John H. White's 1982 Pulitzer Prize portfolio in feature photography.

A collection of 20 photographs taken by John H. White won the Pulitzer Prize in 1982.

Among the work he submitted were photos of ballet students at a private North Side performing arts academy.

He won, he said, because he always carries a camera with him and because he blends into the life around him.

"As I walk down the street, I don't look for good shots," White said. "I recognize them. When you are in tune with life, you see things."

The day after the award was announced, White confessed that he long had a dream of winning the Pulitzer.

"My real goal has been to do the day's job," he said. "To capture the moment that depicts the story-that's the award."

Photo © John H. White

Images © Chicago Sun-Times