We first crossed paths with Mark Davis back in the summer of 2009.

Together with his good friend, and fellow photographer David Werther, Mark was helping get the LHHS football players photographed for their 2009-'10 team poster.

Like most good locals, he came through in a pinch, lent his talents to the cause, and enjoyed pitching in for the team.

There's a much greater history there, of course.

So we asked Mark to share a little bit about his background with our readers.

Introducing: Mark Davis.

"I started taking pictures when I was 12 years old, and fell in love with the medium instantly," says Davis.

"With a little support and a good education in the profession, I managed to discover a niche for my work and earn a living doing what I love."

Mark's professional training came from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California, following his graduation from Lake Highlands High School.

"After becoming freelance in 1982, I did commercial jobs for every major company and industry in the world," he says. "But I always came back to photographing the people and places of my own neighborhood."

In addition to his work as a multi-media artist, Davis has recently been shooting family portraits. Then, together with video, he sets the images to music for his customers.

"This has become a very popular service, as it allows people to share not just photographs, but a true moment in their lives," he says.

Aside from making art and occasionally picking up a game of baseball, Davis finds himself most at home when he's "wandering through the world taking photographs."

Something others might be surprised to learn about him?

"I've done campaign photos for quite a few politicians, which is how I got most of the Dallas City Council in my back pocket. Before long I will own this town. Or not."

Our thanks to Mark for sharing a few of his photographs - and laughs - with us.

To learn more about Mark's photo and video services, visit http://www.davisstudios.com.

Lead photo: During a recent photo shoot for the Dallas Cowboys, Mark decided to do a self portrait. From now on, he remarks, whenever you see a Superbowl trophy, you can tell everyone, "Hey, there's that thing what looks like Mark Davis' head on a stick!"

Photo (below left): The last snowfall in Dallas? "I assume this is the result of global warming. All I can say is, if it gets any warmer, we're going to freeze to death."

Photo (below right): Best summed up as "two chairs with flowers that I was NOT spitting on from a second floor balcony."