Direct Connections To Africa
Below is a video I shot and edited for the 501 (c3) nonprofit – Direct Connections To Africa. Founded by Mary Ellen Carter, DCTA supports a variety of projects in Malawi, Africa including educational scholarships, construction of medical and classroom facilities, freshwater well construction, business development and much more.
The video below shows a sample of the dancing we experienced in every village, the people gathered to dance in celebration of a visit from DCTA.
Each Well Provides Thousands With Fresh Water
Along with all their educational projects, DCTA has constructed 14 wells as of 2024. These wells provide thousands of people every day with life saving fresh water.
Below are photographs I took on a trip to Malawi with the founder of DCTA to assist in the creation of fundraising materials.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
I had the honor of serving as Manager of Traveling Exhibitions at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Along with representing our exhibits to museums worldwide, I documented the work of an amazing team of professionals.
Smithsonian Institution
I had the privilege of spending time with the refugees at Camp Pendleton in California after the fall of Saigon in 1975. The Smithsonian used my photos as part of their Vietnamese Heritage Project, which included an exhibition that opened at the Smithsonian “Castle”, and then traveled the country.
Dinamation International Society
As a member of DIS, I participated in and documented our dinosaur expeditions, including the discovery site of Utahraptor. On the left I’m filming Dr. Jim Kirkland, pictured on the right. Dr. Kirkland, who led many of our expeditions, is now the Utah State Paleontologist.
From Fossils To Robots
The remote site in southern Utah was many miles from any paved road. National Geographic sent producer Nancy Rosenthal and a film crew to the site. They’re in the photo of the site below. Artist Jim Privette and Paleontologist Dr. Robert Bakker, are working on a model of the Utahraptor that will be transformed into a robot. Boyd Matson brought his National Geographic Explorer crew to film at our dinosaur factory. National Geographic Television and Discovery Communications used my footage dozens of times.
That’s David Stifter laying on the rock next to a sauropod thigh bone.
Nonprofit Photography
I’ve been very fortunate to be able to use my skills over the years to help others. Here are a few samples of special events I’ve photographed.
Drummer Taylor Hawkins
Taylor donated his time and talent to the nonprofit “Bikes For Africa”. I filmed a few short clips at a fundraising event in Orange County, CA.
