Actress Jessica Simpson arrives for the Noche de Ninos Gala benefiting the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California October 7, 2006. (Phil McCarten/Reuters)

LOS ANGELES - Singer and actress Jessica Simpson, 26, has been in the full glare of the public spotlight since starring in a reality TV show in 2003 -- but she also enjoys being at the other side of the camera, taking photos.

Simpson, born in Dallas, Texas, began her career as a gospel singer before bursting onto the pop scene in 1999.

In 2003, she became a household name thanks to the "Newlyweds" TV reality show with her husband, singer Nick Lachey. The couple divorced in June 2006.

Simpson made her film debut in "The Dukes of Hazzard" (2005) and her latest movie, "Employee of the Month," was released in October 2006. Her fifth album "A Public Affair" was released in August 2006.

She spoke to Reuters recently about her life out of the spotlight:

Q. My biggest achievement in the past year has been...

A: "Coming to terms with life. I've made a big step this year."

Q: The best advice I ever received was...

A: "Listen to your own."

Q: One bit of technology I could not live without is...

A: "My camera. I have a Leica and I'm really into photography right now."

Q: At home my favorite item is...

A: "I have this one amazing photograph of Jonny Cash. I collect black and white photography."

Q: The one thing that really gets me mad is...

A: "Deceit. The white lies are the worst."

Q: On a quiet night at home I like to...

A: "Write in my journal or have friends over for dinner, just talking through stuff."