John J. Watkins

Began his career as a photojournalist at The Times in 1985, first as a freelancer and later that year as a staffer. He was a late bloomer at the age of 29 and sometimes has to laugh because many of his colleagues were not even born when he started working at the paper.

Throughout his career, John has had the opportunity to meet and photograph many interesting people. Some have been famous, most have not. He enjoys interacting with people.

"I love my job," he often tells people. "Hey, it beats working for a living."