Funktastic Photography

It would paint a beautiful picture if we could say that Jill Gainer spent her whole life pursuing the goal of someday being one of the most sought after photographers in North Dakota. But the truth is, the whole thing sort of happened by accident. A happy sort of accident.

With a specialized degree and years of experience in Architectural and Interior Design it makes one wonder how a path would lead to such a career change, and a successful one at that!

A former fashion model who made her way back home after a long tour across the globe, Jill has grown her roots in the only place in this crazy world that she will ever call "home". With an extensive resume and a long list of celebrity friends, Jill stays grounded by surrounding herself with the mid-western people that she loves and by calling her brother when she needs to be smacked back to reality. An incredible case of ADD requires that from time to time.

The little photography studio called Smashdog Studios actually started out as a boutique graphic design firm and out of sheer frustration, (and lack of photographers who not only had the set up for highly stylized photography but who had the time to complete jobs on her schedule) Jill sought out other options. Following true form of a German blooded farm girl...she did it her self and has been "funking" up this side of the state ever since then.

With clients all over the country and the world, Jill and her team of super heroes have created a crazy sort of buzz and set the bar just a bit higher in this industry.

Q1: So where are you from? You carry the "Big City Vibe", You can't possibly be from North Dakota!

Actually, I was born and raised in Central North Dakota on a farm with the strictest parents you could imagine. We are talking the no-dating-til you are 16 parents. I went to college at NDSU in Fargo and traveled the world during that time immersing myself in the sights and sounds of culture. One may think I would have stayed in the big city, but the truth is, the world is smaller than you think...and the people that populate the state of North Dakota embody what I am about.

Q2: Favorite TV show?

Funny you should ask! I don't have a T.V. Weird, I know. I have an actual T.V. but I don't have cable or a signal converter box. It just seems like a waste of time and money when I work so much and HULU allows me to stream every show I would want to see anyway! I love to catch up on House, Family Guy, and The Office about once a month. Yes, my tastes are that vast.

Q3: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

I have a feeling a lot of people would assume I would say "My Feet" because they are so abnormally large. But, I enjoy their uniqueness. They are quite the ice breaker and conversation piece...much like Japanese Art. If I could change anything about myself, I would say...My Hair. It's thin and fine like a 3 year olds.

Q4: What is your favorite thing to photograph?

Crazy silly emotion. I love capturing the laughs and crazy faces that occur at any moment. I think that as a society we have become way too serious and concerned with outward appearances. I believe that happiness is in the little things. I let my son be a crazy three year old and I allow the same for myself. I love to laugh and find "laughable" situations daily. It's like self medication for me.

Q5: Who/How did you come up with the name Smashdog?

I actually had a Boston Terrier named Smash. Simple. Many ask me this question and expect some mind blowing answer. Smash was my pet, she is a dog...Smashdog. It's a reminder to me that anything can be taken away at any moment.

Q6: What is your passion besides photography?

I love many things: Music, Wine, Food, Architecture, Design. But, my passion is being a Mom to Carver and a Wife to Aaron. My family is my passion and they are everything to me.

Q7: Tell us a completely random fact about you.

I have O.C.D. about the toilet paper roll. People, it rolls over...not under. And if you ever come to our house and try to switch it, I will shrink wrap your car before you leave.

Q8: If you would not be a photographer, what would you be?

I would still be a Architectural Designer. I am thankful for what I do and more thankful knowing I will always have a degree to fall back on.

Q9: Favorite artist/musician/band?

Duh, 12 Stones. The drummer gives great kisses and makes an amazing Pecan Crusted Salmon with glazed carrots! I also love the hard rock Breaking Benjamin stuff, Fuel, Three Days Grace, Seether, Karnivool but we don't have the space for me to outline each and every artist I enjoy....so yeah...12 Stones!

Q10: Be honest, what's it like to be married to a "Rockstar"?

What?! I'm married to a Rockstar?! Seriously? No, really, it's not what you would assume. We are pretty low key and love quiet time cooking at home. Our dinners are amazing and we love to listen to conservative talk radio and read. Yep...we are that exciting! We both spend an incredible amount of time traveling so home time is kind of sacred.

Q11: You have a day-off what do you do?

Take a shower, make a big monster pot of french press coffee...stay in my p.j's and read the latest Ann Coulter article...then maybe make my husband breakfast in bed, call Diane and get the latest scoop of child humor and plan an afternoon of shopping for home improvement items followed by dinner at a restaurant of our choosing enjoying a great glass of wine! Yay for great friends!

Q12: Biggest pet peeve?

When the toilet seat is left up. Funny, when it's always down...I miss my husband.

Q13: What do you hate photographing?

Any environment that doesn't allow me to be creative.

Q14: Favorite place on Earth?

Negril, Jamaica. I hope to go back soon.

Q15: What was the funniest thing you just heard/saw/watched?

Diane sent me a link to "People of WalMart"...I almost fell out of my chair! Good stuff. Also...our Democratic Pres just got the Nobel Peace Price...equal laugh-ability.

Q16: Why is photography so important to you?

It's stopping a moment in time and holding onto it forever. It gives me cold chills.

Q17: If you found a magic genie lamp, what would your top 3 wishes be?

I'm gonna go with the 3rd Grade answer and say...Wish for a million wishes.

Q18: If you could shoot any-thing or anybody in the world what/who would it be?

I dream of the day that the management team for Breaking Benjamin calls me to shoot their new promo material...and after that impressing upon them so much I book every one of their family sessions for the rest of my life.

Q19: What is one crazy Smashdog story?

Do you have a year and unlimited supply to paper?! Seriously, I have considered writing a book...you can't make this stuff up. From being stranded at the airport for 3 days in a snow storm, emergency surgery, celebrity meetings, crazy people...by gosh...where does one begin?!

Q20: And finally, what is your biggest wish for the future?

For the new 12 Stones album to go triple Platinum, for my photography to be displayed in a museum, and for my family to always be happy and healthy.

Kayla is a spunky little midget with a lot of talent. She is a Rock N Roll Biker chick who gets along with everyone. Kayla can be one with an opinion, and you will know what she thinks soon enough. She has lived in North Dakota all her life and to her craziness we think, she states she loves it and would not live anywhere else. Kayla also has a two year degree in liberal arts and photography, but her true passion is History and if she did not love photography so much, she would be a historian.A loyal, caring and hard working little midget, that gets the job done! You cannot mistake Kayla for anyone else. Perfect little midget with a huge heart.