Photojournalism: Why I Shoot

I got my first Canon SLR camera for Christmas, way back in 2001. You should see some of my first pictures. They were horrible - and that's being kind. I took pictures of chain link fences, weeds, weeds at sunset and blurry shots of my dog.

I was just getting started. Would I be a wedding photographer? A fashion photographer? Could I see myself taking school portraits?

Who would look at my pictures? Why would they care? Would anyone want to frame my pictures and put them on a wall?

I had lots of questions and not many answers. Many people said to take pictures for myself. The pictures I liked were of other people experiencing life.

One day, I called up Romona Washington - the executive editor of the News-Sun, a tri-weekly in my hometown - and asked to show her my portfolio. Could I have a summer job?

Those first pictures - of the weeds, people holding flags, sunsets - helped me get my first newspaper gig. Nearly four years later, I'm in St. Louis.

I found photojournalism; or maybe it found me. Life is great either way.

To answer my questions from four years ago, I hope people look at my pictures because it makes them feel something. Some days it might be joy. Other days, the feelings aren't so good.

I still take pictures of fences and flowers from time to time. But mostly, I shoot people. Lots of people. And I love it.