Cathaleen Curtiss

July 6, 2018
(Bio)

What is your background and experience?
I was raised on a dairy farm, by a long line of story tellers. I have worked at small hometown papers, major metro papers, the fledgling internet, a college and now happily back in the news room of a regional daily newspaper.

How did you learn photography?
My father and 4-H. I also attended RIT and graduated from CMU with a journalism degree.

What inspired you to become a photojournalist?
My father. And the beauty of visually documenting life.

What is your most memorable experience as a photojournalist?
A couple things. Covering the rescue of a young boy who had fallen in to an abandoned well in West Texas. And photographing Princess Di and Mother Theresa together.

What would you like to forget about your experiences as a photojournalist?
My first triple homicide. Seeing our profession take some tough turns.

What is your advice to young people about preparing for a career in photography or photojournalism?
Stay true to your ethics and values. Don’t take cheap shots and treat people with respect. And for goodness sakes love what you do! It is a blessing to share people’s stories do it with the utmost integrity.

From your perspective as a leader in photojournalism, what do you see as the future of photojournalism? Are the best days behind or ahead of us? Why?
They are neither. Each day it is our responsibility to tell a story the best way we can. Embracing new technology, incorporating our talents and being resourceful so that we can continue our very important task of communication.

Anything else you would like to write about photojournalism or visual communication in general?
I love what I do. I love making photos. I love enabling my staff to tell stories visually. I am very comfortable being an advocate for great visual journalism and plan to continue doing it. If you have the heart, mind and eye, it is a great profession.