Beyond the Byline: Finding stunning details in everyday scenes

John Starks is a nationally recognized photographer who has a knack for seeing unique details in ordinary moments. The trait has become so linked to his work that his colleagues call it "StarksVision."

He is a senior staff photographer and has been with the Daily Herald family since 1997.

Born in Michigan, he has lived and worked across the country and chooses the Northwest suburbs for its familiar characters and easy living.

John earned a journalism degree from Central Michigan University and had his first job at an afternoon-delivered newspaper where he hand-rolled black and white film and processed prints in darkroom trays.

He has photographed every major professional sports league, natural and man-made disasters, national political conventions, soldiers, celebrities, presidents and everyday neighbors. John has been honored with dozens of national, state and local awards for his work.

Besides photography and storytelling, John is entranced by American history and relaxes with woodworking, hiking and fossil hunting.

He has two daughters in college and lives in Crystal Lake with his wife and rescued mutt.