MEET OUR TEAM
"Just as the bird sings or the butterfly soars, because it is his natural characteristic, so the artist works."
-Alma Gluck
Laura Webb, Owner & Professional Photographer
Laura, also known as simply "Webb", launched Papilio Photography in 2010. Her illuminating spirit and genuine laughter can easily connect with any personality. She has the ability to understand people and create a collection of images around their own, unique style.
Raised in the heart of Minneapolis, Laura is deeply focused on forming strategic partnerships with entrepreneurs. She has built a network of talent and synchronized the energies between like-minded folks to positively impact the lives of others. Laura is fascinated with the psychology behind successful organizations, progressive business models, and history's greatest leaders. She is committed to providing superior service to her clients. As a carpenter's daughter, Laura learned first hand what it takes to build a solid foundation and enjoys exploring the nuts and bolts necessary to execute successful projects.
Laura has an intense passion for writing and received her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, with an emphasis on Broadcast Journalism from Saint Cloud State University. Additionally, she attained her Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a focus on Travel and Tourism. Laura lived abroad, while studying at the Center of International Studies, in Alnwick, England. Ironically, her studies were entrepreneurship and photography. A few years later, she was nominated by the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE), as one of four global recipients to receive a full scholarship to attend the Young Leaders Academy. In 2007, she returned to Great Britain.
Laura has an innate passion to capture the simplicity life has to offer. Often drifting outside the box with artistic style, she produces very intimate and candid images. She has been working with cameras for over two decades and experienced her first "shoot" at the young age of four. Her interest in photojournalism transpired into working as a television news reporter in college, for the SCSU Men's Hockey Team and UTVS News. After graduation, Laura was exposed to several different fields of business including IT recruiting, travel operations and professional development. After shadowing the well-known entrepreneur, Todd Eberhardt, she was inspired to take the ropes and rode into the world of start-ups of her own, in 2009. Laura partnered with two other individuals in the private wealth management sector and laid the foundations for Harbor Investments Group and Summit Wealth Advocates.
Earning the title "Jill of All Trades" and trekking forward in the new endeavor, Laura continued working as a contractor in her free time. Often joking about becoming "one with the power washer", she can list 101 reasons why everyone should own one. From disassembling scaffolding and staining decks, to professionally developing businesses and closing acquisition deals, Laura runs hard with any challenge. Despite the saturated market of photographers and advances in technology, she continued tweaking the business model and creating processes around Papilio. She quickly defined our niche in one of those "ah ha" moments. Laura was boxing up personal items to sell in exchange for professional camera equipment when the moment of clarity arrived. Papilio's success would be defined with the "moments that matter", extending far beyond a monetary gain.
Laura is a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and an Iron Girl bi-athlete. She is a strong supporter of charity events and sponsors year-round fundraisers including the Animal Humane Society, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), March of Dimes, Susan G. Koman Foundation, American Prostate Society, and other local organizations.
In January 2011, Laura joined forces to help shoot the first annual Blizzard Blitz, hosted by Adrian Peterson's All Day Foundation and the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Then in August 2012, Papilio's team help cover Starkey's annual So The World May Hear Awards Gala and acted as the official photography sponsors for their Celebrity Golf Tournament.
Passionate for positive change and creating opportunity, Laura spent several months researching organizations to align our goals with moving into the future. It was important to understand each group's core values and be able to contribute to their initiatives with similar ideas. She had to be certain they strive to demonstrate positive influence on the environment and offer opportunities to actively participate in local community efforts as well as leverage their networks and resources on a global scale. Less than a year after launching Papilio, she secured a relationship with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as an official In-Kind Photography Sponsor for their Minnesota Chapter's 2011-2013, meeting and events.
Laura was recognized as one of four expert photographers in the 2012 Summer Edition of Meetings Magazine. She was grateful for the opportunity to share her experience and stream information to both meeting professionals as well as photographers, who are interested in building strong working relationships. Laura aims to bridge the knowledge cap between the client and the photographer. She truly believes, "If you find something you love doing, you never work another day in your life."
Raised in the heart of Minneapolis, Laura is deeply focused on forming strategic partnerships with entrepreneurs. She has built a network of talent and synchronized the energies between like-minded folks to positively impact the lives of others. Laura is fascinated with the psychology behind successful organizations, progressive business models, and history's greatest leaders. She is committed to providing superior service to her clients. As a carpenter's daughter, Laura learned first hand what it takes to build a solid foundation and enjoys exploring the nuts and bolts necessary to execute successful projects.
Laura has an intense passion for writing and received her Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, with an emphasis on Broadcast Journalism from Saint Cloud State University. Additionally, she attained her Bachelor of Arts in Geography with a focus on Travel and Tourism. Laura lived abroad, while studying at the Center of International Studies, in Alnwick, England. Ironically, her studies were entrepreneurship and photography. A few years later, she was nominated by the Society of Incentive and Travel Executives (SITE), as one of four global recipients to receive a full scholarship to attend the Young Leaders Academy. In 2007, she returned to Great Britain.
Laura has an innate passion to capture the simplicity life has to offer. Often drifting outside the box with artistic style, she produces very intimate and candid images. She has been working with cameras for over two decades and experienced her first "shoot" at the young age of four. Her interest in photojournalism transpired into working as a television news reporter in college, for the SCSU Men's Hockey Team and UTVS News. After graduation, Laura was exposed to several different fields of business including IT recruiting, travel operations and professional development. After shadowing the well-known entrepreneur, Todd Eberhardt, she was inspired to take the ropes and rode into the world of start-ups of her own, in 2009. Laura partnered with two other individuals in the private wealth management sector and laid the foundations for Harbor Investments Group and Summit Wealth Advocates.
Earning the title "Jill of All Trades" and trekking forward in the new endeavor, Laura continued working as a contractor in her free time. Often joking about becoming "one with the power washer", she can list 101 reasons why everyone should own one. From disassembling scaffolding and staining decks, to professionally developing businesses and closing acquisition deals, Laura runs hard with any challenge. Despite the saturated market of photographers and advances in technology, she continued tweaking the business model and creating processes around Papilio. She quickly defined our niche in one of those "ah ha" moments. Laura was boxing up personal items to sell in exchange for professional camera equipment when the moment of clarity arrived. Papilio's success would be defined with the "moments that matter", extending far beyond a monetary gain.
Laura is a member of the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) and an Iron Girl bi-athlete. She is a strong supporter of charity events and sponsors year-round fundraisers including the Animal Humane Society, Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE), Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), March of Dimes, Susan G. Koman Foundation, American Prostate Society, and other local organizations.
In January 2011, Laura joined forces to help shoot the first annual Blizzard Blitz, hosted by Adrian Peterson's All Day Foundation and the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Then in August 2012, Papilio's team help cover Starkey's annual So The World May Hear Awards Gala and acted as the official photography sponsors for their Celebrity Golf Tournament.
Passionate for positive change and creating opportunity, Laura spent several months researching organizations to align our goals with moving into the future. It was important to understand each group's core values and be able to contribute to their initiatives with similar ideas. She had to be certain they strive to demonstrate positive influence on the environment and offer opportunities to actively participate in local community efforts as well as leverage their networks and resources on a global scale. Less than a year after launching Papilio, she secured a relationship with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) as an official In-Kind Photography Sponsor for their Minnesota Chapter's 2011-2013, meeting and events.
Laura was recognized as one of four expert photographers in the 2012 Summer Edition of Meetings Magazine. She was grateful for the opportunity to share her experience and stream information to both meeting professionals as well as photographers, who are interested in building strong working relationships. Laura aims to bridge the knowledge cap between the client and the photographer. She truly believes, "If you find something you love doing, you never work another day in your life."
Nate Santos, Photographer & Design Artist
Year after year, Nate continues to break the barriers with creativity. After years in the industry, he continues to execute the most insanely powerful images based on unique requirements and requests.
This photographer and Photoshop Master grew up under the lights and behind the lens at his father's at their studio, H. Larson Photography. Nate's a talented soccer player, motorcyclist enthusiast and defines the true Aquarian spirit with an innovative mind and passion for advanced technology. He always knows just what to say to keep the inspiration flowing and is a true blessing to have on our team.
From the heart of Minneapolis, Nate is a great representation of the musical talent who emerge from the City of Lakes and regularly performs at local venues with his band, The Hard Luck. When he is not on stage or rolling out images in the studio, this outdoorsmen takes off into the wild and enjoys camping and hiking with his fiancé. This man is the definition of the "Jack of all trades" and is a rock on our team.
This photographer and Photoshop Master grew up under the lights and behind the lens at his father's at their studio, H. Larson Photography. Nate's a talented soccer player, motorcyclist enthusiast and defines the true Aquarian spirit with an innovative mind and passion for advanced technology. He always knows just what to say to keep the inspiration flowing and is a true blessing to have on our team.
From the heart of Minneapolis, Nate is a great representation of the musical talent who emerge from the City of Lakes and regularly performs at local venues with his band, The Hard Luck. When he is not on stage or rolling out images in the studio, this outdoorsmen takes off into the wild and enjoys camping and hiking with his fiancé. This man is the definition of the "Jack of all trades" and is a rock on our team.
Carrie Ayd, Director of Marketing & Communications
Carrie earned a Bachelors Degree in Art and Education from the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire. She taught in both elementary and high school classrooms, always finding time to take a student under her wing. She enjoyed guiding them as a mentor, advisor and coach. After several years of city life, she moved out west to Colorado and worked in an assisted living facility. Inspired by the health care industry, Carrie relocated back to Minnesota the following year, where she completed two years of nursing school before joining Papilio's team. In her free time, she has been crafting solid plans to open a children's learning center and enjoys stimulating the minds of young people.
Carrie thoroughly enjoys the challenge of tailoring projects around our diverse clientele and works on the marketing side of Papilio. In addition to managing internal communications, contractors, finances and back-end support, Carrie is consistently introducing new ideas for shoots, marketing incentives and monthly offerings. She strides to surpass both Papilio and her client's expectations.
The support and dedication Carrie provides to our company has earned her the informal title of "Life Coach". As a Wisconsin resident, she brings a twist to Papilio with her love for the Packers! Carrie enjoys the great outdoors and trips up to the North Shore with her husband and daughter. When she wants a little quiet time, a lake or nature hike is her favorite retreat to peacefully send love and energy to her identical twin sons, in heaven. (Photo by Jennifer Sime)
Carrie thoroughly enjoys the challenge of tailoring projects around our diverse clientele and works on the marketing side of Papilio. In addition to managing internal communications, contractors, finances and back-end support, Carrie is consistently introducing new ideas for shoots, marketing incentives and monthly offerings. She strides to surpass both Papilio and her client's expectations.
The support and dedication Carrie provides to our company has earned her the informal title of "Life Coach". As a Wisconsin resident, she brings a twist to Papilio with her love for the Packers! Carrie enjoys the great outdoors and trips up to the North Shore with her husband and daughter. When she wants a little quiet time, a lake or nature hike is her favorite retreat to peacefully send love and energy to her identical twin sons, in heaven. (Photo by Jennifer Sime)
Asia Schulz, Director of Creative Talent & Master Makeup Artist
Click here to visit Asia's info page on our website!
Asia is Papilio's Director of Creative Talent and our Master Makeup Artist. Her artistic ability coupled with a decade of industry experience, make her Papilio's #1 recommended skin care professional to compliment any photo shoot. Asia has been with us since day one and consistently inspires our team with her wisdom, creativity and sense of balance.
Specializing with the most diverse clients from corporate executives to high fashion models. Asia's talent extends beyond our imagination and her work has been featured in Modern Bride Magazine and her team was recently recognized for "Best of 2012 in Hair & Makeup" by Minnesota Bride Magazine. She continues freelancing for Mac, Bobbi Brown and other designer lines. This driven artist, launched her own skin care line called Enuva, in 2007. As Vice President, Asia truly understands what it takes to exceed client expectations and consistently delivers excellent, high quality service.
Between all her endeavors, Asia manages a healthy lifestyle with routine gym days and social events and activities galore, both personally and professionally. She enjoys sneaking away and traveling with her family whenever her two daughters have a school break or time off.
Asia is Papilio's Director of Creative Talent and our Master Makeup Artist. Her artistic ability coupled with a decade of industry experience, make her Papilio's #1 recommended skin care professional to compliment any photo shoot. Asia has been with us since day one and consistently inspires our team with her wisdom, creativity and sense of balance.
Specializing with the most diverse clients from corporate executives to high fashion models. Asia's talent extends beyond our imagination and her work has been featured in Modern Bride Magazine and her team was recently recognized for "Best of 2012 in Hair & Makeup" by Minnesota Bride Magazine. She continues freelancing for Mac, Bobbi Brown and other designer lines. This driven artist, launched her own skin care line called Enuva, in 2007. As Vice President, Asia truly understands what it takes to exceed client expectations and consistently delivers excellent, high quality service.
Between all her endeavors, Asia manages a healthy lifestyle with routine gym days and social events and activities galore, both personally and professionally. She enjoys sneaking away and traveling with her family whenever her two daughters have a school break or time off.
Michelle Melek, Master Hair Stylist
Michelle brings her diversity of styles to every shoot, and knows exactly how to twist, or fix any situation. She has been rocking her independent business at Salon Amore, for over a decade.
Michelle provides clients with pure hair perfection from executive headshots to pinup calendars. A native to Minnesota, Michelle loves the Vikings and is an active and mom of two boys. When she takes a day off, quality time with her kids are top priority. Her laughter is contagious and she has a spirit, that radiates the room with positive energy. She is an excellent extension to Papilio's team of professionals.
Michelle provides clients with pure hair perfection from executive headshots to pinup calendars. A native to Minnesota, Michelle loves the Vikings and is an active and mom of two boys. When she takes a day off, quality time with her kids are top priority. Her laughter is contagious and she has a spirit, that radiates the room with positive energy. She is an excellent extension to Papilio's team of professionals.
Dave Santos, Partner Photographer
Another exciting partner is seasoned pro, Dave Santos. After attending college at the University of Minnesota, he entered the world of professional photography, in 1970. His studio, H. Larson Photography, was in business for over a century until 2012, when he decided to begin other ventures and escape the studio life. Dave brings a sense of brilliance with superman quick powers involving group direction, sports teams, formal, or traditional shoots. One may credit the fact he is one of eight children growing up.
Dave is the kindest of spirits and has a humorous personality. A die-hard purple and white fan, he supports the Vikings, win or lose. He loves fishing and being outdoors. Dave goes all in when playing Baggo, the bean bag game, in his backyard. He often teams up with his sons to take down any pair who challenges the duo.
After years of marriage, the twinkle remains brightly lit in Dave’s eyes when talking about his wife. The couple have three talented kids and live in South Minneapolis. (Photo by Gretchen Gosnell)
Dave is the kindest of spirits and has a humorous personality. A die-hard purple and white fan, he supports the Vikings, win or lose. He loves fishing and being outdoors. Dave goes all in when playing Baggo, the bean bag game, in his backyard. He often teams up with his sons to take down any pair who challenges the duo.
After years of marriage, the twinkle remains brightly lit in Dave’s eyes when talking about his wife. The couple have three talented kids and live in South Minneapolis. (Photo by Gretchen Gosnell)
Brad Everett, Partner Photographer
Bio coming soon
Aileen Charron, Partner Photographer
Bio coming soon
Tom Baker, Partner Photographer
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