For more than 25 years, I was blessed with a front row seat to life in Memphis. Being a photojournalist is the greatest job in the world, capturing fleeting moments in time.

Photographing the stories of the people in Memphis and being part of their lives-- often as some of their most important experiences are unfolding--is a privilege and a responsibility.

Working for a newspaper opens doors. My position brought me into the White House, to New Zealand, China, France and Peru. I got the chance to meet all sorts of people, the powerful and the powerless, and experience extraordinary things every day.

I sometimes got to go where everyone wanted to go--and I also went where no one wanted to go. I saw a lot of pain. You have to be brave to be a photojournalist. I saw many people on the worst days of their lives, as they experienced or recalled the worst possible things.

Witnessing the pain, sorrow, crime and poverty so intimately does take a toll on one's soul.

So I restore my soul in nature. I find respite seeking and sharing the beauty that lies just under the surface. You have the eyes to see it.