LAS APPLICATION

MY RESUME

SUMMARY

Experienced visual marketing specialist with a history of producing, filming, and editing top-tier videos for a variety of clients, complemented by exceptional photography and writing skills. Possesses a keen aptitude for transforming intricate concepts into impactful narratives and imagery. Proficient in devising and implementing tailored marketing campaigns for diverse demographics, leveraging the power of visual storytelling.

SKILLS

• Photojournalism

• Portrait Photography

• Studio & Natural Lighting

• Adobe Creative Suite (Lightroom, Photoshop)

• Screenwriting (Final Draft)

• Video Production

• Video Editing (Final Cut Pro)

• Audio Engineering (Logic)

• FAA Part 107 Drone Pilot

• Curriculum Development

• Creative Project Management

• Cultural Awareness & Sensitivity

• Public Speaking

• Workshop Facilitation

• Visual Storytelling

EDUCATION

COMMUNICATIONS
Bachelor of Arts
University of Northern Iowa
Graduation Year 2010

PHOTOGRAPHY
Associates of Arts
Portrait & Photojournalism
Hawkeye Community College
Graduation Year 2008

ACHIEVEMENTS

REGIONAL EMMY® AWARD
National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences - November 2020

NINE TELLY AWARDS
The Telly Awards, 2019 - 2023

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

CINEMATOGRAPHER & PHOTOGRAPHER (Ryan Morrison, LLC  ı  Johnston, Iowa  ı  January 2005 - Present)

• Directed and edited over 150 professional marketing videos, achieving over 1 million views across major platforms, showcasing expertise in storytelling and visual engagement.

• Aligned creative projects with strategic goals and brand standards, ensuring cohesive and effective visual communication in collaboration with diverse teams.

• Demonstrated versatility by photographing diverse subjects and settings, including events, classrooms, stage performances, weddings, and formal portraits.

• Consistently delivered projects on time and within budget while managing schedules and resources.

• Experienced in working with high-profile subjects, effective communication, professionalism, and adaptability to capture authentic moments.

CREATIVE (Apple, Inc  ı  West Des Moines, Iowa  ı  January 2011 - November 2014)

• Delivered over 100 personalized training sessions on professional applications (Aperture, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro) to enhance students’ creative and technical skills in photography, video editing, and audio production.

• Developed customized learning plans to support diverse learners in achieving confidence and proficiency with creative software.

• Designed and implemented a structured training curriculum to onboard new employees, fostering effective communication and instructional skills.

• Deployed corporate-level Apple instructional training.

• Supported learners in gaining mastery of presentation tools (Pages, Numbers, and Keynote), enabling them to present creative projects effectively.

• Facilitated a collaborative learning environment that encouraged self-expression, technical growth, and project-based learning, directly applicable to high school photography instruction.

VOLUNTEER BOARD CHAIR - RISING DAISIES (NOV 2018 - PRESENT)

• Led teams in Iowa and Kenya to support 55 students with secondary school fees, distribute sanitary products to 250+ girls monthly, and establish mental health mentorship programs.

• Produced two pro-bono documentaries (2019, 2023) that raised over $50,000, showcasing storytelling skills and expertise in video production relevant to teaching photography and cinematography.

• Spearheaded impactful fundraising initiatives rooted in writing and photography.

TEACHING PHOTOGRAPHY

• Collaborated with the non-profit organization CultureALL to empower students with photography insights across several middle, high schools, and Drake University.

• Delivered guest lecture on modern photography techniques at Hawkeye Community College.

JUDGE

• Judged the Iowa State Fair 2024 photography competition, collaborating on a team to select and curate work from 800+ photographers and over 2,500 entries, ensuring a high-caliber showcase.

• National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences member, serving as a Regional Emmy® Awards judging participant (2020 - present), contributing to the recognition of industry excellence using a rubric based on video content, creativity, and how well the production techniques employed enhance the entry's purpose.

• Volunteer Silver Judging Council Member for the Telly Awards (2021 - present), evaluating and honoring outstanding achievements in media production utilizing rubric based on flow & coherency, creativity, production & execution, and an overall experience score.

VOLUNTEER

• Photojournalist in Ngata, Nakuru, Kenya (Rising Daisies), Vingerkraal, South Africa (Project Hope Africa), Phnom Penh, Cambodia (Dareth & Thida Ly), Kwambekenya, Kenya (410 Bridge), and El Cocalito, El Salvador (Enlace), providing organizations with impactful imagery to support their missions and outreach efforts.

• Portrait studio photographer for EL Family Photo Event (2019 - Present), providing free portrait sessions and printed family photos to immigrant and refugee families.

• Urbandale EL Clothing Drive (2014 - Present), assisting families in need with free clothing.

• Cinematographer producing video stories of refugee students in Iowa, providing teachers and staff with insights to better understand their students' backgrounds and experiences.

• Simulation interviewer for JA BizTown (Apr 2024) where I interviewed 5th grade students as a way to teach students essential skills for understanding their roles as citizens, consumers, and workers.