APA|DC BOARD MEMBERS
KATIE DANCE (she/her) | DIRECTOR
Katie Dance currently serves as a photo editor at National Geographic Books and works independently as a photographer, publisher, and curator in Washington, D.C. She held the Industry Outreach Chair position on the APA DC board the last four years. Prior to joining the board, Katie founded Stop Motion DC, a photography exhibition celebrating local documentary photography and launched her imprint, Slow Dance Press. She holds a MA in New Media Photojournalism from George Washington University's Corcoran School of the Arts & Design.
MIKE MORGAN (he/him) | CHAIR
Mike Morgan is a commercial and editorial photographer whose portraits embody the heroism, vulnerability and humor of his subjects: images that evoke the sense of pride that comes from hard work and the courage of choosing to be an individual. Originally from California, he has called the mid-Atlantic home for over 20 years.
HANNELE LAHTI (she/her) | SECRETARY
Hannele Lahti’s work focuses on the natural environment and the wonderful world of canines. She loves capturing the chaos and companionship dogs bring to our lives as well as the meditative qualities nature provides. She has exhibited her work internationally and has partnered with clients such as National Geographic and the Smithsonian Institution. She grew up in the wilds of Maine, is an RIT photo graduate and her Finnish name is pronounced: HAH-NAH-lay LAH-tee.
ZACH MILLER (he/him) | TREASURER
Zach Miller is a portrait, event, and real estate photographer based out of Silver Spring, MD. In his spare time, traveling and observing different environments allows for a story to be told through art in a way that connects people to places they have never experienced themselves. He joined APA back in 2014 and become a full-time photographer in 2017.
ELI MEIR KAPLAN (he/him) | BOARD MEMBER
Eli Meir Kaplan’s longstanding interest in visual storytelling and meeting people from different backgrounds led him to documentary photography. He draws from that experience to capture genuine, aspirational, and intimate moments in the commercial photography and video production he does today.
Eli lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two daughters and has been told that he's fun to work with.
LOUIS TINSLEY (he/him) | BOARD MEMBER
Louis Tinsley is a commercial and editorial photographer born and raised in Washington, DC. After freelancing all around the country as a photo assistant, grip/electric, and photographer, he’s learned that most people are more similar to each other than they may initially think. Finding even the smallest relatable connection often can lead to great relationships and great experiences. That human connection is at the core of most of his work.
CAROLINE J PHILLIPS (she/her) | BOARD MEMBER
Caroline J Phillips is a commercial and editorial photographer and director located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. She works for a wide variety of clients, but is especially drawn to those who share her passion for the Chesapeake Bay.
ROBB SCHARETG (he/him) | BOARD MEMBER
Robb Scharetg (the “e” is long, the “g” is silent) has been shooting since before film was retro. Detailed oriented, beguiled by morning’s light and fueled by fine food, Robb is a powerhouse. His many advertising and commercial clients can speak to the skill and tenacity he brings to each project.
SAM LEVITAN (he/him) | BOARD MEMBER
Sam Levitan is a freelance photographer who has settled in Middletown, Maryland, near DC and Baltimore. Originally hailing from Chicagoland, and then working in the New York City area, he now appreciates living where it’s not so flat and the roads turn in curves, rather than just right angles. Sam has been helping universities, non-profits, corporations, and others tell their stories through dynamic and impactful imagery since 2002. He generally wears black when he’s working, with the questionable belief that it grants him powers of invisibility. portrait by Jacob Levitan, age 5