I was a Combat Photographer in the Marine Corps for five years having served two tours in Iraq. My military travels have taken me from the tensions of the Middle East, across the rich cultures of Europe, the beaches of North Carolina and the desert sands of Yuma. Throughout I was surrounded by the natural beauty of people’s lives and the still ambiance of the environment. I frequently struggle with the decision to capture an image or just enjoy the moment. While getting a degree for Multimedia Journalism at Northwest Missouri State University, freelancing in the St. Joseph area introduces me to an often disregarded beauty of the Midwest. Having grown up in the Midwest, I lately have seen it for the first time.