Shoot Cameras Not Guns & Beers for Burma

For those of you who don't know, I created Shoot Cameras Not Guns 7 years ago and it's one of the most important things I've been doing since. I've taught photography as a tool for social change and empowerment to at-risk youth and teenage gang members in Denver, to teachers and students in Kenya, and am now spending the first few months of 2013 bringing the program back to the Thai/Burma border where it began, as well as inside of Burma (Myanmar). 

We'll be teaching photojournalism and documentation skills to journalists and those fighting the human rights abuses happening inside of Burma ((systematic rape, murder, forced labor and genocide). These are real, hard skills that and tools that keep pressure on the military dictatorship to move towards change and democracy, and expose the abuses to the rest of the world. 

Beers for Burma is our first major fundraiser. If you can't make it or don't live in the area, please consider making a monetary donation at ShootCamerasNotGuns.org or donating your used (working) digital cameras and accessories. We will be accepting cameras at the event as well. 

We are now partnering with the 501c3 Technology Partnership, so your donations are tax-deductible. 

Please spread the word and the love and make good use of that freedom of expression we are granted where we live. 

Hope to see you there!

Visit the event on Facebook

Darcy's Baby Belly Photography l Boulder, Colorado

Here are some shots of Darcy's amazing belly near her home in Boulder, Colorado. We used the South Boulder open space for these maternity shots, taking advantage of the changing fall colors and leaves. Her husband John joined us for some of the photos, so they could get a great Christmas card! Darcy is also a great photographer, so it was fun to collaborate with her!

Dancing with the Mountain Stars 2012 l Keystone, Colorado

The 2012 Dancing with the Mountain Stars event was a huge success, as always! This Summit County, Colorado fundraiser for the Summit Medical Center Health Foundation was held as usual at the Keystone Conference Center. 

See the complete album and purchase prints here. 

This year's event benefitted Flight for Life, a heroic service that has affected most people involved in the outdoors and adventure sports. 

Of course, I had to photograph the Flight for Life guys as soon as I saw those moustaches. 

The judges

The fabulous Katie Girtman of Studio Kiva Photography.

Rolo Cuadrado (my personal favorite!)

One of the professional dancers for Los Angeles.

Dr. Erin Hay receives the "Most Improved Dancer" award, given in honor of Stephanie Roller (Bruner).

Obama in City Park l Denver, Colorado

President Barack Obama addresses supporters on the campaign trail at City Park in Denver, Colorado.

 

Michelle & Matt's Wedding l Alpenglow Stube l Keystone, Colorado Photographer

Matt and Michelle got hitched at the top of Keystone Mountain, Colorado. All the guest rode up in the River Run gondola to reach the ceremony. It was a lovely overlook deck with a magnificent view of the Rocky Mountains!

These two lovebirds just moved to Colorado Spring and had me shoot their engagement photos in Golden, Colorado. There are also some Baby Belly shots in there, if you didn't notice the little bump! VIEW THEM HERE.

Grandma & Grandpa on the first gondola.

Keystone Ceremony Site

Ceremony

Progressively more awesome series of family portraits.

Second gondola up to the reception.

Alpenglow Stube's amazing catering.

And now, my favorite part of an wedding....

PARTY!!!!

You can tell by the photos how fun this crew was and how much love was all around, way back there in the mountains. 

Nighttime long exposure shot.