I've been shooting still images commercially for almost 10 years and have been shooting video for the past 3 years. I believe honesty is the best policy, humor is the best medicine, and cliches are to be used and made fun of, simultaneously if possible. Being human, I have a vested interest in the human condition and do my best to balance my economic needs with my ability to influence and be a part of making positive changes in the world I live in.

Media of any kind has always interested me, mainly because of it's power to influence and convey information. There is a quality to a well produced, well thought out piece of media - whether it's a tv commercial, radio interview, photograph, or any other type of media - that engages and can stimulate people to action, both outward and inward, and this action is what enriches the world around us. Media, when done well, has the power to influence vast majorities of people to take action, whether that action is buying new shoes, voting in an upcoming election, or pursuing a dream that one had thought was out of reach.

Tell us why you enjoy teaching for OMF?

Open Media Foundation strives to allow everyone to have access to the equipment, training, and knowledge to produce content that is compelling and representative of their unique perspective. There is a community environment that is difficult to find in a world where most activities revolve around the self. While there isn't anything inherently wrong with being active in pursuing your personal interests, being a part of a community offers many benefits that simply don't exist when one is not part of a group. Social background, race, and economic status shouldn't dictate someone's ability to make their voice heard. Unfortunately, that is generally the case and OMF has the resources and people to put this vital communication skill (in whatever medium people choose) where it belongs - in the hands of everyday people, like you and me.

Why are community media centers important?

Digital and multimedia have become the premier tools for getting your voice heard and your message shared. Community media centers have the unique capability to bring different community members together through shared interests and classes. This offers a unique learning experience that emphasizes working with others and hands-on instruction methods. Furthermore, community education centers enable individuals to make new connections and collaborate with others who have the same interests or passions. As media has become more commercialized and conglomerated, the need for a venue for individual voices and under-represented communities only increases. Community media centers enable the public to freely express their own perspectives and stories, that otherwise would not be possible.

 

Why is it important to be a lifelong learner?

Learning stimulates your mind, and that's never a bad thing. As we get older, we all tend to fall into the routines that dictate our daily schedule, and ultimately our lives. Learning, at any point in your life, keeps you stimulated by exposing you to new possibilities, expanding both your personal perspective as well as providing you with the new skills you'll need to pursue your current interests. You're never too old to learn something new, and the more and more often you do it, the easier it can become. Lifelong learning not only teaches you something new, but also furthers your personal development and can potentially improve your quality of life. In short, there's nothing bad about lifelong learning.

Tell us about the classes you'll be teaching in OMF's new Learning Lab?