Motion
Ryan Tidman specializes in blue-chip natural history cinematography worldwide. With expertise in drone operation, long-lens shooting, and a strong foundation in underwater filming, he brings a unique and comprehensive skill set to every project.
Ryan’s journey into cinematography began both figuratively and literally underwater. His first cinema experience was working for the acclaimed non-profit SeaLegacy. This role provided him the opportunity to utilize some of the industry’s highest-quality equipment while traveling globally with co-founders Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier. Ryan’s work included underwater filming, behind-the-scenes documentation, conducting interviews, and capturing wildlife through drones and long lenses, all to support ocean conservation efforts through impactful media.
In 2020, Ryan transitioned to freelancing, collaborating frequently with award-winning cinematographer Justin Maguire. This experience allowed him to hone his skills further, shifting from run-and-gun documentary filming to meticulous blue-chip sequence building. Ryan has since developed a versatile skill set, frequently working with drones, long lenses, camera trapping, time studies, underwater filming, and gimbals.
Ryan has collaborated with many of the esteemed production companies from Bristol and North America. Represented globally by KMG Management since 2021, he owns a comprehensive array of production equipment, including a RED Komodo package, Cognysis camera trapping enclosures, tripods, sliders, motion control systems, audio equipment, and drones.
Based on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, Ryan spends his free time capturing archival footage of the Pacific Northwest. He has dual citizenship in Canada and the United States. Contact him today for collaboration inquiries. References and additional reels are available upon request.
Experience & Certifications
Licensed drone operator in Canada/U.S.
Camera Trapping
Time Studies
(timelapse/hyper-lapse/lapse time)
RED DSCM2/3 Systems
Nauticam & GATES Underwater Housings
Films Contributed To
Sky-Love Nature, 2024
BBC, 2026
National Geographic, 2022
Netflix, 2022
Netflix, 2024
Silverback Films, 2026
Disney Plus, 2021
Sky Nature, 2023
Netflix, 2025
NHK, 2024
Shoot Diary
Canada/Arctic Wolves – NDA – Camera Assistant, Polar Guide
Canada/Capelin – NDA – Drone, Underwater, Long Lens
Canada/Pacific Herring – NHK – Drone, Long Lens, Underwater, Pole Camera
Philippines/Honey Bees – NDA – Drone, Long Lens
Canada/Pacific Herring – Independent Archive Filming – Drone, Long Lens, Underwater
Canada/Black Bears – Independent Archive Filming – Long Lens, Camera Trap
United States – National Geographic – Drone, Behind-the-Scenes, Production Stills
United States – BBC – Drone, Gimbal, Pole Camera
Canada – NHK – Drone, Long Lens, Pole Camera, Documentary
Canada/Pacific Herring – Independent Archive Filming – Drone, Long Lens, Underwater
Canada/Black Bears – Independent Archive Filming – Long Lens, Camera Trap
Canada/Spirit Bears – Independent Archive Filming – Drone, Long Lens
United States – Love Nature/Sky – Long Lens, Underwater
Canada/Pacific Herring – Independent Archive Filming – Drone, Long Lens, Underwater
South Sandwich Islands/Chinstrap Penguins – Netflix – Drone, Long Lens
British Columbia/Black Bears – Independent Archive Filming – Camera Trap
Antarctica/Emperor Penguins – Netflix – Drone, Long Lens, Pole Camera
Canada/Spirit Bears – Independent Archive Filming – Drone, Long Lens
Arctic Canada/Arctic Char – Netflix – Drone, Underwater, Long Lens
Iceland/Atlantic Puffins – Netflix – Drone, Long Lens
Falkland Islands/Commerson’s Dolphins – Netflix – Drone, Long Lens
South Georgia/Southern Elephant Seals – Netflix – Drone, Underwater, Long Lens
South Georgia – Netflix – Drone, Underwater
Canada/Western Toad – Netflix – Drone, Long Lens
Canada/Elk – Netflix – Drone, Gimbal
Canada/Marmots – Netflix – Drone, Camera Trap
Canada/Forests – Netflix – Drone
Canada/Great Grey Owls – National Geographic – Drone, Long Lens
Canada/Porcupine – National Geographic – Drone
Canada/Niagara Falls – National Geographic – Long Lens
Canada/Polar Bears – National Geographic – Drone, Gimbal
Canada/Sea lions – National Geographic – Drone, Underwater