Darren McBurnett “McB” (SEAL) Ret. is a combat veteran, professional photographer, author, corporate speaker, and ambassador. His 24-year SEAL career included numerous combat zone deployments for which he earned 53 individual, unit, and campaign honors, including a Bronze Star. During his time as a military free fall instructor, he taught himself photography. His professional portfolio now includes images for NIKE, National Geographic, Fox and Friends, Rolling Stone, and the movie “Act of Valor.” He is the first Navy SEAL to have photographed the rigorous Basic Underwater Demolition SEAL training, which lead to the creation of his book Uncommon Grit.
Be sure to check out McB on Instagram @mcteams3842

Darren McBurnett - Uncommon Grit

Join Jed Taufer as he hosts conversations with your favorite photographers and creatives covering topics of all shapes and sizes.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Vicki and Jed Taufer have been involved in the photography industry for over 20 years. They co-founded their studio, V Gallery, in Morton, IL in 1998. With a focus on artistic portraiture, Vicki specializes in photographing people, pets, and commercial shoots. V Gallery has been everything from a small home based studio, to a large storefront with multiple employees, and everything in between.
Vicki has a passion for people. Her journey with a camera has taken her and Jed around the world. They have been recognized internationally through their teaching, awards, and publications. Vicki’s goal is a healthy work/life balance. At work, she focuses on photography, marketing, and sales. At home, she focuses on homeschooling her two children. You can check out her website at vgallery.net
The Taufers currently reside in Illinois.

Vicki Taufer - The Nudge

I would describe myself as a down-to-earth creative who isn’t afraid to be honest. I like to have fun and act like a weird-o sometimes. I strongly believe that having killer photos of yourself, no matter who you are, can work wonders on your confidence and I love being able to create that imagery for teens as they begin the journey of stepping out on their own in this crazy world. A senior portrait isn’t just a rad profile pic but a chance to show the world the REAL you.
Believe it or not, I’m a country girl at heart and learned of my love for photography through 4H. I started a full service portrait studio in 2006 after graduating from Hawkeye Comm. College with a degree in Professional Photography. It grew quickly and I soon realized that my favorite subjects were seniors. When I started this biz in 2014 I was bound and determined to build a brand solely focusing on teen photography. I continue furthering my skills through conferences, workshops and competitions and became a Master of Photography through Professional Photographers of America in 2017 with nationally award winning images and albums. I will never stop learning how to better my craft, and I’m so excited to be able to teach other photographers how to create amazing experiences for their clients as well.

Jaimy Ellis - The Deeper Side

Anj Olson is the owner and photographer at Lav & Lime Studio, a children and family photography studio located in Ankeny, Iowa. The studio specializes in modern storytelling photography with an emphasis on a custom experience with every client. Alongside the studio, Anj is a mama to 3 beautiful boys that provide inspiration, insight, and a necessary infusion of reality in a world that loves ideals.

Anj Olson - Reconfigure

Kristina Guerrero, Cards + Press Product Owner, Client Success Program Manager, and Marketing and Events Manager. Highly creative marketer with over 15+ years experience at WHCC. She has transformed business initiatives that continue to propel revenue growth and produce brand exposure on a multitude of ever-changing platforms. She is a trade show visionary, problem-solver, and product leader driving vision and collaboration between cross-functional partners to deliver successful results.

Kristina Guerrero - Cards Cards Cards

Laretta Houston was born in Angeles City, Philippines. From struggle and poverty evolved an inspirational vision of beauty and life all around her. Laretta’s story could easily have taken such a different turn if not for her determination and strength.
Born the daughter of a military father and a Filipino mother who traveled a lot, she spent most of her time with relatives modestly raised in poverty without luxury.
After losing her mother at age 13 to Lupus, this is when she entered her journey through the foster care system, eventually making her way to the United States, where she was determined to change the course of her life.
Struggling to balance work, school, and being a single mother, she found her love in photography. Having a multimedia background would also prove to be an invaluable help in marketing her passion as well as giving incredible insights into advertising and marketing needs. 
She has photograph clients such as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, ABC (Dancing with the Stars, VH1, Allergan, Broadway Shoes, Spanx, Proctor and Gamble, CDC, Modelland, and more. She sees beauty in everything and as a woman who wears her emotions on her sleeve, her mind’s eye sees each project as a very personal journey.

Darren McBurnett - Uncommon Grit

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