After 45 years of chasing deadlines, the time has finally come for me to hang up my press pass and put down my trusty viewfinder. For the last 35 years, I have had the privilege of working at the mighty Bay Area News Group, capturing the stories and moments that have shaped our community. As I embark on this new chapter of my life, I cannot help but reflect on the incredible journey that has brought me to this point.
I still remember the first day I walked into the newsroom, filled with excitement and nerves. Little did I know that this place would become my second home, and my colleagues would become my family. Over the years, I have witnessed the evolution of journalism, from the days of film and darkrooms to the digital age we live in now. But one thing has remained constant – the passion and dedication of my fellow journalists to bring the truth to light.
As a photojournalist, I have had the privilege of being a witness to history. I have captured the joy and triumph of championship games, the devastation of natural disasters, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Each assignment was a new challenge, but one that I embraced with enthusiasm and determination. I am grateful for the opportunities that this job has given me to tell important stories and make a difference in the world.
But beyond the headlines and breaking news, it is the people that I have met along the way that have left the biggest impact on me. From the everyday heroes in our community to the celebrities and politicians, each person has a unique story to tell. I have been humbled by the trust they have placed in me to capture their moments and share their voices with the world. It is these connections that have made my job not just a profession but a calling.
As I look back on my career, I am filled with gratitude for the support and guidance I have received from my colleagues and mentors. They have not only taught me the technical skills of photography but also the importance of integrity and empathy in our work. I am proud to have been a part of the Bay Area News Group, a team that is committed to delivering quality journalism and making a positive impact in our community.
Now, as I embark on this new journey of retirement, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead. I plan to spend more time with my family and pursue my passion for travel photography. But I know that I will always carry with me the lessons and memories from my time at the Bay Area News Group.
To my readers, I want to say thank you for allowing me to share my images with you over the years. It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of your lives and to capture the moments that matter. I hope that my photographs have inspired you, made you think, and brought a little bit of beauty into your day.
In closing, I want to leave you with a quote from one of my favorite photographers, Ansel Adams – “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” As I hang up my press pass and put down my viewfinder, I am grateful for the opportunity to have made photographs that have made a difference. And I am excited to see what the future holds for the next generation of photojournalists who will continue to capture the world through their lens. Thank you, and farewell.
