PhotoDay Academy is brought to you by industry experts and professional photographers with specific expertise in volume photography across verticals, sales and business development, marketing, and more.
Below you will find detailed bios on our content authors and links to learn more about them and connect with them online!
Curriculum Authors
Lisa Mallis
Co-Founder & Senior Vice President, PhotoDay
Lisa Mallis has been immersed in the volume photography industry for over 20 years. She began as a graphic designer for a small print lab in 1998, then quickly grew into various roles including sales manager at DDLab, sales and marketing director at Reedy Photo, and consultant for numerous high-volume studios in the US to assist with growth and scaling. Lisa’s experience with various photography platforms and sales methods paired with her passion for photography and technology motivated her to think outside the box and become a major influencer in the creation of PhotoDay. Developing PhotoDay and moving school and sports photography 100% online has increased the overall value of photography for studios, pro labs, organizations, and consumers. Lisa has presented at SPAC, Imaging USA, SYNC, various workshops, and countless webinars over the past 5 years to educate and inspire photographers journeying into the world of online sales and marketing. Her passions for supporting users, building relationships, and helping others set and achieve their goals are evident to everyone who interacts with her. In her free time, Lisa enjoys running, cooking, entertaining friends and family, and supporting her daughters’ passion for dance.
Emiley Jones
Copywriter & Content Writer, PhotoDay
Emiley Jones is an established writer, digital marketer, and photographer with diverse experience in e-commerce, SaaS, and local retail marketing. She also runs her own business as a portrait and wedding photographer. Emiley started her career at PhotoDay learning the software’s intricacies and studio challenges as a customer success representative, but quickly moved to the marketing department to focus on developing helpful user documentation such as support articles and the PhotoDay Guide, sharing inspiring studio success stories on the blog, communicating product updates, and more. Emiley received her BA in English Literature with a minor in Writing & Rhetoric from the University of Central Florida. Offline, you can find her hiking, reading, and birding.
Wes Greene
Content Strategist & Producer, PhotoDay
Wes Greene has spent over 15 years writing and producing creative and educational content for a wide range of companies in the tech startup sector, as well as support content for the public school system. Initially intending to teach high school while balancing a filmmaking hobby, the latter snowballed into a budding career working on commercials, training videos, and various media marketing projects and strategies in the tech startup industry. This crossover of multimedia know-how and passion for education has carved out a unique position at PhotoDay, where he develops a broad spectrum of content for the company. Wes received his BA in International Relations with a minor in Linguistics from the University of South Florida, and enjoys several musical hobbies in his spare time.
Brian Derenski
Workflow Specialist, PhotoDay
Owner & Photographer, Brian Derenski Photography
Brian Derenski is a seasoned professional in photography and graphic design. With a degree in Graphic Design and Marketing from Kansas State University, Brian began his career as a tradeshow graphic designer working on projects for prominent brands, then further honed his skills in offset printing for the entertainment industry. Next, he held Art Director and Creative Director positions at Perkin Marketing Agency, until he decided to start his own company. As BD Design Studio, Brian worked with local businesses on marketing collateral, product photography, websites, and branding. As his family grew, Brian found himself photographing his kids soccer and baseball games, which naturally developed into his first foray into volume sports. In 2009, he established Brian Derenski Photography, specializing in volume sports photography. With a passion for creativity and a commitment to excellence and industry education, Brian brings new visions to life through captivating visual imagery and sharing his experience with other photographers through the PhotoDay platform. When he isn't behind the camera or computer, you can find him cooking on his grill or smoker, tending his garden with his wife, and spending time with family and friends.
Robin & Jennifer Janson
Owners & Photographers, Freeman Photography
Robin and Jennifer Janson have been in the volume photography business for over 17 years, focusing on photographing preschools, youth sports, special events, and industrial/commercial work for international companies. What began as a side hustle quickly grew into a high-volume business in the Houston, Texas, area. The Jansons have earned their TPPA Associate Fellowship, CPP, Certified Professional Photography, and Cr Photog, Photographic Craftsman. Robin served on the PPA Nominating Committee, was PPA Chair in 2020, and currently serves on the PPA Speaker Selection Committee; he was also a 2019 Board Member and 2022 President for the Texas Professional Photographers Association. Jennifer serves on the PPA Nomination Committee. They are passionate about the work they do, including educating others through educational programs, mentorship, and speaking engagements across the country.
Neal Freed
Co-Founder & President, Freed Photography
Neal and Carla Freed have been in the photography business since 1996. Together with their partner, Bryan Blanken, they established Freed Photography in 2001, which has grown into a prominent volume photography studio based in Washington, DC. Neal and his team takes pride in bringing a fresh, creative perspective to school photography while capturing tens and tens of thousands of subjects each year. Neal and Carla are active in the DC business community, charitable foundations, and are members of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International, International Special Events Society, the Professional Photographers of America, PPA, and the National Association of Catering Executives.
Nick Shoob
Owner, Shoob Photo South
Nick Shoob has grown up in the school photo business. He is a fourth generation school photographer and owner of Shoob Photo South, a multi-generational photography business with over 100 years of experience servicing Central and Southern California. In his lifelong career, Nick has seen just about every change the industry has gone through—from long roll film to facial recognition. If there’s something new in the industry, Nick has surely tested it! Shoob Photo South focus on photographing school photos, sports teams, event photography, and more.
Additional PhotoDay Academy
Team Members
Design & Production
Ryan Dalisay
Creative Director, PhotoDay
Design & Production
Otilia Velasquez
Graphic Designer, PhotoDay