3 posts from April 2007

In March 2007, I traveled to Kenya to document the work of an American missionary named Steve Peifer who has initiated two remarkable programs among poor Kenyan schools outside of Nairobi. The first is a free lunch program that feeds a simple meal of beans and corn to over 15,000 elementary, junior high, and high school students at 25 different school (and countint). 

The second is a computer program whereby Steve builds solar-powered computer labs on site using an empty metal shipping container fitted with windows, wooden benches, and brand new Dell laptop computers, He also hires a full-time teacher at each site to teach computer classes exclusively. Steve has ten such labs currently operational, and his vision is to set up a lab at each school where the lunch program exists. 

The recent violence in the country following the disputed elections 
slowed his work, but he has been able to resume the food and computer programs. Last November, Steve received a "heroes" award from CNN at a ceremony in New York City for his efforts in Kenya. I doubt my video had anything to do with the CNN award, but my footage did catch the eye of the local film company Engaging Media, which was working on a inspirational documentary entitled "The Answer to Absolutely Everything." Their crew later interveiwed Steve on camera while he was at a conference in L.A. and they used much of my b-roll for a profile of Steve in the documentary. My first bona fide film credit. Not bad for a one-man crew. 

Scott's photo slideshow

I currently work as the Director of Communications at Warner Pacific College, part of which involves shooting stills and video for the college's in-house communication's department. Above is a link to some of my better photographs, some shot for the college, and others are from my personal portfolio.

I've had the honor of shooting and editing two fundraising videos for the Salem, Ore. chapter of Habitat for Humanity since 2001. This was my second video, done in 2003, and it includes footage of a 12-day "blitz build" during which teams of volunteers built two small homes at the Oregon State Fair (the houses were later moved). The first half of the video focuses on the blitz build, while the second section profiles two families.

Shot with Sony VX2000 and edited on Final Cut Pro.