portfolio

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PHOTOGRAPHER & CINEMATOGRAPHER - RYAN MORRISON, LLC (JAN 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.

• Developed advanced skills in directing, lighting, and composition, providing a strong foundation to teach practical photography and cinematography.

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

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

GUEST TEACHER WITH NON-PROFIT CULTUREALL (2016 - 2022)

• Empowered students in using photography as a tool for exploring cultural identity.

• Taught visual storytelling techniques to help students convey their unique cultural narratives and guided them in sharing and educating others about their own culture through photography.

• Established a welcoming and positive classroom environment that fosters student engagement, inclusivity, and a supportive learning atmosphere.

• Taught students across a range of age groups, from middle school to college, adapting teaching methods to meet diverse learning needs and skill levels.

  • Drake University - Des Moines, Iowa (Sept 2018)

  • Lincoln High School - Des Moines, Iowa (Feb 2016, Mar 2016, Feb 2017, Feb 2018, Sept 2018)

  • Hoover High School - Des Moines, Iowa (Feb 2017, Feb 2018, Sept 2018)

  • Roosevelt High School - Des Moines, Iowa (Sept 2018, Feb 2019)

  • North High School - Des Moines, Iowa (Mar 2016, Feb 2018)

  • East High School - Des Moines, Iowa (Mar 2016, Feb 2017, Feb 2018)

  • Valley High School - West Des Moines, Iowa (Jan 2017)

  • Ankeny Parkview Middle School - Ankeny, Iowa (Jan 2022, Oct 2022)

GUEST LECTURER AT HAWKEYE COMMUNITY COLLEGE (NOV 2021)

• Delivered industry insights on professional fieldwork, portfolio development, client relations, and the ethics of storytelling.

• Engaged students with practical techniques and strategies for building a successful photography career grounded in integrity and impactful visual narratives.

CORPORATE TRAINER WITH IOWA SELECT (MAR 2017, OCT 2024)

• Partnered with their marketing team, enhancing in-house photography skills.

• Delivered hands-on guidance in configuring cameras, working on off-camera flash for indoor settings, and effectively using existing gear.

• Conducted field training across various practical scenarios to ensure readiness and confidence in capturing high-quality images.

TEACHER (CREATIVE) - APPLE, INC (JAN 2011 - NOV 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.

JUDGE (EVALUATIVE GRADING)

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

• Lead 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 and community-focused initiatives rooted in photography.

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 interviewed 5th grade students as a way to teach students essential skills for understanding their roles as citizens, consumers, and workers.