Social Documentary Photography and Film
Posted in Stirring The Fire, Take Action on Jan 24th, 2012
I managed to finagle my way onto the walk up the Volcano de Agua. We set out at 4:00am to catch the buses from Antigua to the town of Santa Maria where the hike began – at 5:30 we started the hike up the volcano. The altitude, terrain and number of participants made for a [...]
Posted in Stirring The Fire, Take Action on Jan 20th, 2012
Currently I’m in Antigua, Guatemala to finish production on this film about Population Council Guatemala for the UN Trust Fund to End VAW. It just so happens that tomorrow, Jan 21st, a huge event will be taking place right outside of Antigua on the Volcano de Agua which has an elevation of 12,336 feet. 8000 Guatemalans [...]
Posted in Take Action on Dec 21st, 2011
I recently learned about a new project lead by a friend of mine, Anne Medley. I have been a fan of Anne’s and her work to empower communities in the developing world to tell their own stories ever since she shared her Congo in Focus project with me. Now, with Speak Out Tunisia, Anne and [...]
Posted in Stirring The Fire, Take Action on Dec 13th, 2011
I was just in Antigua, Guatemala in November documenting an innovative program teaching young Mayan girls about their rights and opportunities. The program called Abriendo Oportunidades teaches the girls how to use video cameras and interviews to become aware of social norms in their culture—some of which, like violence against women, are dysfunctional. I am [...]
Posted in Production Notes, Stirring The Fire, Take Action on Mar 31st, 2010
Sometimes it is necessary to create your own opportunities for involvement in the issues that you are passionate about. Nonprofit organizations are looking for ways to get qualified intern and volunteer help. My last blog highlighted two students (Alisun Chopel and Suzy Messer) who worked toward their masters degrees while following their passion to do [...]
Posted in Take Action on Dec 9th, 2009
The number of study abroad programs is growing rapidly each year. According to The Institute of International Education there is a growing trend to develop study abroad programs that are customized to students’ needs. Some things I have learned you should consider when looking for your ideal program are: Community based Issues–Are the issues (i.e. [...]
Posted in Take Action on Dec 2nd, 2009
In 2002 National Geographic conducted a survey accessing the geographic literacy of 18 to 24 year olds in 9 industrialized countries. The United States came in next to last—85% could not find Afghanistan on a map; 56% could not find India and 30% could not find the Pacific Ocean. Last year less than 1% of [...]
Posted in Take Action on Nov 18th, 2009
“Donor Illusion” is a currently a hot debate. In my work I have had the opportunity to see many of the issues women face in the developing world up close and personal. I realize that many people that want to help women and girls have not had a face to face encounter with those they [...]