Congo
Children Mending Hearts
Feburary 2010
I just got back from shooting for an non profit - Children Mending Hearts.Org in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo ( http://bit.ly/c190A0). For those of you that do not know, the DRC has been in a state of war for over 12 years and by some estimates, the bloodiest war since WWII. A recent NY Times article (http://nyti.ms/9Ccxsu) reported “...that 5.4 million people had already died in this war as of April 2007, and hundreds of thousands more have died as the situation has deteriorated since then.” Our own Alex Chadwick has also been to the Congo, broke the coltan story and is a fount of information on the place. We were not there to cover the violence but to cover what happens in the aftermath and specifically we were working with the children and women that have been arguably the most brutally affected by this war and the organizations that are trying to help on the ground -- Women for Women ( http://bit.ly/DZt4D) and the Panzi Hospital/Dr. Denis Mukwege ( http://bit.ly/9K1waz) The blog of our trip is here ( http://bit.ly/bUHaIa)
Guyana
Guyana Exploratory
Sept 2009
There are some places that just don't come up regularly on the travel radar and Guyana is one of them. Now having been, I would have to say it is a must do for those who are seeking more out of the way places. If you want Costa Rica 30 years ago or want to enjoy pristine jungle, amazing birds and welcoming people, look no further.
Oaxaca
In search of Mezcal
May 2009
Eric Hiss and I traveled to Oaxaca, Mexico to explore the origins and mysteries of great Mezcal...what we find is magic, history and good friends.
Aspen Magazine
The Aspen Food and Wine Classic, Aspen Magazine
June 2008
The mecca of good food and wine, my assignment for the Aspen Magazine had me covering all and I do mean all the parties, events and highlights. In the midst of it all, I even got called upon to shoot a wedding...
Uganda
Green Living Project
March 2008
Our team experienced the Nile Safari lodge and got a unique taste of both sustainability and comfort...oh and the animals were pretty spectacular as well. Green Living Project
Rwanda
Rwanda Yahoo's "Richard Bangs Adventures" & "The Green Living Project"
March 2008 & 2006
It has been so rewarding to have had two occasions to create awareness around the highly endangered mt gorillas, living in their quickly disappearing habitat at the base of the Virunga volcanic mountains. Being within feet of a 600 pound Silverback is exciting. I served as a principal photographer and the other, videographer/producer, both very challenging due to the limitations of both time (you only spend one hour per day with the Gorillas) and conditions (it's a rain forest, and not flash is permitted). For Rosette and her team at ORTPN and Greg and the Gorilla Organization kudos.
Bosnia
Yahoo's "Richard Bangs Adventures"
July 2006
My initial impressions of Bosnia had been formed by fragmented news stories of conflict there, and distant memories of the Sarajevo Olympics. What I found was a beautiful country trying to transform itself, attempting to find the fine balance between modern development and natural resource depletion. Our host Tim Clancy from Green Visions gave me the personal insight that you don't have to be from a place to truly care about it. I will always cherish my time in Bosnia. Tim has my upmost support and encouragement.
Teva Mountain Games
Yahoo's "Richard Bangs Adventures"
May 2006
The Teva Mountain Games in Vail, Co. was a manic assignment as we published daily coverage from the games.
Israel
The Jordan River, Israel - Yahoo's "Richard Bangs Adventures"April 2006
My first trip to the Holy land was an eye opening experience. Ancient history comes alive and clashes with the challenges of the modern world. This project was all about saving the life-saving effects of the Jordan River. So many people, so many needs, so little river.... .
Switzerland
Yahoo's "Richard Bangs Adventures"
September 2005
This was the very first Richard Bangs Adventures and our team found ourselves at the Eiger mountain in Switzerland, waiting for John Harlin III to get clear weather to make his historic ascent of the mountain that claimed his father's life. This assignment had us shooting out of helicopters, sides of mountains and on glaciers.
