Lee Crum's interest in photography began in 1975 when he bought a 35mm camera and five Kodak Here's How books. Six months later, after taking a darkroom class and driving a delivery van for a local film processor, he considered himself a "pro."

With ten miserable little snaps glued to some scratched-up mount board, Lee went down to the Arkansas Democrat. The chief photographer, a man in his sixties, with a warm personality, reviewed his portfolio and said exactly what one would expect, "Thanks. We'll be in touch."

This is where chance played a role. The chief photographer, Owen D. Gunter, was severely injured on assignment the next week and died just a few days later. Lee, the most recent applicant, received a call days later to fill the vacancy. Totally unqualified, he somehow managed to keep from getting fired while "learning" to shoot.

02.06.08

College: The First Four Freshman Years

If you have a degree in what field is it? College was never so good as my first four freshman years. They were my favorite.

What was your strangest assignment? Shooting a child, for a drug company, that was in a coma (and had been for over eleven years)

Which photographer would you like to meet? Peter Beard.

What famous person (living or dead) would you most like to photograph? The Dalai Lama.

Aside from your camera and lighting, what item could you not work without? Sunglasses.

Is there anything you would not digitally retouch? Most of my work.

From where do your best ideas originate? When I'm laying in bed in the middle of the night.

How do you overcome a creative block? I play tennis.

Do you have creative pursuits other than photography? I love modern architecture. I designed my home in New Orleans.

What music are you listening to right now? A lot of Radiohead.

What's your approach to balancing work and life? I spend a large amount of time with my family. They are my soul. I also bring them with me on the road as often as I can.

What's your favorite quote? While hard work pays off later, procrastination always pays off now.

Do you have any advice for people just entering the profession? It's got to be your passion, otherwise don't try it. You will ultimately be disappointed with the fact that it is too much business and not enough shooting.

What's one thing you wish you knew when you started your career? When it would end...so I could pace myself!