Behind the Lens and How Cynthia Perkins Is Elevating Investigative Journalism Through Powerful Visual Storytelling
By: Lennard James
For nearly two decades, Cynthia Perkins has used the power of the camera to inform, inspire, and give a voice to the people and communities she serves. A three-time NATAS Nashville/Midsouth Emmy® nominee, Tennessee Associated Press Award-winning Investigative Photojournalist at FOX13 Memphis, and FAA Part 107 Certificated Remote Pilot, Perkins has established herself as a visual storyteller in Memphis television journalism.
Her journey began long before she entered the newsroom. It started with her mother’s Polaroid camera and a vivid imagination. Those early experiences sparked a fascination with photography and the ability of a single image to capture a moment, preserve a memory, and communicate a meaningful story.
A proud graduate of Central High School, Perkins continued her education at the University of Memphis. In 2007, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with a concentration in Broadcasting and Electronic Media. However, her professional television career began before she officially walked across the graduation stage.
Just one month before graduating, Perkins joined WMC Action News 5 as a production assistant. Her determination, willingness to learn, and strong work ethic quickly became evident. She advanced into an editing position, developing the technical skills necessary to transform raw footage into clear and compelling news stories.
In 2011, Perkins became a photojournalist, a move that helped define the direction of her career. Working behind the camera allowed her to combine her creativity, technical expertise, and passion for people. She learned how to capture what was happening along with the emotion, context, and humanity surrounding each story.
Perkins joined FOX13 Memphis in 2013 as an assignment editor. The position placed her at the center of a fast-moving newsroom, where she helped coordinate coverage and make important editorial decisions. Although she appreciated the pace and responsibility of the role, she ultimately realized that her greatest passion remained in the field.
In 2015, she returned behind the camera as a FOX13 photojournalist. Two years later, her work earned her first NATAS Nashville/Midsouth Emmy® nomination, marking a major milestone in her professional journey.
Her commitment to excellence received additional recognition in 2019, when she earned a Tennessee Associated Press Broadcasters and Media Editors Award for feature storytelling. The honor reflected her ability to identify the heart of a story and present it through visuals that connect with audiences.
In September 2022, Perkins entered a new chapter when she was promoted to Investigative Photojournalist. In this position, she focuses on enterprise and investigative reporting, helping uncover information, document important issues, and hold institutions accountable. Her work requires patience, precision, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to accuracy.
Since accepting the investigative role, Perkins has earned two additional NATAS Nashville/Midsouth Emmy® nominations, bringing her career total to three. Each nomination represents years of dedication to journalism and a consistent commitment to producing work that serves the public.
Never content to remain still, Perkins continues to expand her technical capabilities. In February 2024, she earned her FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. This certification allows her to operate drones professionally and incorporate aerial photography into her reporting. Technology gives audiences a broader perspective and helps Perkins present stories in visually dynamic ways that traditional ground-level footage cannot always achieve.
However, technology is only one part of her success. Perkins is known by colleagues for her integrity, collaborative spirit, and strong work ethic. She understands that meaningful journalism depends on trust both inside the newsroom and within the community.
For Perkins, every assignment represents an opportunity to make a difference. Whether documenting an individual’s personal journey, examining a community concern, or contributing to an investigation, she approaches each story with care and purpose.
Outside the newsroom, Perkins enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, serving in ministry, and learning new skills and technologies that strengthen her craft. Her faith, family, and commitment to lifelong learning continue to influence the person and professional she has become.
From experimenting with her mother’s Polaroid camera to becoming an award-winning investigative photojournalist and certificated remote pilot, Cynthia Perkins has built a career rooted in curiosity, perseverance, and service. Through every frame she captures, she continues to demonstrate that powerful visual journalism can inform the public, inspire action, and strengthen an entire community.
