Tom Baker is a freelance photographer based in Minneapolis, Minn. He likes to think he’s a hardcore photojournalist, but in reality he has to photograph weddings and portraits just like everyone else who thinks they’re a hardcore photojournalist and is trying to make a living as a freelancer (visit www.manitouweddings.com to see Tom’s wedding work).

When not trying to convince editors they should hire him, Tom can be found riding one of his bikes, or rock hunting on the North Shore of Lake Superior, or telling corny jokes to his wife (sometimes, all three occur at once). He loves his family and knows he wouldn’t have had many opportunities in his life without them. “Thanks mom and dad!” he says.