PhotoQuist.com features photography by John McQuiston. Google his name and you'll find a guy whose professional background is television news reporting.

This is the same guy. And you may reasonably ask why you would hire a TV reporter to take photographs for you.

The pursuits are more similar than it may first appear. Any good reporter's best asset is the ability to notice things, including the essence of his story subjects. That same skill is vital to photographers.

Top-flight equipment — and the ability to use it — certainly help and John shoots with DSLR cameras equipped with f/3.5-4.5 16-80mm, f/2.8 70-200mm, and f/2.8 100mm macro, and f/1.4 85mm lenses.

Artful photography goes beyond ISO and aperture settings. It goes to a place where it captures moments and reveals character. More than that, it creates photographs that you simply can't wait to see. Again and again.

That's what got John interested in photography. Mesmerized by those single frames, crystal cast indelibly in his mind, he aimed to recreate that magic and share it with anyone who would watch.

His family grew tired of the stalking. Even his cat usually refused to cooperate. So he put an ad on craigslist, offering to photograph people for free and give them digital copies as long as they'd sign a model release allowing him to show the photographs.

Working with "customers" was a great experience for John and they were thrilled with the results. After the third such shoot, the subjects all but told John that he needed to turn pro. It's not often that someone is talked into charging for a service by someone who had previously received it for free.

But it's happened here.

Please take a look around. If you like what you see, please consider having John photograph you or your loved ones. It's not free any more but he promises that you won't pay unless you're happy.