APA|DC BOARD MEMBERS
KATIE DANCE | DIRECTOR
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Katie Dance currently serves as a photo editor at National Geographic in the books division 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 for four years prior to becoming the chapter director. She holds a MA in New Media Photojournalism from George Washington University's Corcoran School of the Arts & Design.
MIKE MORGAN | CHAIR
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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 | SECRETARY
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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.
DYLAN BILBAO | TREASURER
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Dylan Bilbao (bil·bau) is a Bolivian-American still life photographer based in Washington, D.C., specializing in food photography that celebrates both the food and the people who create it. Known for his bright, minimalist, and occasionally playful style, Dylan draws inspiration from his travels and the unique, unexpected delicacies he’s encountered along the way.
LOUIS TINSLEY | BOARD MEMBER
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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.
ZACH MILLER | BOARD MEMBER
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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.
CAROLINE J PHILLIPS | BOARD MEMBER
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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.
NOAH WILLMAN | BOARD MEMBER
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Noah Willman is an editorial and commercial photographer primarily focusing on portrait photography. Noah loves how photography puts you in contact with people and communities you might never encounter otherwise. As a lifelong hockey fan, one of his favorite projects to date was his personal project on blind hockey, an adaptive sport that's almost identical to traditional hockey except all the players are legally blind and use a metal puck filled with ball bearings that can be tracked by sound. While no longer working on the project, Noah often spends his Sunday mornings skating with the Washington Blind Hockey Club. Originally from Madison, Wisconsin, Noah and his partner Leah moved to Washington, DC in 2015 and now live in Capitol Hill.
ROBB SCHARETG | BOARD MEMBER
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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.
STEVE BUCHANAN | BOARD MEMBER
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Based on Maryland's Eastern Shore, Steve Buchanan brings a unique perspective to his work, blending local charm with a global outlook. His ability to find beauty in unexpected places and translate it into powerful marketing assets has made him a sought-after photographer for businesses looking to elevate their visual communications. Steve's dedication to his craft, combined with his client-focused approach, ensures that every project receives the attention and creativity it deserves. From concept development to final delivery, he works closely with clients to understand their objectives and bring their vision to life through captivating imagery.
SAM LEVITAN | BOARD MEMBER
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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