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THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM

Cinematographer | Wildlife Timelapse Photographer

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"The Biggest Little Farm" is a 90-minute documentary following the development of a sustainable farm on 200 acres outside of Los Angeles. I was a cinematographer on the project for four of the eight years in the making. The film received rave reviews after screenings at Telluride, Toronto and Sundance to then be distributed worldwide by Neon. The film is in theaters now. 

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Prior to the feature film, we made short films for the Oprah Winfrey Network show "Super Soul Sunday." I received a Daytime Emmy Award for cinematography on the short film "Worry for Maggie." I also created the four short films below from the ground up titled "Super Soul Sessions." This was a category that was a more meditative approach. I conceptualized, shot and edited these projects. I also recorded all of the foley, sometimes used my own voice for sfx :) 

 

Arri Amira, Sony F55, Canon C300, DJI Inspire, Canon 5D Mii, Ursa Mini Pro, Canon Cine-servo glass and L Series. 

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Night Heron | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network
01:32

Night Heron | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network

One of the recurring wild native visitors to the Apricot Lane Farms’ pond is the black-crowned night heron. They are typically seen at dusk and are most active at night, roosting and hunting on the shores of wetlands. This night heron was spotted doing exactly that on a cloudy day. Watch as it hides among the dense foliage and tule surrounding our pond habitat, waiting for the right moment to strike. Watch exclusive #SuperSoul content on http://www.SuperSoul.TV Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSessions #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About SuperSoul.TV: SuperSoul.TV is a gathering of spiritual thought leaders to stimulate and inspire us to move in the direction of our truest calling - to become more of who we are. Co-Creation. Illumination. Congregation. Inspiration. Ideation. Motivation. Magnification. Celebration. Heart-i-fi-cation; Where heart meets soul; disruptively awakening. About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN Night Heron | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
Ducklings | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network
01:25

Ducklings | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network

Apricot Lane Farms’ pond is the largest privately owned native restoration project in Ventura County, California. It has become the perfect habitat for wild native birds, including mallard ducks. Captured in this short film, a female mallard watches over her baby ducklings as they forage and traverse the 1.5 acres of diverse pond ecosystem. Watch exclusive #SuperSoul content on http://www.SuperSoul.TV Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSessions #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About SuperSoul.TV: SuperSoul.TV is a gathering of spiritual thought leaders to stimulate and inspire us to move in the direction of our truest calling - to become more of who we are. Co-Creation. Illumination. Congregation. Inspiration. Ideation. Motivation. Magnification. Celebration. Heart-i-fi-cation; Where heart meets soul; disruptively awakening. About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN Ducklings | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
Baby Birds Nesting | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network
01:13

Baby Birds Nesting | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network

Our farm is focused on diversity—everything from variety of fruit trees to the birds and bees that pollinate them. We were lucky enough to capture a beautiful moment in our peach tree orchard: a lesser goldfinch feeding her babies. Watch exclusive #SuperSoul content on http://www.SuperSoul.TV Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSessions #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About SuperSoul.TV: SuperSoul.TV is a gathering of spiritual thought leaders to stimulate and inspire us to move in the direction of our truest calling - to become more of who we are. Co-Creation. Illumination. Congregation. Inspiration. Ideation. Motivation. Magnification. Celebration. Heart-i-fi-cation; Where heart meets soul; disruptively awakening. About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN Baby Birds Nesting | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
Monarch Eating Milkweed | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network
01:07

Monarch Eating Milkweed | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network

Monarch butterflies are a sign of a healthy ecosystem, and the milkweed plant is the key to a strong monarch population. At Apricot Lane Farms, we’ve planted several hundred native milkweed plants to lend to the health of the Monarchs that inhabit our area during migration. Milkweed provides both a home for eggs to safely hatch and a food source for the larvae and soon-to-be caterpillars. In this short film, a monarch caterpillar forages on milkweed all day long. Watch exclusive #SuperSoul content on http://www.SuperSoul.TV Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSessions #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About SuperSoul.TV: SuperSoul.TV is a gathering of spiritual thought leaders to stimulate and inspire us to move in the direction of our truest calling - to become more of who we are. Co-Creation. Illumination. Congregation. Inspiration. Ideation. Motivation. Magnification. Celebration. Heart-i-fi-cation; Where heart meets soul; disruptively awakening. About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN Monarch Eating Milkweed | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
The Biggest Little Farm [Official Trailer]
02:30

The Biggest Little Farm [Official Trailer]

The Biggest Little Farm follows two dreamers and their beloved dog when they make a choice that takes them out of their tiny L.A. apartment and into the countryside to build one of the most diverse farms of its kind in complete coexistence with nature. The film chronicles their near decade-long attempt to create the utopia they seek, planting 10,000 orchard trees, hundreds of crops, and bringing in animals of every kind– including an unforgettable pig named Emma and her best friend, Greasy the rooster. When the farm’s ecosystem finally begins to reawaken, their plan to create perfect harmony takes a series of wild turns, and to survive they realize they'll have to reach a far greater understanding of the intricacies and wisdom of nature, and of life itself. #BiggestLittleFarm https://www.thebiggestlittlefarmmovie.com/
SuperSoul Short: What Maggie the Cow Taught a New Farmer About Letting Go | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN
05:34

SuperSoul Short: What Maggie the Cow Taught a New Farmer About Letting Go | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN

Take a trip to Apricot Lane Farms, where Emmy-Award-winning filmmaker John Chester gets a lesson in faith and letting go of worry from a 14-hundred pound beauty named Maggie. For more on #supersoulsunday, visit WatchOWN.tv/SSS Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSunday #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN SuperSoul Short: What Maggie the Cow Taught a New Farmer About Letting Go | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
The Rooster Who Nearly Died and Rose Again Stronger Than Ever | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN
04:52

The Rooster Who Nearly Died and Rose Again Stronger Than Ever | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN

Poodle Roo wouldn't return to his coop at night, and his keepers at Apricot Lane Farms couldn't figure out why. After all, the coop is a safe haven for roosters like him, a way to avoid the dangers lurking in the night. For more on #supersoulsunday, visit WatchOWN.tv/SSS Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSunday #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About SuperSoul Sunday: SuperSoul Sunday is the multi-award winning series that delivers a timely thought-provoking, eye-opening and inspiring block of programming designed to help viewers awaken to their best selves and discover a deeper connection to the world around them. Recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with two Daytime Emmy awards, SuperSoul Sunday features all-new conversations between Oprah Winfrey and top thinkers, authors, visionaries and spiritual leaders exploring themes and issues including happiness, personal fulfillment, spirituality, conscious living and what it means to be alive in today's world. About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN The Rooster Who Nearly Died and Rose Again Stronger Than Ever | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
Super Soul Short: The Curious Friendship Between a Pig and a Rooster | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN
04:37

Super Soul Short: The Curious Friendship Between a Pig and a Rooster | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN

In this Super Soul Original Short, farmer and filmmaker John Chester seeks a companion for Emma, a sow who nearly died giving birth to 13 piglets. When her little ones grew up and moved on to pastures of their own, Emma appeared to be lonely. John got curious: Could a rooster named Greasy fill the void? For more on #supersoulsunday, visit WatchOWN.tv/SSS Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSunday #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About SuperSoul Sunday: SuperSoul Sunday is the multi-award winning series that delivers a timely thought-provoking, eye-opening and inspiring block of programming designed to help viewers awaken to their best selves and discover a deeper connection to the world around them. Recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences with two Daytime Emmy awards, SuperSoul Sunday features all-new conversations between Oprah Winfrey and top thinkers, authors, visionaries and spiritual leaders exploring themes and issues including happiness, personal fulfillment, spirituality, conscious living and what it means to be alive in today's world. About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN Super Soul Short: The Curious Friendship Between a Pig and a Rooster | SuperSoul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Network http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
Saving Emma | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network
05:53

Saving Emma | SuperSoul Sessions | Oprah Winfrey Network

Emma the pig arrives at Apricot Lane Farms sick, underweight and very pregnant. See Emma’s inspiring journey through motherhood and how Emma’s piglets were ultimately her saving grace. For more on #supersoulsunday visit http://bit.ly/1tNw5dg Find OWN on TV at http://www.oprah.com/FindOWN #OWNTV #SuperSoulSessions #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: http://bit.ly/1vqD1PN Download the Watch OWN App: http://bit.ly/2hr1nX2 About SuperSoul.TV: SuperSoul.TV features all-new SuperSoul sessions and short films, exploring themes and issues including happiness, personal fulfillment, spirituality, conscious living and what it means to be alive in today's world. About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is the first and only network named for, and inspired by, a single iconic leader. Oprah Winfrey's heart and creative instincts inform the brand -- and the magnetism of the channel. Winfrey provides leadership in programming and attracts superstar talent to join her in primetime, building a global community of like-minded viewers and leading that community to connect on social media and beyond. OWN is a singular destination on cable. Depth with edge. Heart. Star power. Connection. And endless possibilities. Discover OWN TV: Find OWN on your TV!: http://bit.ly/1wJ0ugI Our Fantastic Lineup: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Connect with OWN Online: Visit the OWN WEBSITE: http://bit.ly/1qMi2jE Like OWN on FACEBOOK: http://on.fb.me/1AXYujp Follow OWN on TWITTER: http://bit.ly/1sJin8Y Follow OWN on INSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/LnqzMz Follow OWN on PINTEREST: http://bit.ly/2dvfPeN Saving Emma | SuperSoul Sunday | Oprah Winfrey Network http://www.youtube.com/user/OWN
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