OUR TEAM
Karalyn Hope
Owner and Founder
Karalyn Hope (she/her) is a photographer and artist who specializes in live music and portraits based throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and Upstate New York. She graduated from SUNY Fredonia in December 2022 and is available for tour/travel. She also does videography. To learn more, you can visit her site here.
TJ Hayes
Social Media Assistant
TJ is a Chicago based college student, music journalist and concert lover. They started off as a concert loving teenager, joining label street teams in high school and fell in love with social media and the world of marketing. They are also incredibly passionate about live music accessibility and works with nonprofit Half Access. They are currently studying Social Media and Digital Strategy with a Music Business minor at Columbia College Chicago.
Krishna Farol-Schenck
Writer & Web Assistant
Krish (they/she) is a digital media specialist by day, bookworm by night, and always a storyteller. They have years of experience in development communications in the nonprofit sector, but sharing stories about music and pop culture is their dream. They’ve covered everything from live concerts to album reviews. She hopes to bring more attention to queer and BIPOC artists and creators. Check out Krish’s portfolio site: bykrishna.com
Haley May
Photographer & Photo Assistant
Haley May (she/her) is photographer based in North Carolina. She loves live music and capturing the special moments. She is passionate about connecting artists and fans and sharing their stories. She co-founded an organization called Artist Connect that does this through Zoom calls for charity. She also loves traveling and hanging out with her friends. Her dream is to go on tour with her favorite artist to capture the whole experience.
Kirsten Newbrough
Photographer & Photo Assistant
Kirsten Newbrough (she/her) is a photographer from Fort Worth, Texas who loves live music, capturing memories, and making people smile. She started photographing shows in 2017 and is currently based on the east coast after getting a degree in Marine Biology.
Emma Agosta
Playlist Curator, A&R
Emma (she/her) is a New Jersey based creator and music lover. She recently graduated from Montclair State University studying Communications and Media Arts. For as long as she can remember, Emma has loved pop culture, attending concerts, discovering new music, and watching the latest shows. Having become a part of the fan culture online for her favorite artists and TV shows at a young age allowed her to learn digital skills and inspired her to pursue her dreams of working in the music and entertainment industry.
Arden Kurhayez
Social Media Assistant
Arden (she/her) is a social media specialist and half of Double Identity Band, a Chicago-ish pop rock band whose sound is reminiscent of 2000’s Disney Channel! For the past few summers she’s worked as the Co-Director of Social Media for the Bitter Jester Music Festival (Highland Park, IL), and when she isn’t busy writing, playing guitar, honing her graphic design skills, and creating content behind the scenes, she’s searching for new artists to listen to, binge-watching her latest favorite tv show, and learning to crochet!
Jade Ivy
Writer
Jade Ivy (she/they) is a writer from Rhode Island. Jade has a B.A. in Music Industry from the University of New Haven, and hopes to begin a career as a music journalist and author. Some of their other interests include learning about history and ethnomusicology, skateboarding, and collecting oddities.
Mia Draksic
Writer
Mia (she/her) is a Buffalo, NY based writer who spends her free time checking out new artists, reading, and going to shows. Her passion for music was fueled at an early age by her parents’ love for alternative rock. She is currently getting two degrees in both Journalism and Animal Behavior. She hopes to one day be a music journalist as well as continue working with animals. She’s passionate about connecting with fans and diving into what makes the alternative music scene so unique.
Tammie Valer
Photographer
From simple drawings to music and performance, Tammie (she/her) has always had a deep appreciation for all things art. She found her voice through photography and uses her camera as a tool to combine her passion for music, travel, and storytelling. Tammie spent her early adulthood diving deep into more conceptual and narrative based projects, developing her skills in the process. Her current focus is working with local Los Angeles musicians, documenting her experiences, and creating conceptual imagery with impact. Tammie’s versatility and eye for composition are visible across the many genres of her work. She continues to explore new ways to express her vision of the world and document places that inspire her.
Emily Hartmann
Photographer
Born and raised in New York, Emily Hartmann (she/her) is an accomplished photographer and a proud alumna of the New York Film Academy’s photography program. Throughout her formative years, the vibrant music scene of her hometown captured her & eventually inspiring her to blend her passions for photography and music. By doing so, she not only found her true calling in life but also forged lasting friendships with fellow music enthusiasts along the way.
Mae Saunders
Photographer & Writer
Mae Saunders (she/her) is a live music photographer and journalist based primarily in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She loves capturing the joy of crowds and performers in their element and is working on expanding into portrait work. Mae enjoys learning about all sides of the music industry from merchandise to social media to, of course, photography. Mae is available for portrait work and touring and is willing to travel pretty much anywhere for the job she loves. You can check out her work here.
Emily Kayayan
Photographer
Emily Kayayan is an NYC based photographer continuing her BFA in Photography at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She works independently in music, fashion, documentary, and conceptual photography. Her photography consists of piercing imagery that is characterized by an ominous undertone with divine femininity. Her work captures the human ability to collectively embrace change and growth. Through her journey of photography, she pushes herself to question her own beliefs and strives to unlearn taught behaviors.
Bridget Frances
Photographer
Bridget Frances (she/her) is a photographer, videographer, and content creator that works in the live music space throughout Southern California. She focuses on capturing the magic of a live performance and the connection between fans and artists that she has had the pleasure of experiencing herself. As a teen she found herself getting involved in the local Los Angeles punk and metal scene which grew into a passion of documentation. She is currently studying film at a local university and hopes to eventually tour with some of her favorite musicians, bringing joy to fans through her photos. From moshing to crowdsurfing with her camera, she does whatever it takes to get involved and get the shot.
Presley Wilson
Photographer
Presley Wilson (she/her) is a photographer and designer from central Pennsylvania. Presley, named after the king of rock ‘n’ roll himself, has been attending concerts since childhood. Her love for music followed her through high school where she began studying graphic design and pursuing her longtime dream of music photography. If you see Presley at a concert, she may be crying, but she can guarantee you they’re tears of joy, and that passion inspires her to capture the intensity and intimacy of live music whenever possible.
Lilith Jaime
Writer
Lilith Jaime (she/her) is a Mexican Communication student specialized in journalism. Through her writings, she likes to introduce people to new artists and experiences. She absolutely loves going to concerts and festivals and interacting with her surroundings. Besides music, she enjoys art, animals, baking, painting and fashion.
Bethany Ivan
Photographer & Writer
Bethany (she/her) is a writer and photographer based in Charlotte, NC, who, from a young age, has always had a passion for capturing moments and telling and writing the stories of others. She started photographing concerts in 2022 and since then, she has always enjoyed doing and always strived to keep doing more. When she’s not at concerts or working on other projects, she is typically spending time reading Harry Potter or any fiction book she can get her hands on. Check her out on Instagram here!
Joy Villanueva
Writer
Joy (she/they) is a Las Vegas-based aspiring music journalist who is currently in her first year of studying journalism at UNLV. Their love for music has rooted from early childhood obsessions with bands like The 1975 and One Direction, ultimately leading to her forever “fangirl” personality. You can find them reading a good book, playing guitar, or writing a review on whatever new album comes up on her Twitter feed. Joy has written for several other magazines like Galaxy Magazine, Unclear Magazine, and now For The Punks. Their portfolio is here.
Kyra Navarrete
Writer & Interviewer
Kyra (she/her) is a creative professional, specializing in graphic design and social media marketing. Born and raised in Chicago, her experiences growing up in the city shaped who she is today. She earned her BA in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and dove right into covering the punk music scene in the Bay Area and Chicago. Kyra also writes for her own podcast, “Relatable with Ilsa and Kyra,” a comedic nerdy pop culture show. You can almost always find her at her local dive bar bartending gig or attending a local show.
Jenny Shackleton
Photographer
Jenny Shackleton (she/her) is a photographer based in Portland, OR, originally hailing from Philadelphia, PA. Her love for live music started over 15 years ago after seeing the Jonas Brothers perform on their Burning Up tour in 2008 and the rest is history. As a naturally shy person, it’s surprising she feels so comfortable at concerts with hundreds of people attending, but has always believed that they are special, somewhat liminal, spaces. Everyone is there for the same reason: to have the best night and see artists pour their souls’ onto the stage. That is what Jenny likes to capture in her photos. Jenny enjoys spending time outside with her partner and their dog, watching movies, and owning way too many sneakers.
Megan Nelson
Writer
Megan Nelson is a writer hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, and living in northern Italy. Her time living in the birthplace of rock ‘n roll and her early 2000s MySpace era shaped her love for music. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Memphis and a Master’s Degree in Strategic Communication from Troy University. You can catch Megan doing any and every pop punk workout streaming on Peloton, exploring new cities, reading, or spending time with her dogs. Her portfolio can be viewed here.
Miranda Jayne
Photographer
Miranda Jayne (she/her) is an Orlando, FL based photographer and videographer who loves risking the life of her camera in mosh pits. In addition to For The Punks, she is a photographer for New Noise Magazine and has been a part of Gainesville’s ‘The Fest’ photo team for the past six years. When she’s not behind the lens at a show, she also enjoys documenting animals and landscapes. You can view her portfolio here.
Dylan Fipps
Photographer
Hi! I’m Dylan- born skate rat turned music enthusiast. My love for adrenaline, a killer break down and the need to document has led me to the path of concert media. Damn, do I love it. I’ve owned my own media business for the past five years and have focused my passion towards the world of concert photography. For me, there’s no going back. I’m always down for good coffee and a good conversation.
Christi Balderas
Writer & Photographer
Christi Rae Balderas (she/her) takes on the music scene in Houston, Texas by photographing and writing about live music, interviewing artists, and making her way through the crowd for that one shot. Christi believes the music needs to be captured—remembered and reminisced. At 24 years old, being at a concert every night, surrounded by hundreds of fans is a dream in itself. Although Christi dedicates most of her portfolio to music, she also specializes in sports and lifestyle photography. Find her at any venue around the city or exploring the downtown streets with her best friends.
Gisselle Pernett
Writer
Gisselle Pernett (she/her) is a journalist based in Southern California. Her love for writing and music stems from the magazines she read in middle school and watching interviews of her favorite bands. As a recent graduate at CSU Northridge, her goal is to further pursue a career in music journalism. Pre COVID, Gisselle enjoyed attending concerts and Emo Nite LA. Her interests also include body positivity, early 2000’s pop culture and plants.
Hannah Christine
Photographer
Hannah Christine (Plympton) is a photographer that specializes in concert and portraits based throughout Central Ohio. She is currently attending Columbus College of Art and Design for her bachelor’s degree in photography. Hannah has begun to include film photography along with her digital work. She also loves traveling/hiking with her Australian Shepherd Pixel, working on cars, and working with horses in her spare time. To see more of her work, you can visit her portfolio here.
Luna Cayuela
Graphic Designer
Luna Cayuela (she/they) is a graphic designer currently located in Spain that has a deep passion for music. They spent a big chunk of her teenage years being part of local bands as a vocalist and listening to rock music. They discovered a whole new world when they realized that graphic design and music go hand-in-hand. Currently finishing their Graphic Design Degree, their aspirations include working in art direction and learning as much as possible about the music industry. In their free time, they enjoy being on stage, reading comics, astrology, and organizing zines. View their portfolio here.
Claire Farley
Writer
Claire (she/her) is a writer based in Manhattan, New York. After graduating from Johnson and Wales University with a degree in Sports, Entertainment, Event Management and Communications, Claire eagerly moved to NYC to become more involved in New York’s music scene. She hopes to highlight a diverse wealth of artists and eventually work with such artists by coordinating concerts and live shows around the world!
Liza Kushnir
Writer
Liza Kushnir (she/her) is a Russian, Los Angeles based photographer, video editor, and writer who is currently studying at California State University, Northridge. Thanks to her dad who was a musician, she grew up on classic rock bands like The Beatles and Queen, which influenced her current taste in music. Liza hopes to one day open up her own media company to help artists pursue their passion as well as have a platform for social activism. Besides music, she loves to watch movies/tv shows, travel, and spend time with her cat.
Janet Eckles
Photographer
Janet (she/her) is a photographer and filmmaker based in Iowa. She currently runs her own photography and video business, working for artists, couples, and non-profit organizations. Discovering alternative music in high school saved her from her tiny hometown and sparked a need to be as close to music as possible at all times. While her dream is to tour with bands while providing visual content, her less exciting passions include coffee, petting dogs, and spending time at the lake.
Nicole Frunza
Photographer
Nicole (she/her) is a photographer and graphic designer based in the Washington, D.C. area. She loves concert photography and portraits and her work is always lively and full of color. She loves to combine design elements with her photography whenever she gets the chance. Nicole is hoping to expand her talents in 2022 and is always willing to try new things. View her portfolio here.
Shelby Price
Writer & Photographer
Shelby (she/her) is a photographer, videographer and writer from Indianapolis, Indiana. Concerts have always been a part of her life. When she first got to take her camera into a show, she knew that she found her passion. She has directed, edited, and produced multiple music videos for local and aspiring bands as well as shot for some of her favorite pop punk artists. Her biggest accomplishment is taking photos of her favorite band, We The Kings. Her dream is to tour with bands and direct music videos all around the world.
Challen Carter
Writer
Challen Carter is a writer and filmmaker born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She earned her BA from Loyola University New Orleans where she was a finalist for the 2020 Dawson Gaillard Award. Carter draws inspiration from Amy Heckerling, Jamie Babbit, and other filmmakers she views as dictators of taste of the mid-late 90s. She strives to create stylized, evocative pieces of work that highlight often overlooked moments in the human experience. Her debut short film, Confessions of an Uptown Slug, is currently available to stream on YouTube. Her writing is featured in The Spring City Journal, Feminist Forum Magazine, and elsewhere.
Jade Jones
Writer
Jade (she/her) hails from Virginia and has been a music fan from the time she could walk. No matter the genre, if it sounds good, she’ll give it a shot. That being said, rock and metal have always had a special place in her heart, you can find her at a concert, listening to the newest rock tunes, or in the pit. She started The Musical Misfit in July of 2021; a podcast and website dedicated to promoting DIY and smaller bands within the scene. Between interviews, articles and interacting with bands and other related companies, and working a full-time job, she stays busy, but is always willing to help artists however she can. Her website and other socials can be found here.
Emma Bick
Photographer
Emma Bick (she/her) is a photographer based in Syracuse, NY. Music has been a monumental part of her life, with her picking up the guitar and bass guitar in the past few years. She wanted to capture her love for music, which is why she started shooting shows. She has been shooting in her local scene for around two years.
Olivia Leon
Writer & Photographer
Olivia (she/her) is a photographer and writer from New York City. She currently attends Northeastern University in Boston, MA as an English & Communications major. Having always been immersed in the arts whether that’s musical, visual, or written, she hopes to pursue anything and everything creative in the future. She has most recently started Quiet Down Magazine, an outlet and community for newer creatives in the music industry from camera to stage. Check out her portfolio here.
Jesse Hudgins
Writer
Jesse (he/him) is from Bridgeview, IL. Ever since he watched and learned all the words from Green Day’s Bullet in a Bible live concert, he has wanted to do something in music. Whether it be as a musician, in booking, or writing he has always wanted to dip his toes in music. At the start of his college career at North Central College he joined his school’s radio station. From there, he changed his major to Journalism and Music Composition. Through the radio station, he has hosted multiple shows, met lots of artists, and covered many concerts. He hopes to continue in music journalism, and eventually release music in his lifetime.
Madison Walters
Writer & Photographer
Madison (she/her) is a writer and photographer based in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A spring 2023 graduate from the University of Tulsa, Madison writes/photographs for a few different music publications, though her specialization and main focus lies in punk. Follow along with her journey here.
