I received my first feel for photography as a child and even used my bathroom to develop and print pictures. During the Vietnam War, I served in the Navy where I attended Navy photography school. I processed surveillance photos while stationed on the aircraft carriers USS Ranger and USS Enterprise. After serving four years in the Navy, I returned home to discover that WLBT had a job opening for a news photographer, and the rest is history!
During my 31 years with WLBT, I have covered some amazing stories that range from natural disasters such as floods, tornadoes, and hurricanes to coverage of United States Presidents, governors, and other high-ranking officials and politicians. I have had the opportunity to meet some interesting and wonderful people such as LeeAnn Rimes, Bob Hope, Willie Nelson, Clint Black, and even the
famous San Diego Chicken. I have also had the privilege of traveling to many places in the United States and around the world. My most recent adventure was a visit to Bosnia and Germany with the Mississippi Air National Guard. Most of my adventures are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and I would not trade them
for anything. However, along with all of the amazing travels and news stories, there are the tragedies such as shootings, vehicle wrecks, and natural disasters where homes and lives are destroyed. These can be especially overwhelming when children are involved. I have two daughters and immediately wonder where they are and if they are safe. Being in this line of work makes one realize what can happen in a matter of seconds.
In my years with WLBT, I have seen many changes in the technology of news coverage, starting with film, then video and now digital cameras and computers. This is a very fast paced environment that is always changing. My coworkers are like family due to the many hours and events we have covered. As chief photographer, I work with seven news photographers at WLBT and they are all professionals who know how to do their job and do it well. I would not change my job for the world.
WLBT 3 - Fox 40
