Who is MJ&Co. actually?
Gone are the days of the “Matt Ramage” show. MJ&Co. was founded by Matt and his friend Janna Gobeil. They used to go by the name Matt & Janna. Then the team grew and Matt and Janna changed the name to MJ&Co. Currently, we are in our fourth studio where the seven of us work out of, so we thought we’d (re)introduce you to our team for 2022.
Matt Ramage
FOUNDER | PHOTOGRAPHER
What do you love most about wedding and lifestyle photography?
There aren’t a lot of days as special as a wedding day. It’s an intimate thing to be with a couple for the entire day. Everyone is so happy, and it makes this job not feel like a job.
The next big milestone is kids. It doesn’t get old when a client reaches out telling me that they have a baby on the way and wants us to be there to continue capturing their life.
What type of photography do you specialize in?
Portrait photography. Photographing people is my thing. Sunrises, plants, and animals don’t do it for me. I like the idea of creating something that means something. Even if the images I create only matter to that person.
What do you love about the photography community in Saskatoon?
I love chatting with new and old photographers alike about their dreams and aspirations, business, their gear— being a creative professional can be lonely sometimes. Chatting with people who are in it, trying to do their thing, and make a living is very inspiring. It’s a rewarding career because it is challenging. Saskatoon is filled with talented people.
Fun fact about you?
I took organ lessons for 9 years, and won multiple interprovincial trophies. So that’s a thing…
Crystal Ramage
PHOTOGRAPHER
What is your favourite wedding day memory so far?
My favourite wedding day memory so far was getting to be a part of a wedding I was initially photograph alongside Matt! I loved getting to be by the brides side taking in the fun with the bridal party and MJ&Co. team. a tale of a client becoming one of my best friends, such a wonderful and unexpected experiences I wouldn’t change!
What do you love about being a part of the MJ&Co. team?
Something I love most about being a part of the team is the fun we have and seeing the team grow. Matt’s vision coming to life of growing a talented team of creatives has been great to see! My weekday job as a nurse means I am not there weekdays but thank you guys for keeping me in the ‘loop’ with slack jokes, team lunches, and the fun events we do!
What is one fun fact about yourself?
I love ‘roughing it’ when it comes to travel/exploring. My other half is classy ;) I love camping in our tear drop, cooking roadside and making coffee to go explore all the beautiful places with Matt and our kids. I also am passionate about fashion/style/trends and dressing up any chance I get.
What is your favourite MJ&Co. memory so far?
One of my favourite memories is the Studio D Shootout. It’s a photography competition. We host this event as an excuse to hang out with our talented photography friends. Seeing other talented individuals and what they create always makes for a fun evening.
What would we catch you doing on your days off?
On my days off you’ll find me spending time with Matt and our kids, enjoying great food with friends, looking up the latest fashion finds and outfits and reading a good book with a cup of coffee!
Melissa Weir
LEAD | PHOTOGRAPHER
When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
This is always tough for me to answer. The camera is just another paintbrush for me, so photography has always been a part of my life. I draw, paint, sculpt, build, you name it. Photography is just an extension of that.
What type of photography do you specialize in?
Portraiture. I love to photograph people and document the human experience.
What is your favourite part about being on the MJ&Co. team?
My coworkers. They keep me laughing all day long and we’re a close-knit family.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
Before I made the leap into photography as a career, I was a nationally award-winning hairstylist. It’s also a very valuable skill to have during my shoots!
Christopher Rempel
SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER
What is your favourite MJ&Co. memory so far?
In general, I just really like when we hit a fit of goofiness in the studio and everyone ends up cry-laughing. It hurts so good.
When did you know you wanted to be a videographer?
Probably as early back as 2006. I was working at a summer camp that year and got a chance to watch the weekly highlight reel being edited; I loved seeing the behind-the-scenes creativity and the editing process. Fast-forward a few years and I found myself in the role of making said weekly highlight reels, and continued to do so for the following 5 years!
But 2017 is when I started video production professionally.
What is your favourite part about being on the MJ&Co. team?
I like the familial aspect to the team. It’s one thing to work someplace where no one gets along, and it’s another thing to work someplace where the employees are segregated (i.e. separate offices, cubicles). MJ&Co. is neither of those. We work together, grow together and - on a day where Matt buys lunch - eat together!
What is one fun fact about yourself?
I can juggle - is that a fun fact?
Josiah Maningas
VIDEOGRAPHER | EDITOR
When did you know you wanted to be a videographer?
I’ve always wanted to make videos, but 2020 is when I started my creative career.
What is your favourite part about working on the MJ&Co. team?
I really enjoy the collaborative experience here at the studio, and being able to express different creative perspectives.
What would we catch you doing on your days off?
Most likely watching a movie or tv show, or making a cup of coffee.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
I am certified to teach piano lessons and I also play the saxophone.
Darby Ratzlaff
PHOTOGRAPHER | EDITOR
When did you know you wanted to be a photographer?
What is your favourite part about working on the MJ&Co. team?
Having the opportunity to constantly learn from my surroundings and create new connections with the people I encounter on a day to day. It’s pretty special to get to help create and capture memorable moments daily.
What would we catch you doing on your days off?
Yoga, biking, spending time with friends, gardening, dancing, collaborating with other creators.
What is one fun fact about yourself?
My favourite form of photography is good old fashioned film.