After a keen eye, a photographer’s most important body part is their back. Even a simple shoot means lighting adjustments, raising and lowering tripods, and a lot of holding/carrying equipment.

When Michael Murphy had back surgery last year, one of the area's best-known photographers was put on the sidelines. He’s feeling much better now.

“Like a million dollars,” Murphy said at a recent event. “Mentally and physically, I’m back.”

He laughs while citing “old age” as the reason. Cartilage in back discs was gone. Initial treatments didn’t work and a very involved surgery was held.

“They actually carved away part of the actual spine to make room for the spinal cord. Put in two plates and four screws and send you on your way.”

He’s still not cleared to work at full capacity. However, he recently started taking headshots, and says he has been working with his staff and editing all photos.

Most importantly, he’s feeling like his old self once again. “I’m happy to be out and about and not be in pain.”