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CAI

From the darkroom to drones: News photographer retires after half a century bearing witness

By Sam Houghton

April 3, 2026 at 6:00 AM EDT

Over the last half of a century, newspaper photography has changed quite a bit. From developing film in dark rooms, to the evolution of digital cameras, drones and now artificial intelligence.

Barnstable photographer Steve Heaslip has been through it all. After 45 years as a photographer for the Cape Cod Times, he retired this past month.

CAI’s Sam Houghton tagged along with the photographer for one of his last photo assignments.