I'm an accredited Master Photographer and own Paulette Mertes Studios in Albert Lea, MN. I am originally from Chicago but lived for a time on the East Coast where I started my business and earned Connecticut Photographer of the Year for 6 straight years before recently relocating to Minnesota. I also earned International Photographer of the Year from Professional Photographers of America three years in a row.

I started out in photojournalism and worked at a daily newspaper for a number of years, entering portrait photography about 25 years ago. Though my business has been portrait photography, I am expanding my fine art photography business as well.

I've been a Flickr member for many years, now, and I'm really glad I joined - it has re-awakened in me the desire to make more time for myself and to be more creative with my camera.

I've seen so many talented photographers and so many beautiful images on Flickr - it's been quite an inspiration. I thank all of you for that.

Paulette

NOTE - All of my images are copyright protected and I do not take kindly to copyright infringement. ANY unauthorized use of my work is strictly forbidden. Contact me if you wish to use any of my images. Thank you.

AN ADDITIONAL NOTE: If you have no photostream, no profile, and no testimonials please do not favorite any of my images - I will block you - I will assume my images are being misused. If I sense something is not right when I go to your photostream, I'll block you. Sorry, but I must protect what I legally own.