Former biology teacher from Minnesota who now calls the Bay area home. Accomplished skier,
paddler, and endurance enthusiast (usually surprises his clients/models with his ability to keep
up). Maintains his teaching chops by holding photography workshops all over the world.

Moved a lot growing up (he hopes his parents weren't on the run). Originally studied medicine;
changed his major to set design. Yearning to shoot movies, he set sail for LA. Got a gig working
with still photographers instead - learned from some of the best. Moved to Cape Town in 2001.

Kreis Beall and Heather Anne Thomas. Met at a photography workshop. Started doing some
projects together and decided to make a permanent partnership. Recently shot The Blackberry Farm
Cookbook, recipes from the luxury hotel in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains that Kreis co-owns.

Max grew up in small-town Alabama in a house full of books and music, with parents who survived
the Holocaust. Says he can remember the dumbest stuff, like names of obscure bands or bad
movies where stars got their 1st break. Passionate about cooking, rock & roll, and great martinis.