You have likely noticed the eye-catching banners announcing the arrival of Jon Hobbs Photography in the upstairs window in the Old Town building at 4091 Helena Road.

Hobbs moved his family to Alabaster five years ago from Warren, Ohio, for his job with Mercedes-Benz. He continues his position there as supplier quality engineer, while building his photography business.

“The niche I am most immediately exploring is the high school senior portfolio,” Hobbs said. “I’m offering a creative and fun approach to the experience and invite them to bring along their favorite music. By making the experience more like a model shoot, I focus on capturing the subject’s personality and matching it to the setting in a variety of poses.”

Hobbs offers the opportunity to take the portfolio shots a step further by combining them, perhaps with baby pictures and other favorite photos, into a personalized storybook or album. Customized graduation announcements and invitations are available as well.

Hobbs is currently experimenting with direct marketing on Facebook and MySpace and is looking for energetic, outgoing students to be models. He is offering referral compensation to happy senior/student clients.

Hobbs has been photographing for friends and weddings for more than 20 years on a part-time basis. He shoots with a Nikon D300, but emphasizes that the eye of the person behind the camera is more important than the equipment.

“I also do family and individual portraits, special events and small weddings,” he said.

For a portrait, you can experience the ambiance of the aged surfaces and old brick walls of his studio or choose an outdoor location. Hobbs frequently makes use of the natural nearby scenic areas just beyond his front door.

Hobbs wife, Tammy, is currently working toward a degree as a medical tech assistant and they have three sons, Keith, 20, David, 18, and Sean, 16.

For more information, call 434-5026 or visit his Web site at: jonhobbsphotography.com