process is streamlined and timely. Photos are typically delivered within two weeks. “Nobody wants to wait months for their photos,” they say. “We want clients to be excited, not anxious.”

What sets their style apart is authenticity. They aim to capture clients in beautiful lighting and soft backgrounds while using a light editing hand to maintain natural skin tones and real expressions. “When you look back years from now, we want you to see you, not a photoshopped version of you,” thTheir approach to posing, called “posed-candid,” gives clients structure and guidance while allowing for spontaneity. They often demonstrate the poses themselves to keep things light and approachable.

To stay creatively inspired, they experiment with new techniques and gear. “Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, but it keeps things fresh,” they say. Recent creative ventures have included shutter drag, light painting, fog machines, and switching up lenses for different effects. They also stay current with photography trends on social media, like the recent surge in nighttime flash portraits, and attend photography conferences to stay sharp and inspired.

Their biggest piece of advice for couples starting a business together? Communicate. “You need to give and receive feedback from your partner, even when it’s hard,” they emphasize. “But once you’ve worked through that, being a couple becomes a major advantage.” During events like weddings, their ability to communicate nonverbally and anticipate each other’s actions gives them an edge other teams may lack.

Looking ahead, they have exciting goals. They’re exploring ways to modernize school photography using technology to enhance aesthetics and offer more image choices for families. They also aim to make high-quality action sports photography more accessible by partnering with local schools and athletic programs. And one day, they dream of becoming destination photographers, bringing their craft to beautiful locations across the country and world when the timing is right for their family.

Until then, they’ll continue capturing the milestones that matter most, with a style rooted in artistry, emotion, and authenticity.