ALDEN – Emily Reyerson’s studio, The Sparkling Image, has only been in downtown Alden for a few months, but it’s already making a name for itself.

Reyerson, 24, is a native of Alden and graduated from Alden-Conger High School in 2008. She went to South Central College in North Mankato and graduated in 2011 with a degree in graphic communications. She moved back to the area and currently lives there with her fiancé, Matt Hassing, and their dog, Charlie.

In high school Reyerson worked on the yearbook staff and took photo classes, and when she was in college she started taking pictures for friends and family.

“Growing up it seemed like I always had a camera in my hands,” she said.

Now, at her studio and on location, Reyerson primarily photographs children and families. She’s also photographed weddings and offers graphic design services as well. She gets a substantial amount of business for brochures, business cards and custom wedding invitations.

Reyerson offers different portrait packages centered around customers’ requests and has started to come up with seasonal packages. She’s booked solid for all of the Easter and spring sessions she had available. She’s planning out a “Mommy and Me” themed session package for Mother’s Day and is considering “Just Like Daddy” for Father’s Day.

She said the studio, 154 N. Broadway, primarily gets customers from Alden, Albert Lea and the surrounding areas, many of whom are referred to her through word of mouth.

As far as long-term goals, Reyerson looks to keep improving, keep up with trends and to keep making customers happy.

“I enjoy working with people. … It’s never the same. There’s always a new challenge. Some kids kick and scream, others sit and smile. Sometimes a family of 20 comes in.”