A finalist in Nikon International’s 2009 “Emerging Talent” contest, Justin Carrasquillo is based in L.A. and loves shooting cars, landscapes, urban life, and the occasional pet.

Lauren Ward splits her time between Los Angeles and New York, but you can be sure to catch her online on the Urban Outfitters blog or roadtripping with musician friend Robert Francis.

Originally from India, New York’s Manjari Sharma has been receiving attention for her intimate series of images, The Shower Series, a photo from which was one of PDN’s “Photo of the Day” features in 2009.

If you’re out and about in L.A., you’ve probably run into Melissa Manning who’s been featured on VH1 and whose society photos have been published monthly in Flaunt Magazine.

Please join us in welcoming Justin, Lauren, Manjari, and Melissa to This Is A Photo Blog and keep an eye out for their contributions in the coming months!