Gene Balzer's passions are photography and teaching photography. He has lived in Flagstaff, Arizona, since 1972 and has been inspired by the landscape and culture of the Southwest. His subject matter ranges from desert scenes and northern Arizona's mountains to Indian ruins and old Spanish missions to Native American artwork. His use of morning and evening light enhance the vibrant colors in his images.

Dr. Balzer is the senior photography faculty member at Northern Arizona University, where he teaches portrait and commercial photography, among other classes. A sabbatical in 1993 allowed him to photograph National Parks and Monuments on the Colorado Plateau. His second sabbatical, in 2000, took him to Boston to pursue fashion photography and forge industry connections for students interested in post-college internships and jobs.

Balzer's clients include Arizona Highways Magazine, Babbitt Brothers Trading Co., Hasselblad USA, Hualapai Indian Tribe, Justin Industries, Museum of Northern Arizona, National Geographic Society, Northland Publishing, Readers Digest Books, Time-Life Books, Treasure Chest Books, and W.L. Gore and Associates.