I was recently invited to join a small group of fellow creatives for a “walk and talk” with Tony Evers in Baraboo. We chatted with him about Wisconsin’s newly launched film office and tax credit program—an initiative designed to bring more film production and creative opportunities into our state.

It was so cool to be part of that conversation and to see firsthand the momentum building around supporting local filmmakers. What an exciting thing to have new chances for creative folks to make work in our state!

Find out more in David Grant’s article for 99.7 MAX FM, “Governor Evers to Visit La Crosse and Baraboo to Highlight Launch of New State Film Office and Tax Credit Program.”

SPRING HAS NEARLY SPRUNG: TIME TO BOOK YOUR OUTDOOR SHOOTS!

As a location scout, on-site photo shoots are one of my favorite things. Now that the warmer weather has already begun to creep back into Wisconsin, I’m ready to get out there and take some more photos!

Open Door Wellness is an invaluable resource in Wauwatosa. Offering holistic mental health services, bodywork, and movement classes, this space is good for the mind, body, and spirit. I’ve had the privilege of photographing most of the instructors, and it’s such a treat!

Robin has created a community that is caring, kind, and a safe space to relax and recenter oneself. She provides alignment-based instruction, encouraging students to adjust and rest freely to protect their bodies and personalize their practice. From meditation to breathwork, she uses music, holistic techniques, and defined patterns of rhythm to fully integrate the body, mind, and spirit.

“Open Door supports those who are ready for change and who may be seeking a more holistic approach to mental and physical wellness. We strive to help people reconnect with themselves by offering opportunities for individual and group therapy, mindfulness and meditation sessions, body and breathwork, and a variety of movement and other types of classes.”

If you’re interested in dance, tai chi, or yoga classes, their first class is always free. Treat yourself to a well-deserved healing massage, and a shoutout to their massage therapist, Sara, who has been wonderful to work with. This is a place you have to check out.

Find out more about Open Door Wellness here.

If you or your business requires a different style of portrait, sure to make you stand out, let’s get it on the books!

Schedule your photo shoot today!

UPCOMING ART SHOWS

Walker’s Point Center for the Arts

The Walker’s Point Center for the Arts member show is returning on April 17-May 22, 2026. I am so proud to be a member of this thriving arts community known for celebrating diverse voices and incredible talent in its space.

This year’s selection juror is renowned photographer Kevin Miyazaki. If you aren’t familiar with his work, make sure to check out his website: kevinmiyazaki.com.

This show is especially unique, as I will be showing two of the pieces that were selected for Wisconsin Craft’s Creative Playground show—a fine art event that I was honored to co-chair alongside my long-time friend and fellow artist Roxane Mayeur. Held at the Alverno College Art & Cultures Gallery, this was a memorable and meaningful opportunity for me, and I’m grateful I had the chance to be part of it. The piece shown above is titled “Stillness Within,” and was a collaboration with Roxane. The 3D mixed-media piece below, “Edna & Albert,” was a collaboration with Jen Arpin. Roxane and I even ended up getting featured on local Fox 6 News during their “Real Milwaukee” feature! View the interview here.

The WPCA 2026 Annual Members Show will be opening during Gallery Night MKE. Make sure to include it on your gallery-hopping agenda!

839 S 5th St | Milwaukee, WI 53204

3D mixed-media piece from Stephanie Bartz and Jen Arpin. Wisconsin fine art piece exhibited in the Wisconsin Craft Creative Playground show at Alverno College Art & Cultures Gallery.

OCONOMOWOC ARTS CENTER RECAP

Black-and-white photo of a woman who is the artist's mother as part of Stephanie Bartz Photography's "Women's Work" series.

I want to give another thank-you to the Oconomowoc Arts Center for asking me to show my Women’s Work series in their beautiful space. This ongoing body of work is my passion project, and I’ve been overjoyed with the positive reception it has gotten in many places over the years, including a permanent exhibition inside of MATC’s Mequon and Oak Creek campuses.

If you’re a woman working as an engineer, scientist, lawyer, in tech, as a police officer, prison guard, detective, electrician, or truck driver, please reach out! I want to continue expanding this project and celebrate all females working across these industries.

Find out more about this series here.

DID YOU FILE YOUR TAXES YET?

Speaking of women in male-dominated fields, I want to highlight the wonderful woman who does my taxes, Samantha Thistle Scheumann. As a freelancer, keeping up with the finance part is rough. I am always amazed at how helpful Samantha is, and I’m grateful for all she does to support me as a small business.

Samantha is an Enrolled Agent with the IRS, specializing in individual and small business taxes. She provides assistance with bookkeeping, payroll, workers’ compensation audits, and monthly financials.

Here’s my “pro tip” for all the contractors out there: Take the time to find a good CPA or accountant to work with. Being self-employed, it puts my mind at ease to know I don’t have to worry about this part of my business. I like Samantha, I trust her, and she has skills and patience with this kind of thing that I lack. She also laughs at my dad-like jokes! Ha!

Find out more about Samantha and Tax Management: Taxes and Small Business Accounting here.

Uplifting contractors and creative folks is a priority for me. If you have any tax tips, please let me know, and I will gladly pass them along!

Let's chat!

BUDDING CHANCES FOR SPRINGTIME SCOUTING

Location scouting has always been one of those behind-the-scenes pieces of my work that shapes the way I think about photography. It’s the process of finding spaces that don’t just look good, but feel right for the story being told.

Over the years, I’ve built a deep archive—and memory—of places across Wisconsin. From tucked-away corners to polished environments, each spot has its own personality and charm. The goal is never just to check a box. I also make sure to match the tone, vision, and practical needs of the production crew in a way that makes everything else fall into place.

If you happen to know of a space that has that certain something, whether it's beautiful light, strong character, or simply just a cool spot, let me know! I’m always looking for more locations to highlight.

Let me scout it out!