Ryan Tidman taking photos

About

Ryan Tidman is a photographer and cinematographer based on Vancouver Island, specializing in wildlife, conservation, and natural history storytelling.

Growing up in Ontario, Ryan Tidman developed a profound connection with nature through National Geographic magazines and natural history series like BBC’s Planet Earth. This early passion led him to pursue studies in Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph and Environmental Visual Communications at the Royal Ontario Museum, merging his love for the natural world with his talent for storytelling.

After completing his education, Ryan had the privilege of working alongside renowned National Geographic photographers Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier at their ocean conservation non-profit, SeaLegacy. During his tenure, he developed his skills in documenting and effectively communicating conservation issues through visual media. This experience allowed him to travel globally, capturing compelling stories of ongoing conservation efforts.


Since transitioning to freelance work, Ryan has continued to pursue his passion for photography and cinematography, working with some of the most respected names in the industry. Through his work, he strives to showcase the beauty and vulnerability of our planet, aiming to inspire others to appreciate and protect the natural world. His images and films are a testament to his commitment to conservation, blending visual artistry with powerful storytelling to engage and move audiences.

An Associate Fellow of the International League of Conservation Photographers and a recipient of the Trebek Initiative grant, Ryan is committed to using his visual media skills to advocate for wildlife conservation. He is currently working on a National Geographic Society-funded project to document the story of Pacific herring in British Columbia, aiming to shed light on the significance of these magnificent creatures and the important role they play in environmental, economic, and indigenous spectrums.

Through his work, Ryan hopes to foster a deeper understanding and respect for the natural history, encouraging others to join him in the effort to preserve and protect our planet’s diverse ecosystems.

Who I Work With

Highlights

2025

Named inagural Audain Wildlife Conservation Fellow by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society

Full Feature in Canadian Geographic: Wings Over Niagara

2024

Our Oceans released on Netflix

Published in National Geographic’s Pictures of the Year on Pacific Herring

2023

Editor’s Pick for best stories of the year by Canadian Geographic

Featured on Explore Podcast series by Canadian Geographic

Published online feature in Canadian Geographic on Pacific white-sided dolphins

Became a National Geographic Explorer

Recipient of National Geographic Entry Level Grant on Pacific Herring

Cover Feature in Canadian Geographic on Vancouver Island Marmots

2022

Nominated as a Fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society

Recipient of Trebek Initiative grant to document British Columbia’s black bears

Awarded the cover image of Canadian Geographic’s Best Wildlife Photography of 2022 special feature magazine

First blue-chip natural history series released, America the Beautiful, streaming on Disney+

Published in Canadian Geographic Remote Paradise: The Wonder of B.C.’s Triangle Island

2021

Joined the International League of Conservation Photographers as an Associate Fellow

Joined KMG Management for natural history filmmaking

Nominated for Premier’s Award in the category Recent Graduate by Ontario Colleges

Runner-up, Canadian Geographic, Wildlife Photography Competition

2020

Photography featured in The Narwhal, Vancouver Island Marmots

First full feature publication, Triangle Island, Oceanographic Magazine

Joined the Arc’teryx Victoria Ambassador team

Partnered with Mustang Survival as a Brand Ambassador

Became a freelance photographer and filmmaker

Assistant to National Geographic’s Paul Nicklen (2018-2020)

Digital Asset Manager & Field Assistant with SeaLegacy (2017-2020)

2017

Coordinated Canada’s Oceans: Towards 2020 for the Royal Ontario Museum

Post-graduate certificate in Environmental Visual Communication from Fleming College & the Royal Ontario Museum

Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from The University of Guelph

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Named Inaugral Audain Wildlife Conservation Fellow