Meet photographer Fred Squillante: 'The best thing ... is the variety of subjects I get to cover'

I started working at the Columbus Dispatch in 1986. Before that I worked for two years at the Tribune Chronicle in Warren, Ohio. I did freelance work for the Associated Press not long after graduating from Kent State University in 1981.

Why I became a photographer

I've always known what I wanted to do for a living. I've liked photography since being a child and I was fortunate to get work doing what is my favorite thing to do.

What I like best about my job

The best thing about working for a newspaper is the variety of subjects I get to cover. I don't specialize in any one area. I've covered politics, sports and a variety of other news events. I've also done food and fashion photos. I've photographed famous people like the Pope and several presidents. I've traveled a lot in my 35 years at the Dispatch. But mostly now I photograph local people and activities. They are really the most interesting subjects to photograph.

A story I have worked on that has had a lasting impact on me

The best assignment I've had at the Dispatch was photographing the space shuttle launch that returned John Glenn to space in 1998. I grew up during the 1960's space race to the moon and loved everything about space travel.

What's the biggest challenge I face

The biggest challenge I face is technology. It changes too fast. But I do learn what I need to know. If there's something I can't figure out, I am lucky that I have plenty of fellow staffers who can guide me.

What I like to do when I'm not working

I like to read. I prefer books about history.

Consider subscribing to The Dispatch

To support Fred's work and all of the essential local journalism The Dispatch does, go to dispatch.com/subscribenow. And meet more of our staff members:

• Meet Dispatch high school sports reporter Bailey Johnson: 'People and their stories matter'

• Education reporter Megan Henry sees telling community's stories as a privilege

• Meet Dispatch multimedia producer, podcast host Scot Kirk: 'I do a little bit of everything'

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Fred Squillante, Columbus Dispatch photographer, discusses his work