David Olarte, Director, Stilo Dance Company

My Dog and Model, Moochie

Every time I need to test new equipment or try new photo taking techniques, I need not look too far for a model. Moochie, my canine companion, is always a good sport when it comes to posing for me. He's even a trooper when it comes to looking at the camera with his adorable eyes.

The lighting setup was a Quantum Qflash triggered using the Nexus TTL wireless adapter, bounced off the ceiling.

Camera used was my Nikon D90 + 85 f1.8 lens set to f4. Exposure set manually to bring out the detail outdoors through the window.

Samantha: Dancer and Healer

Cory Gutierrez, Co-Director, Tropical Vibes Dance Company

My good friend Cory is as beautiful as she is talented. She an amazing dancer, teacher, designer and choreographer. As if that wasn't enough, she is also one of the sweetest people I've ever know.

Cory called me recently to create photos to promote their Samba & Latin Performances, which include an assortment of elaborate and colorful costumes.

Below is one of my favorite shots of this talented director. For dance lessons or performances, visit her web site at Tropical Vibes Dance Company

My two photogenic nephews

Reunions, parties, and wedding are always a wonderful time to photograph the young ones in our family. Two young men that don't seem to mind my persistant photography and look pretty good on the receiving end of the camera are Gaberial and Joseph.

Gaberial, aka Bebo, at my brother Adam's wedding reception.

Joseph at the luncheon the day after Adam's wedding

Alli's Graduation Photo Shoot

Giada

A portrait of my lovely friend, dancer, singer, model and at times she's even willing to lend me a hand in with my photographic endeavors.

Toby the modeling pooch

It takes major photo skills to get a dog to smile (Not photoshopped)  :)

That's a nice pose!

I guess photo sessions can be boring.

Time for a morning jog.

Dienna, Moochie & Buddy

Dog owner Dienna and her two beloved pooches out for a walk in the park.

Photos captured using a Nikon D90 and the 180mm 2.8 lens. Post processed in Aperture 2.0.

Angela, Friend, 2nd Shooter & Model

Here's some snaps from a photo outing with Angela throughout the Phoenix-metro area. Angela will be my 2nd shooter and assistant and I was showing her the different ways to use a camera, lenses and lighting. Here's a few of my favorite shots from the outing.

Photo shoot with Eddi

Taking a short break from Weddings and other events, I was asked to photograph a good friend and Journalist, Eddi Trevizo. We shot some indoor and outdoor portraits, and it was one of the funnest shoots I've done in a while. Eddi was so easy to work with that at times I thought I was working with a professional model. Eddi, thanks for making my job easy!

You can read some of Eddi's stories in the Arizona Republic and online at AZCentral.com.

Edward at the Park

Being asked to photograph children is always an exercise in fitness and patience. Persistence is key, finding ways to connect with them is paramount. Edward, with his endless supply of energy, had his parents and me running around the park trying to capture a few precious shots. My guess is that he was having fun us, and in the end he decided to give us what we were after. All in a hard day's work.

Moments with Porter

The son of a teacher and firefighter, Porter was at times selective with his big smiles, and at times generous. We had a wonderful time taking his pictures along with Mom and Dad in Downtown Chandler. We hope to see this good looking young man in front of the camera again very soon!

An Impromptu Portrait

While getting ready to photograph a birthday party, I decided to turn my test shots into a mini portrait session. This was my favorite.

Portrait of a funny man

My best friend and funny man Thuan is always willing to lend me some of his excellent facial expressions so that I may test out my new photo gear.

Photo taken with a Nikon D90 & Nikon 85mm f1.8 lens.

Arizona Pet Nanny: Nicole Larsen

Check out Nicole's Arizona Pet Nanny Website:

http://www.arizonapetnanny.com