Capturing Moments That Matter

At Elevated Media, we are storytellers at heart—driven to capture the raw emotion, defining moments, and unfiltered humanity of every event we cover.

Whether it’s on the field, on the stage, or behind the scenes, we specialize in documenting the energy, intensity, and meaning behind each experience. From high-stakes competition to powerful community gatherings, our goal is to create compelling visual narratives that resonate, inspire, and connect.

We believe every moment tells a story—and every story deserves to be seen. That’s why we’re dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices, spotlighting overlooked talent, and sharing untold stories that move culture forward. Whether it’s an emerging athlete, a breakthrough performance, or a grassroots movement reshaping the landscape, we ensure these moments get the attention they deserve.

At Elevated, we don’t just cover events—we elevate them.

In addition to our original coverage, we also offer editorial licensing for select images, making our work available to publications, media outlets, and storytellers who share our mission of highlighting the authentic and impactful. Our vision is to see Elevated images published across platforms where real stories matter most.

Because the moments we capture aren’t just fleeting—they’re worth remembering, sharing, and celebrating.

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Alana Dackiw

Co-Founder, COO, Sports Editor

Alana specializes in capturing the magic of the moment, creating live content that stops the scroll and builds genuine fan connection. She didn’t plan on a career in sports, but the game found her anyway. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University and Oklahoma State University, she has focused on crafting moments that matter, empowering women in sports, and helping fans feel like they’re part of something bigger. Outside of work, you’ll usually find her exploring new cities, trying new recipes, or catching a movie to fuel her next big idea.

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Derek Katsaros

Co-Founder, CEO, Lead Editor

After spending nearly a decade in the Army, Derek left and pursued his undergrad and master’s in Supply Chain. There in university, he found his love for photography and sports journalism, becoming the Lead Photo Editor of the university newspaper, The Western Herald, where he sharpened his storytelling and visual storytelling skills. He recently earned a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from Michigan State University. Outside of work, he’s a devoted family man who enjoys exploring new cuisines and has a passion for cars.

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Vanessa Litchard

Co-Founder, CFO, Broadcasting Manger

Vanessa brings brands to life through creative storytelling and design, fueled by her passion for sports. A University of Michigan graduate, she honed her skills producing and broadcasting sports content across a variety of campus outlets. Vanessa thrives in collaborative environments, valuing diverse perspectives to craft content that truly connects and inspires. When she’s not working, you’ll find her watching movies, diving into cosplay, hanging out with her pets, or cheering on her favorite hockey teams!

Elevated Media Group Journalism Standards

Elevated Media Group follows the Associated Press (AP) guidelines and principles to maintain journalistic integrity. Below are key standards adapted from the AP’s practices.

Audio Standards:

  • Audio content must remain accurate and unaltered, except as follows:

    • With managerial approval, overly long pauses may be shortened.

    • Subtle audio processing, such as volume normalization, equalization, and noise reduction, is permitted if it does not obscure content.

    • Bleeping of obscenities requires managerial approval.

    • Ambient sounds may only be added with a senior editor’s approval if they do not alter the editorial meaning.

Graphics Guidelines:

  • Use only authoritative sources and display accurate representations of data.

  • Charts must maintain correct scales (e.g., bar charts must start at zero).

  • Graphics created from multiple photographic elements must be clearly identified as compositions.

Photo and Video Editing:

  • Minor photo edits (e.g., cropping, grayscale conversion, and dust removal) are allowed if they preserve the original scene.

  • Video editing may include technical corrections (e.g., color adjustments and noise removal) without altering the content.

  • 360-degree visuals are permissible if they do not change the original footage.

Sourcing and Attribution:

  • Original reporting is required; plagiarism is prohibited.

  • Anonymous sources must meet strict criteria and receive managerial approval.

  • Attribution should be clear and detailed, identifying sources and providing context.

Use of Anonymous Sources:

  • Material from anonymous sources must be vital, verified, and unavailable otherwise.

  • Reporters must seek multiple confirmations whenever possible.

  • Stories using anonymous sources must include an explanation of their anonymity.

Quotations Policy:

  • Quotations must remain in their original context and may only be paraphrased to clarify meaning.

  • Translations of quotes should be accurate and faithful to the source.

  • Edited soundbites in audio or video must retain the speaker’s intended meaning.

These standards ensure that Elevated Media Group upholds the highest levels of journalistic integrity and transparency.