Image module custom image style changes image link
I found a fix by adding 

$conf['image_allow_insecure_derivatives'] = TRUE;


to my settings.php file

I found the solution from this drupal stack exchange posting:
Drupal 7.20 Image Styles return a url with Access Denied

I'll hold off on accepting my answer here as the accepted answer for a bit in case someone informs me that I should not be solving the problem this way.