Our team is thrilled to welcome you to our space and cannot wait to see the amazing creative work you will produce here. We believe in fostering an inspiring environment where your creativity can flourish, and we look forward to supporting you on your journey.
Click on the team member to learn more about them
Co-Owner
Hi I am Asantae!
Being apart of the Urban Studios team has been such an amazing experience and I have loved seeing the impact that it has had in the creative community since first opening in January!
I recently made the move to San Diego, California and am still looking forward to helping the studio through assisting on the social media, creating content, and helping plan future events and ideas for the studio!
Outside of Urban Studios, I own a photography business called Asantae Photography, in which I specialize in weddings and portraits.
My photography business is what initially sparked the idea of creating a space like Urban Studios as I am so passionate about the purpose it has here in the 417 area. I am so thrilled that other photographers and creatives can find a home here at Urban as well!
Co-Owner
Hey guys, this is Rafa!
I was born and raised in Saltillo, Mexico, and moved to Springfield in 2013 to go to college at Missouri State University.
I’ve worked in marketing since 2014 and in 2020 I founded Primate Digital Marketing, a full-service digital agency serving established businesses wanting to make the jump to digital marketing.
I’m so excited to be part of this team and help bring a place downtown where local photographers and content creators have the opportunity to express their art and talents.
In my free time, I enjoy exercising, learning, and spending time with my wife Bailey, and two Mexican hairless dogs.
We look forward to having you at Urban Studios!
Studio Coordinator
Hello everyone, I’m Ethan Hannaford, the proud owner of EH Photo since 2016. As a passionate Wedding + Portrait Photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting countless love stories and creating timeless memories for my clients in Springfield, MO.
I’m happily married to love of my life, Alexander, and we celebrated our destination wedding with our closest friends + family on September 23, 2023, in Winter Park, CO. We share our cozy downtown loft with our two cats and two dogs.
Excitingly, I’m also the Studio Coordinator at Urban Studios, where I can expand my creative horizons and share my knowledge with others in the 417 area and beyond. From urban-themed shoots, to modern portraits, cutting-edge projects, and events of your dreams I’m dedicated to curating an exceptional experience for every person that comes through our doors.
Cannot wait to meet you – come and visit me at the studio!
Studio Assistant
Hey I’m Jasmine!
I grew up in the St.Louis area and moved to the Springfield area for school where I attended Missouri State University with a degree in Marketing. I have since after graduating moved full-time into being a wedding + portrait photographer (JasmineLeePhoto.graphy) here in the 417 and love the community that it has brought me!
More about me. I’m a 2025 bride EKKK, I enjoy running, spending time with friends, going out to eat (Raising Cane’s all day everyday), thrifting, and all things creative!
I am so so honored and excited to be a part of the Urban Studio team as a Studio Assistant and help strengthen the community and be a smile for those who walk in our doors and see all the creative individuals who come to visit. See you in the Studio!!
Studio Assistant
Hi friends! I’m Madelynn!
I am originally from Kansas City, but am here in Springfield pursuing a degree in Communications and Journalism at Missouri State University. I am currently going into my Senior year and will graduate in Spring of 2026!
I was inspired to join the Urban Studios team after seeing how much value a creative hub adds to our community. I loved being able to come into the space and freely create with the support of the staff in the studio, and I wanted to provide that to others in our community.
Outside of the studio, I love to stay creative! I run my own business called Madelynn Media where I do work in photography, videography, and graphic design. I have been blessed enough to create portraits, recruitment videos, merchandise, social media posts, and more for multiple organizations in the Springfield area. Along with that, I work as a photographer for Missouri State University where I cover everything from sports to banquets!
In my free time I love to find time to reset by binge watching TV, learning a new recipe, or spending time outdoors! I also fill my free time doing some of my favorite things outside of the creative world, like watching sports and being super involved with Fraternity & Sorority life on the MSU campus!
I loved getting to tell you all about myself, and I can’t wait to hear all about you! Come create with me in the studio soon!
Studio Assistant
Hey there, I’m Cami!
I’m the owner of Cami Johnson Photography and a lover of all things love, light, and storytelling.
I’m also a nursing student (graduating December 2025 — woohoo!), a mom to the cutest 3 year old, I am married to my best friend, Houston. He is a super talented photographer and videographer, and actually the one who taught me most of what I know behind the camera!
When I’m not taking photos or studying for nursing exams, you can find me hanging out with my family, rewatching my favorite comfort shows, eating something delicious, reading, working out, or soaking up every moment of being a sister and aunt.
I can’t wait to meet you and create something fun! See you in the studio!
