As a staff photographer for the Post-Bulletin newspaper, based in Rochester, Minnesota, Nate Howard packed a Nikon D1H and went to Iraq to cover a transportation unit from his home state. "I went to Iraq with no agenda, no need for the sensational, dramatic pictures," said Howard. "I just wanted to do my job, and do it well."

His hope is to inspire and educate readers back home. He relies on good technique, a watchful eye, and patience. "Where ever I go, I feel like a tourist, as if I am on the outside looking in," said Howard. "Even in my home town, I try to see the world with a fresh, curious perspective. This is what I call the vision of the artist. Whether I'm in Iraq or at the county fair, I want to capture the environment, and the people in it, in unusual ways."

Howard's perspective tells a different story of Iraq--one that we don't often see on the evening news. You can view more of Howard's work at his website.

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