Photographer Rich Clarkson, right, has a laugh with friend and former Lawrence classmate Leonard Monroe after receiving the 2007 William Allen White National Citation Friday afternoon in Woodruff Auditorium at the Kansas Union. After beginning his career at the Lawrence Journal-World, Clarkson later became the director of photography for the Topeka Capital-Journal, assistant managing editor for the Denver Post and director of photography for National Geographic.

The Lawrence Journal-World’s first staff photographer returned to Lawrence on Friday.

But this time, Richard Clarkson was not taking pictures.

Clarkson came back to his hometown to receive the 2007 William Allen White National Citation.

A Friday afternoon ceremony at Woodruff Auditorium at the Kansas Union honored the world-renowned photojournalist for exemplifying William Allen White’s ideals in service to journalism and to his community.

In his photography, Clarkson has perfected the art of capturing historic moments. His photographs have appeared on the covers of Sports Illustrated and Time magazines and on Wheaties boxes. He has photographed presidents and first ladies and other famous and infamous people.

But the 1956 KU School of Journalism graduate told the crowd of nearly 200 that it was the early days in his career that were his best moments.

“My greatest satisfaction and best lessons were learned at the Lawrence Journal-World and, for 22 years, the Topeka Capital-Journal,” he said.

And he reminded the group – many of whom were journalists – that the basics still matter.

“In these times let us be aware of not just the challenges,” Clarkson said, “but of the way to practice good journalism in a digital age.”

Currently, Clarkson runs Rich Clarkson and Associates, a Denver-based company that creates and manages unique fine photography projects.

An exhibit of his work is on display on the second floor of KU’s Stauffer-Flint Hall, home of the School of Journalism.