The Congo Project

About me and my mission…

I bring more than 25 years of community-based journalism experience that includes photography, graphic arts, video and audio production, writing, reporting and leading a team of journalists under relentless deadlines for both in print and online media. My work involved motivating journalists of all types, bringing together each day diverse personalities and building them into a team to achieve an agreed upon goal. In the end our work allowed us to tell real people’s stories in a dynamic and interesting way.
On a personal level, I bring personality, charisma, drive and a keen sense of humor to anything I do. I’m a creative thinker and quick to examine a situation and make a solid decision, I thrive while working under intense deadline pressure. I’m adept at getting people together to achieve agreement despite differences in views.

June 2009 – Present principal /owner, Black Shamrock Media
I currently work as a filmmaker using high-definition cinematic styles to tell stories for businesses and organizations. I produce, direct, edit and sound design complete packages for documentaries, promotions, music videos and commercial use. Along with this I also provide commercial still photography and photojournalist-style wedding coverage for individuals.
I am presently working on a documentary approach to promoting the work of a local ministry group, Medical Ministries International, that provides surplus medical supplies and teams of volunteer doctors to help areas of the world that don't have access to medical care.

April 2002 – May 2009
Director of Photography
The Fresno Bee, Fresno, CA
Directed a staff of 13 talented journalists producing still images, video and audio for both print and online for Central California’s leading newspaper. Worked across all departments with reporters, editors and online in developing stories for both print and web. Oversaw a budget of more than $600,000 while handling all administrative duties such as scheduling and performance reviews. Lead the transition of the newspaper to video online. Participated on a team of four managers in our Community Relations Department, producing audiovisual projects for our employees and corporate office.

August 1999-April 2002
Assistant Director of Photography
The Fresno Bee, Fresno, CA
Assisted two different directors in running a department of 13 journalists. Scheduled, assigned and edited their work on deadline.

August 1998 – August 1999
Director of Photography and Graphics
The Saginaw News
Saginaw, Michigan
Directed the work of four photojournalists and two graphic artists producing a mid-sized afternoon daily newspaper.

1994 – August 1998
Assistant Photo Editor
The El Paso Times, El Paso, Texas
Assisted in leading a photo department of five photojournalists covering a dynamic area of the US / Mexico border.

1990-1994
Staff Photographer
The Argus Leader
Sioux Falls, South Dakota