Get Inspired: Denver Post Photographer Wins Pulitzer

I am proud to announce that one of my colleagues, Denver Post Photographer Craig Walker, won the 2010 Feature Photography Pulitzer for "Ian Fisher: American Soldier." In May of 2007, Ian Fisher was a high school graduate looking for a new direction in life. He chose the military, where he could put his fighting instincts to work in defense of his country. Craig and reporters Kevin Simpson, Michael Riley and Bruce Finley tracked Fisher from high school graduation through basic training, assignment to Colorado’s Fort Carson and a year-long deployment in Iraq. The narratives and photos reveal how Fisher also had to win a battle with himself before he could defend his nation. Meanwhile, videos in the comprehensive online multimedia project of Fisher’s friends, relatives and military colleagues discuss his decision to join the Army and how his military career path has impacted them.

The Pulitzer couldn't have gone to a more deserving, hardworking photojournalist. Craig's accomplishments with his lens has spanned the years from chronicling the last 6 months of a one young woman's battle with cancer to risking his own life while shooting in Afghanistan. He has always been one of the most supportive photography staff members here at the Post encouraging me to continue with my own photography studies and even fighting for my ability to be able to shoot here at the Denver Post.

During his speech, I chuckled when I learned that Craig's favorite photo from his series on Ian Fisher was Ian's most disliked photo. Sounds familiar, huh, considering the fact that as a photographer, often my favorite shots are the ones the clients could care less about. It was very poignant to hear Craig talk about living through the emotional ups and downs along with Ian who gave unprecedented access to he and his family throughout his journey of becoming an American soldier. The Fishers were in attendance today when the Denver Post staff saluted them and Craig with a champagne toast and a party complete with a live band later that evening. Publisher Dean Singleton and Editor Greg Moore spoke about Craig's win as validation of all the sacrifices The Denver Post has overcome in the past year to stay alive in the aftermath of the closing of the Rocky Mountain News, including surviving layoffs, and cuts in salaries and benefits.