Editor’s note: This is an occasional series, Meet The Denver Gazette Newsroom, better familiarizing readers with the people who bring them the news. At a time of distrust in the media, The Denver Gazette wants to introduce ourselves and get to know you better.

There’s something innately true to the old adage, seeing is believing. In the news world, this is widely-recognized.

On top of attracting eyes scanning across the screen and looking pretty, news photography and videography more importantly humanize the sources we write so carefully about at the Denver Gazette, giving shape to the voices on the page.

Other research has shown news visuals have the power to help us define and understand one another in a society, can heavily influence opinion and are used in conjunction with social movements or commentary.

Robert Hariman and John Lucaites write: “the daily stream of photojournalistic images, while merely supplemental to the task of reporting the news, defines the public through an act of common spectatorship,” in their 2007 book.

With all of these things in mind, our newsroom takes great care with the creation and presentation of our visuals.

We personally have been there for some of Denver’s best days—the Nuggets and Avalanche victory parades, graduations, inaugurations, you name it. We’ve also been there for some of the area’s worst. The Marshall Fire, reverberations through the community in the wake of the Club Q shooting, funerals and more come to mind.

Recognizing these responsibilities, we strive to give each assignment equal effort. When a subject is willing to give you their time, sharing their insights and story with you, what else can you do than give it your best?

The connection this job brings you to total strangers — being with Denverites through their highs, lows and everyday life — is what keeps me coming back and deeply passionate about our work.

I truly didn’t believe photography and videography were a valid profession for most of my life either. It wasn’t until I got to the University of Missouri’s journalism school where I was able to watch talented visual storytellers at work, that I had this realization. At age 28, I can say I’ve been a journalist for nearly a decade.

Now for the Denver Gazette, I’ve covered homelessness, immigration, housing and more of the issues defining our city at this time. I’m incredibly thankful to all of those who have given us their time and understanding to move conversations, and ourselves, forward.

If you may have any questions, tips or just want to connect, please find my contact info in my website bio.