The best part of this job is getting to know so many amazing people's stories.  Steve was no exception.  Not only is he an extremely hard worker, but one of the most genuine and hilarious individuals I've had the opportunity to photograph.   Within seconds of meeting Steve on his farm in Bard, California I knew we would get along.  

Joe popped down to the studio recently to get some updated headshots.  As a young guy in the financial advisor / wealth management world, it's important for him to be bold and make a splash.  Part of that involves having a fresh modern headshot.  His headshot shows a strong, confident young advisor who will provide good advice and solid return on investment.  

My goal was to provide photos that presented the feeling of a high-end life­style when working out at Mountainside Fitness. I accomplished this through impactful and clean imagery.

When you get the opportunity to work with the desert warriors, you jump on that!   Alex reached out to me with the idea for a fun day at the track/range where they practice a unique sport called mounted archery.  If you thought shooting a bow and arrow was tough, or maybe riding a horse a little difficult, try combing them.  These are some talented people!  

In december I was hired by Club Solutions Magazine to photograph the founders of EXOS, an elite athlete training facility.  I had heard of EXOS, and couldn't wait to see behind the curtain of this elite facility.  I was not disappointed with what I saw.  When I arrived a week before to meet with the marketing coordinator and scout the location I knew this was unlike any "gym" I had ever seen before.  The first indicator was that every person who walked through the front doors looked like an olympian.  I came to find out they were actually olympians.  Gold medal track and field olympians at that.

It was great seeing him at work during our shoot, as he discussed with his marketing assistant ways to improve usage of different areas of the gym.  I would attribute this excellent attention to detail and care as a major factor in the success of the company. 

There's something special about seeing the first light of a brand new day, and the amazing colors it casts across the land.  This is especially true in Arizona.  When the sun creeps over the mountains and illuminates the different hues of red, orange, and green of our desert landscape it's a sight to be seen.   Now, put a beautiful girl and her horse into that scene and you have a recipe for the perfect photoshoot! 

Flip to the back inside cover of the July/August issue of EatingWell Magazine and you'll see a striking portrait of a life long farmer.  Ramona has been named one of the magazine's honored "tastemakers".   This is the story of our shoot.

She works hard to ensure she can separate herself from the competition.  It takes dedication, a healthy diet and exercise.  The result of her hard work is clearly visible in the photos.

Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy is making big moves outside of the tech industry.  Pretty soon you'll hear his name all throughout the golf world.  After spending a quarter of a million dollars a year on golf clubs in hopes of improving his game, Parsons Extreme Golf or PXG was born.

Most recently, I photographed Neil Barna, FirstIB Tempe Branch's newest Regional VP.  Neil was a stand up guy who absolutely rocked it during the session! 

For Doug Smith the Bourbon Cellar is a 10 year dream turned into reality.

"Don't make me look like a lobster."

That was the only request from Jeff before we started shooting.  You could say his previous headshot on Linkedin wasn't as flattering as he would have liked.  With his one request in mind, I reassured him nobody would be mistaking him for seafood after I was done with him!

Danny is making a big decision.  He's jumping head first into the real estate game.  In order to do so with success he wants to portray himself as a professional.  Which, is why I'm glad he came to me for his new headshots.  Danny completely understands the value of a professional headshot, and the impact it can make for him as a real estate agent.

We live in a country built by heroes.  We wouldn't have our freedom without the sacrifices made by our veterans.  My first shoot for ImagesAZ Magazine was of Colonel Jim Morris.  It would also end up being my first magazine cover.

I've recently started shooting editorial assignments for ImagesAZ magazine.  One of my first assignments with them was to photograph an amazing jewelry artist, Donna Armstrong.  I was lucky enough to be awarded the cover of the Grayhawk/ North Scottsdale edition.  

When you think of an average american mortgage loan officer, what comes to your mind?  A plane jane, boring person driving a mini van or something of the sort.  Well, that's what the movies tell us anyways.  Meet Debi Larosa.  She's not your average american mortgage loan officer.

Why are headshot sessions so much fun?

It's not technically challenging subject matter to photograph.  You nail your lighting set up / camera settings and can basically forget about your camera all together.  And that's the beauty of it.  Headshot sessions allow you to focus 100% of your energy interacting with your subject.  That's why I love shooting them.

Often times when given a brief for a shoot, you try to schedule time and location to best fit the clients ideas.  Sometimes you get lucky and everything goes great and other times weather doesn't play nice and you have to improvise.

A few months ago I was hired by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America to photograph their Chief Nursing Officer Jill Fargo.  They were doing a feature story on her in their national publication Cancer Fighters Thrive Magazine.

As a photographer, our goal is always to be improving our craft.  To do this we need to constantly push ourselves beyond our comfort zone, test new things, and just practice!   This is why regular personal shoots are a must. 

About a year ago, Chloe relocated to the MetLife Tempe office and started working for a financial advisor named Gus Dekavallas.  Gus is one of the nicest, most interesting people I've ever met.  To name a few of his accolades: - He was drafted to play professional baseball for this team you've probably never heard of... the San Fransisco Giants.

As much as I'd like to take all the credit for this amazing shoot, I could not have created these photos without Chloe!  Now when I say Chloe, I mean our amazing model / senior Chloe.  But, I must also thank my girlfriend/assistant Chloe as well for her help as always!  The dual Chloe's made it difficult to give direction at some points during the shoot, but I think it also helped lighten the mood and add some humor.

This post is long overdue!  The Culver Academy senior class of 2015 graduates in less than 4 days!  But, I am finally posting about my shoot with Spencer from back in the fall.   A little bit about our shoot.  It was early.  It was very cold. It was windy.  And, it was awesome! Spencer was a rockstar.  He didn't complain about the cold or having to be up before the sun a single time.   I still remember the first time I met Spencer.

As I continue to push myself to become a better photographer I continuously set new goals. This year, a major goal I set for myself was to photograph more of what I wanted to shoot commercially.  This meant more personal projects revolving around adventuring, lifestyle, sports and fitness.

Whether you're just out of school or you've been in the real world for a while, a fresh headshot can help you make an excellent first impression.  This is especially true in our digital age, where your first impression will often times be from an online profile.  So, I was thrilled when Dave asked me to give his headshots an update!

I've had the pleasure of working with the MayesTelles Law Firm previously.  All the attorneys working there are extremely friendly, and fun to work with.   Claudia was no different from the rest of them.   She had the same amazing personality and friendliness I'd come to expect from working with the rest of the group......

There are few instances where you'll watch a kid play and instantly know he's destined for greatness. Karch Bachman will be one of the greats. When he's on the ice he controls the game.  Combine his talent with an amazing team and you're unstoppable.........

If you ask me my favorite restaurant in all of Arizona, it's such an easy answer.  I'll tell you The Roaring Fork.  Which is why, I actually did a lap around my apartment in excitement after I got an email asking me to photograph their executive chef, Santiago Estrada.  BOOM! 

Zach’s senior session ended a bit differently than we would have planned.  Although, it definitely added a bit of extra excitement into the day.   We met up with Zach Saturday morning, about an hour or so after the sun had risen.  Not ideal, but not horrible lighting either.  Especially since I was no longer shooting in the desert, where full tree’s seem to be as mythical as big foot......

My goal was to provide photos that presented the feeling of a high-end life­style when working out at Mountainside Fitness. I accomplished this through impactful and clean imagery.

Often times when given a brief for a shoot, you try to schedule time and location to best fit the clients ideas.  Sometimes you get lucky and everything goes great and other times weather doesn't play nice and you have to improvise.

A few weeks ago I released mine and Chloe’s christmas photo, or as I like to describe it as, the EPIC christmas card of 2014.  It’s definitely more out there, and a lot better executed than last year’s photo we did.  I'd say it is much more artistic, and clean.  I wanted to do something on par with John Keatley’s christmas photo series.

Never, in my wildest dreams or imagination, would have thought my photo would be selected as an Editor's Choice on the popular site 500px......

As professional photographers, or aspiring amateurs, we are constantly trying to get our work out into the world, and in front of as many eyes as possible.  Assuming you haven't been living under a rock, you might have heard of this little photo sharing app called instagram!  Yes, instagram, that app known for throwing disgusting filters over good photos, and where an iPhone pic of a cup of coffee can get 10k likes.....

Here's a quick tip for anyone who struggles with retouching uneven skin tones in photoshop.  It can be used for someone with a high number of blemishes or splotchy skin of any kind or variation.

Hope everyone is having an excellent 4th of July, and for all you out there looking to take some amazing photos of the fireworks this evening, I'll give you a few quick tips on how to do so!