Every artist has a reason for creating. Sometimes it starts out as a gift, and if there is no passion it dwindles. Other times, it comes from a passion where the desire is bigger than the ability. Tonja has had a desire to create since she was young. Losing family members too soon, and going through life changing experiences herself she has realized the importance of the personal and family portrait. While there is nothing like a selfie in the moment, they are not something that many would consider a generational treasure. 

Wanting to remember her mother, "Ginny Ruth" and only having a couple of small professional images, Tonja has developed the ability and resources to create some of the most special pieces of portrait art for her clients. Her clients are not "fancy" persons, they are people who value family, persons who are treasured by other family members, and people who know that what you see in your home, shows off what you most value in the world. She self directed her education, seeking out and learning from personal mentors such as Commercial Photographer- Donald Giannetti, Beauty Photographer and Artist - Julia Kuzmenko, Photographic Artist Brooke Shaden, Master Portraitists - Bradford Rowley, Sterling Hoffman, Brad Cansler, Richard Donovan, and the late Stan Lawrence. She has been able to learn along side the most successful modern portraitists and artists based in the United States, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, France, and other parts of the world.

Tonja is the official photographer for Domesti-PUPS, a Non Profit that trains service dogs for persons with medical or physical challenges. Tonja’s work is featured locally in with The City of Ashland, Nebraska at artist Gene Ronka’s Willow Point Gallery, The Swanson Center at Camp Carol Joy Holling, and Porter Ridge Veterinary Clinic, and on television and magazines. Her artistry has also been featured at Glacial Till Tasting room as well as the walls and tables of countless clients over the years. Her newest project features local Volunteer's in the Ashland area.

Tonja has been a professional portraitist for over a decade. Prior to that she spent over two decades as a professional in the cosmetics industry advising thousands of women. She started taking pictures as a child in 4-H, her cousin Connie Jacobson lead her group, and created the desire for her to learn more. Her wealth of experience shows as she captures the true character, intelligence, and beauty of her subjects whether they have 2 or 4 legs!