Our Studio
MK was founded by Mike Knausz in 1985 when he decided to make photography his full time career. What started off as a passion for photography turned into decades of preserving first steps, milestones, and achievements. Along with his wife, Jane, a professional portrait studio was built that has served thousands of clients from the Northeast Ohio community and beyond. In 2013, Stephanie Mercer joined the MK team after graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Art with her BFA in Photography. Presently, Mike and Stephanie co-own the studio, offering exceptional work in photography, design, custom framing and more.
Today our portrait business encompasses a wide range of photography. From high school senior and underclass portraiture to volume sports photography, life events such as weddings and anniversaries to reunions, first communions, and family portraits. We take pride in knowing that we treat our customers like they are part of our family.
Meet our Staff
Stephanie Mercer
Owner and Photographer
Stephanie grew up in Mentor, Ohio, and is a 2009 graduate of Mentor High School where she first met Mike & Jane. She did her senior project at MK Photography, then went on to study at the Cleveland Institute of Art where she majored in Photography. While in school, she worked in the custom framing department at JoAnn Fabric & Crafts. In 2013, she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and came back to MK as a digital production artist. She continued to practice photography under Mike’s direction and took on the role of lead photographer, and eventually became co-owner of MK Photography.
Stephanie lives in Lake County with her fiancée and two cats (Ziggy & Stardust) and enjoys hiking, roller skating, and crafting in her free time.
Mike and Jane Knausz
Founders
Mike began his professional career in sales, then transitioned to photography working under the guidance of the late Pat Cirino. Mike founded MK Photography in 1985 and began working out of their home in Mentor. The business quickly expanded to a studio space and Jane joined the team shortly after as office manager. They spent many years working with local families, couples, and high school seniors focusing on portraiture. When they saw the field of photography changing with the advent of digital cameras, they adapted their business and began offering volume school and sports photography. Today they spend their time traveling and visiting their children during the quiet months, and assisting with the busy school and sports seasons.
Annie Gonyea
Digital Content Specialist/ Photography Assistant
Annie grew up in Italy where her father was stationed in the Air Force/Navy. She moved back to the States and spent her formative years in Willoughby, Ohio. She attended Cleveland State University and received her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Promotional Communications. Annie began working as a studio assistant while pursuing her degree, and quickly began to integrate her knowledge of marketing and communications into the MK brand. Today she works as a digital production artist, marketing lead, manages our social media, and assists on school and sports shoots.
Outside of work she enjoys cooking/baking, coloring, and hanging out with her friends.