Tim Bigonia • Owner, Principal Photographer

Tim Bigonia brings over 30 years of creative expertise to his role as the new owner and principal photographer of Shoot the Moon Photography in Mequon, Wisconsin. A seasoned professional with deep roots in Southeastern Wisconsin, Tim holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a focus in Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he also honed his passion for photography.
Tim’s distinguished career includes serving as Art Director at Hal Leonard Publishing for more than 12 years and nearly two decades as Creative Director at Mercury Communication Partners. In addition, he shared his knowledge and passion for design as an instructor at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) for over 20 years.
Born and raised in Brown Deer, Tim has called Mequon home since 2005, and is honored to step into the role of business owner in the community he loves. As the second-generation owner of Shoot the Moon Photography, Tim is proud to carry forward its 21-year legacy of fine art portraits, reimagining the studio while maintaining its commitment to capturing priceless moments, milestones, and memories and helping clients tell their stories one portrait at a time.
With a strong connection to Milwaukee’s North Shore families, Tim is excited to continue providing timeless portraits celebrating life’s most cherished occasions.
Angela Halleman • Senior Creative Photographer

A Seasoned Artist Behind the Lens
Since joining Shoot the Moon Photography in 2005, Angela has honed her craft through years of dedicated experience and direct study under Joy Vertz. Her artistry shines through in her fresh, beautifully lit, and perfectly composed portraits, making her an integral part of our team.
Angela’s keen eye for detail ensures ultra-flattering poses, while her warm and approachable demeanor creates a comfortable environment for everyone in front of her camera. She has an exceptional gift for connecting with children, making her a favorite among families and young clients alike.
When it comes to high school seniors, Angela’s creative lighting and contemporary style result in breathtaking senior portraits that reflect each graduate’s personality. Her work captures the vibrant, fun, and unique essence that seniors love in their milestone photos. With Angela, you’re not just getting a photographer—you’re gaining a trusted artist who turns moments into memories.
Melissa Miller • Studio Director, Photographer

Studio Director, Photographer, and Your Creative Partner
As the studio director and photographer at Shoot the Moon Photography in Mequon, Melissa brings a wealth of talent and dedication to every aspect of the studio. With a BA in Visual Art and a passion for fine art portraiture, Melissa has an exceptional ability to connect with clients and create stunning, timeless images.
Her background includes years of apprenticeship in the fine art gallery market, giving her invaluable expertise in curating and crafting beautiful works of art. Beyond her photography, Melissa manages our framing department and oversees quality control, ensuring every piece we deliver meets the highest standards.
Melissa is truly the heart of our studio—a dependable, creative force who wears many hats to meet the unique needs of each client. With her warm smile and upbeat attitude, Melissa makes every visit to Shoot the Moon a welcoming and memorable experience.
Joy Vertz • Founder, Photographer

Joy Vertz, a lifelong Wisconsin resident, is the founder of Shoot the Moon Photography. With a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art from Lawrence University, where she honed her skills across painting, printmaking, sculpture, and photography, Joy brought her passion for creativity to life through the studio. Over the years, her entrepreneurial spirit and artistic talent have made a lasting impact on Milwaukee’s Northshore community.
Though Joy has transitioned ownership of Shoot the Moon Photography, her legacy continues to shine. While no longer the principal, she remains a cherished part of the team, occasionally stepping behind the camera to capture the moments that matter most to her clients. Joy’s philosophy has always been to create timeless portraits that reflect her clients’ personalities, capturing candid and natural expressions with care and artistry.
Under her leadership, Shoot the Moon earned recognition as Milwaukee’s top-rated portrait studio, renowned for its fine art approach to maternity, infant, child, senior, and family photography. Ultimately, the Northshore Mequon studio reflects Joy’s dedication to offering clients an unparalleled photography experience they will cherish for years to come.
Kathy Sauter • Digital Imaging

The Artistic Eye Behind the Final Touch
With over two decades of experience, Kathy brings an exceptional artistic vision and creative expertise that elevate every portrait to its full potential. Her extensive knowledge of Photoshop and digital tools ensures that each image not only meets but exceeds the vision of our photographers and the expectations of our clients.
Kathy is the ultimate perfectionist when it comes to refining your portraits. From softening lines and adjusting clothing to erasing wrinkles and straightening ties, she ensures every detail is flawless. Need black socks instead of white? Consider it done! Kathy’s meticulous attention to detail is what transforms beautiful images into breathtaking works of art.
With Kathy’s expertise, you can trust that your portraits will be nothing short of stunning—timeless pieces to treasure for generations.