About

EXHIBITIONS | LECTURES | AWARDS | PUBLISHED WORKS | MEMBERSHIPS

Vision

Through documentary experience, I have learned and shared the power of the visual image to alter opinions, dissipate racism and propagate curiosity where there once was fear.

These things are necessary as we, as Americans, realize that to be part of a family of the world, we must come to know people who are different from ourselves, and then realize that the spirit, desires and passions that breathe through us is universal.

I am particularly interested in the ways that people engage adversity. Whether it is a surgeon in a war hospital in Afghanistan, spiritually motivated volunteers in a disaster zone, or soldiers finding the courage to embark on a combat mission, these experiences crystallize the raw truths that we need to connect on a human level.

I am uniquely able to do these things because of my experiences and my approach. I’ve worked in corporate communications in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors, including serving as the creative services manager for an international company. I have a strong ability to assimilate new communication technology while maintaining a conscious discipline on honing fundamental skills such as image gathering, reporting and writing. I’ve had experience with health care organizations, child service organizations, disability groups, the military, and aid organizations. I’ve worked in urban and wilderness areas, disaster zones, and in developing nations. In terms of approach, my mixture of respect, openness and creativity have allowed me access to places where stories emerge.

Exhibitions

2006 “Project of 1000 Stories,” 60 piece in show. Photos and installation. Artists Upstairs Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
2006 “Emergency: Afghanistan,” Photo Event, SPACE Gallery, Pittsburgh PA
2007 “Get Past It”, Video and installation. Artists Upstairs Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
2007 “Conflict”, 4-person show, SPACE Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
2007 “Afghanistan to Nicaragua,” Lieggi Law Offices, Chicago, IL
2007 “Circus of Social Change”, Collaborative project, Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
2008 “Circle of Truth” presentation in “Pittsburgh Now” group show at SPACE Gallery, Pittsburgh PA
2008 “Tough Girls”. Portfolio in “Then and Now,” SPACE Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA
2008 “Tilla: Women Living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia,” Pittsburgh AIDS Task Force, Pittsburgh, PA
2009 “OS 13” Piece in a group show at 937 Liberty Ave sponsored by ASMP Pittsburgh
2009 “You are my sister” one night exhibition of documentary on a woman’s rise out of addiction and poverty. (Through Dress for Success)
2009 “Tough Art Documentary” 3-month display at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh
2009 “The Pittsburgh Agreement” Group show including works from Teenie Harris and Clyde Hare, Gallery Deset, Prague, CZ. This show toured the Republic including showing at the US Embassy.

Lectures

2010

Presentation on photojournalism and career skills for an emerging new-media market at Slippery Rock University.
Presentation titled “Survival 101 for Creatives” for high school seniors at Point Park’s Career Day.
Presentation titled “Survival 101 for Creatives” for CAPA High School students.
Presentation on basic photography to “BizChicks” professional group.
Introductory to image gathering presentation at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh for pre-teen group.
2009

Presentation on Digital Asset Management to non-profit arts organizations

Presentation of video and photographic process to members of Pittsburgh ASMP

2008

Pechu Kucha AIA and AIGA sponsored event, Pittsburgh, PA

2007

University of Pittsburgh—Photography and conflict

Point Park University—Photojournalism Class

Clarion University of Pennsylvania—On “The Kite Runner” a photographic perspective

Silver Eye Photo Gallery—Panelist for portfolio review

“On Q Magazine” –magazine style television program. Channel 13. Pittsburgh market.

Awards/Acknowledgements

2010

-Pittsburgh chapter president of the American Society of Media Photographers.

-Juror for Society of Professional Journalists national contest for collegiate features photography

2009

-Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council Artist’s Opportunity Grant to attend the opening of “The Pittsburgh Agreement” and give a gallery talk in Prague, CZ.

-Photograph included in a gift book published by the Heinz Endowments for the first ladies of the G-20

-Appointed secretary of Pittsburgh chapter of American Society of Media Photographers and lead in their Web 2.0 Strategy Committee.

-Juror for Society of Professional Journalists national contest for collegiate features photography

-Invited to join the Marketing Committee of the Mentoring Partnership of Pittsburgh

2007

-Pittsburgh Downtown Now. Invited to participate by the Heinz Endowments to participate on a team of 6 professional photojournalists to document change in the city of Pittsburgh.

2006

-Environmental Portrait Award. National contest. American Society of Media Photographers

Published Works

Mt Lebanon Magazine (regular contributor)
Pittsburgh Quarterly (regular contributor)
TEQ: Pittsburgh
Technology Council Magazine
New Pittsburgh Courier
USAToday
Response
Progressive Baker
Dirt Rag
Jordan Times
Pittsburgh Magazine
Pittsburgh City Paper
Pitt Magazine
Pitt Nursing Magazine
PopCityMedia.com
New York Times
Forbes.com (online) Landscape Architecture
Pulp
Keystone Edge
Christian Science Monitor
Wall Street Journal
elPeriódico de Guatemala maomao publications (Spain)

Professional Organizations

American Society of Media Photographers (Pittsburgh Chapter President, 2010)
National Press Photographers Association
Press Club of Pittsburgh
Wedding and Portrait Photographers International