Real Stories, Real Impact.
Case studies from real world assignments.
Explore a collection assignments, where real-world projects showcase the impact of strategic storytelling and communications. Each case delves into how we have partnered with organisations to craft compelling narratives, create authentic visual content, and drive meaningful results. From capturing powerful imagery in conflict zones to developing communication strategies that resonate, these stories highlight the tangible outcomes of our work and the difference it makes for our clients. Dive in to see how we’ve turned challenges into opportunities and inspired action through purposeful storytelling.
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Target Malaria
Overview
Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium, is at the forefront of developing genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. Ryan Carter Images was commissioned to create a series of three animations designed to boost stakeholder engagement. These animations played a crucial role in communicating Target Malaria's complex research to a broad audience, including local communities, policymakers, and international stakeholders, ensuring transparency and fostering informed decision-making.
Approach & Execution
The approach to the project was multifaceted:
Simplifying Complex Concepts: The first animation explained Target Malaria’s overall approach to stakeholder engagement, detailing how the project involves and informs stakeholders at various levels—from local communities where the research occurs to national and international bodies.
Informed Decision-Making: The second animation focused on how local communities are involved in the research from the outset, ensuring that their input shapes the project's development. This was critical in building trust and ensuring that communities could make informed decisions about the project’s activities.
Community Agreement Model: The third animation introduced a new version of Target Malaria’s community agreement model, which was developed in response to lessons learned from previous mosquito releases. This model, explained through the animation, sets out commitments that reflect the consortium's values and ensure accountability in its operations.
These animations were produced in collaboration with various partners, including Emerging Ag Inc. with the aim of making the content both visually engaging and educational.
Impact
The series of animations significantly enhanced Target Malaria’s ability to engage with its stakeholders. By making the science behind their work more accessible, the animations helped build trust and transparency, leading to stronger support from communities and stakeholders. This project underscores the importance of visual storytelling in scientific communication, especially when dealing with complex and potentially contentious issues like genetic modification.
Awarded runner-up in the ‘not-for-profit’ category of the 2024 Sabre Awards Africa at the African Public Relations Association.
Read a report on this project: https://targetmalaria.org/latest/blog/target-malarias-stakeholder-engagement-approach/
Women for Women International
Overview
Ryan Carter Images partnered with Women for Women International (WFWI) to document their work in the Kivu region of Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). WFWI’s Stronger Women, Stronger Nations (SWSN) program empowers women in conflict-affected communities by building their knowledge, skills, and economic self-sufficiency. Ryan’s role was to capture the stories of women who have thrived through WFWI’s programs, document the communities and services provided, and highlight the impact of WFWI’s initiatives on women’s lives and their communities.
Approach & Execution
Ryan’s work with WFWI involved several key areas of focus:
Empowering Women Through SWSN: Ryan documented the training sessions where women were taught about their rights and trained to become decision-makers in their homes and communities. His photography captured the transformation of women as they gained confidence and skills through WFWI’s programs.
Village Savings Loan Associations (VSLAs): Ryan captured the impact of VSLAs, which provide women with the opportunity to save money, generate income, and access micro-insurance for healthcare. His images illustrated how these programs contributed to women’s economic independence and improved access to healthcare.
Men’s Engagement Program: Ryan documented the involvement of male leaders and community members in the Men’s Engagement Program, which supports behavior change toward women’s rights and fosters greater acceptance of women’s roles in society.
Impact
Ryan’s visual storytelling played a crucial role in showcasing the success of WFWI’s programs in Eastern DRC. His images have been repeatedly used across social media, annual reports, online, and eDM’s to communicate the impact of the SWSN program, engage donors, and raise awareness about the importance of women’s empowerment in conflict-affected regions. The stories Ryan captured have not only highlighted the resilience and strength of the women in these communities but also demonstrated the transformative power of WFWI’s initiatives in creating lasting change.
I hired Ryan to be the photographer on an asset collection trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo with Women for Women International. Working with Ryan was an absolute pleasure. He is incredibly knowledgeable about his craft and a beautifully skilled photographer. Years later, Women for Women International continues to use the photos Ryan took for fundraising campaigns, social media, and print materials. Ryan is able to work with people from many different walks of life, even if they don't speak the same language, bringing to the surface a shy smile or a belly laugh that he captures with his camera. I would absolutely hire Ryan again and look forward to working with him again in the future.
Coby
Senior Communications Associate at Women for Women International
Medair
Overview
Ryan Carter Images has been documenting Medair’s extensive humanitarian efforts across Poland, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). His work has focused on capturing the critical support provided to refugees, the establishment of essential services for displaced people, and the long-term impact of Medair’s projects in these regions.
Approach & Execution
Ryan’s documentation work with Medair spans several key areas:
Refugee Support in Poland:
In Poland, Ryan documented the care given to Ukrainian refugees at the TESCO refugee centre in Przemyśl and the Przemyśl train station. His work highlighted the welcome and aid centres set up at these locations, where refugees received essential help, advice, and care as they arrived in Poland.
Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine:
Western Ukraine: Ryan captured the short- and long-term housing solutions provided to displaced individuals, as well as the distribution of food and goods to those in need. His imagery illustrated the resilience of these communities and the critical role Medair played in providing stability and support.
Eastern Ukraine: In eastern Ukraine, Ryan documented Medair’s teams distributing food, money, and medical supplies to war-affected communities, including those on the frontlines and in recently liberated areas. His work showcased the challenges faced by aid workers and the lifesaving impact of their efforts.
Long-Term Projects in DRC:
Ituri Province: Ryan documented Medair’s work in internal displacement camps, the construction and supply of medical centres, and the installation of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities. His photography highlighted the positive impact of Medair’s long-standing presence in the region, showcasing how these initiatives have improved the lives of vulnerable communities.
Impact
Ryan’s visual storytelling has been essential in raising awareness of Medair’s work and securing ongoing support for their operations. His images have been widely used across Medair’s platforms, helping to engage donors and inform the public about the critical humanitarian needs in these regions. By capturing both the challenges and the resilience of those affected, Ryan’s work has significantly contributed to advancing Medair’s mission and demonstrating the effectiveness of their interventions.
I found in him Ryan a passionate Photographer with lots of experience in photography. I had the opportunity to work with Ryan when he visited our Medair base in Eastern DRC Bunia to shoot pictures of our humanitarian work. His pictures have shown our stories in the Eastern DRC bringing satisfaction even to our funders.
Christian
Country Infrastructure and WASH advisor at Medair
Malembe Rise
Overview
Ryan Carter Images relationship with Malembe Rise began in 2018 when he served as a guest speaker for a fundraising event. Since then, the collaboration has deepened, with Ryan playing a consulting role in the way Malembe Rise visually documented their educational initiatives in Kinshasa, DRC. In 2022, Ryan visited Kinshasa to further enhance Malembe Rise's visual footprint.
Approach & Execution
Ryan’s work has focused on several key areas to elevate Malembe Rise’s visual storytelling:
Website Redesign: Capturing vibrant and impactful imagery for Malembe Rise’s redesigned website, ensuring their online presence aligns with the organization’s dynamic mission.
Fundraising Support: Creating photographic art prints of some of the ‘Faces of Malembe Rise’ for auction at fundraising events, contributing to the financial sustainability of Malembe Rise’s programs.
Social Media Content: Developing a library of engaging images and stories to be used across social media platforms, increasing visibility and engagement with Malembe Rise’s work.
Impact
Ryan’s contributions have significantly improved Malembe Rise’s ability to communicate their mission. The refreshed imagery has strengthened their online presence, helped to communicate their programs, and attracted new supporters and donors. The high-quality prints have been effective in raising funds at auctions, while the ongoing social media content has expanded the organization’s reach and impact. Through these efforts, Ryan has played an integral role in helping Malembe Rise connect more deeply with their audience and continue their important work in Kinshasa.
Ryan met our team in Kinshasa, DR Congo to photograph our youth development program in November 2022. From the early conversations and expectations to official contracts to working together in person to the delivery of the photo album--Ryan was professional, creative, innovative, and truly a dream team player. He worked well with our team on the ground and with 200 exuberant students. Ryan makes adults and kids feel comfortable in front of the camera. He easily blends in any situation to capture authentic images and stories. He is passionate about his work and aims to please his clients. He has an eye for detail and is patient to get the perfect shots. His unique ability to shoot in natural lighting and capture pure/raw expressions makes his photos truly spectacular. Despite Ryan living on the other side of the world, he was responsive and timely in all of our communications. He listened to what we needed and provided direction and advice based on his experience working with NGOs around the globe. Ryan gave us thoughtful, artistic, quality photos that beautifully express the hope and potential that exists in the young people in DRC. His photos make our storytelling easy and beautiful!
Sarah
US Country Director at Malembe Rise
SLAVA Ukrainian Cultural Centre
Overview
Since 2022, Ryan Carter Images has worked closely with SLAVA Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Adelaide, South Australia, to document and support their mission of fostering Ukrainian cultural engagement and raising awareness about Ukraine's needs. SLAVA has been pivotal in showcasing the richness of Ukrainian culture and raising funds for humanitarian aid, especially following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Ryan's role has involved capturing cultural performances, documenting the collection and shipping of medical aid, and visiting local partners in Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, to document how and where aid from Adelaide is being distributed and the ongoing needs on the ground in Ukraine.
Approach & Execution
Ryan’s ongoing collaboration with SLAVA has involved a multifaceted approach:
Cultural Documentation: Ryan has photographed SLAVA's cultural events and performances, emphasizing the beauty and depth of Ukrainian heritage.
Humanitarian Coverage: He has documented the collection and shipping of medical aid from Adelaide to Ukraine, capturing the dedication of SLAVA’s community.
Field Reporting in Ukraine: Ryan visited Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, to document how SLAVA's aid is being utilized, the distribution process, and the ongoing needs of local communities. This firsthand reporting has provided vital content for SLAVA’s fundraising and awareness campaigns.
Impact
Ryan’s work has been instrumental in SLAVA's efforts to engage the South Australian community and support Ukraine. His photography and reporting have significantly enhanced SLAVA’s ability to communicate the importance of their work, leading to increased cultural engagement, successful fundraising, and a stronger connection between Adelaide’s Ukrainian community and Ukraine. The ongoing documentation has not only showcased Ukrainian culture but also demonstrated the tangible impact of SLAVA’s humanitarian efforts.
Overview
In 2018 and 2019, Ryan Carter Images partnered with Global Health Outreach (GHO) to document their medical and dental missions in the rural villages of Verbovets and Ostapje, Ukraine. GHO brought international medical teams to these remote areas, collaborating with local healthcare providers and translators to offer essential medical services. Ryan’s assignment focused on visually documenting the daily operations, personal interactions, and the positive outcomes of GHO’s work.
Approach & Execution
Ryan embedded himself with the GHO teams, capturing a broad spectrum of activities, from clinical appointments and dental procedures to home visits and community engagement. His photography emphasized the collaboration between international and local teams and the impact of the care provided. The images highlighted the human side of the healthcare challenges faced by these communities and were integral in conveying these stories to GHO’s donor base.
Impact
Ryan’s work was used primarily for reporting and showcasing the importance of GHO's missions through direct communication and online platforms. His visual narratives helped to significantly enhance engagement and helped secure ongoing support for future missions. The imagery not only documented the delivery of essential healthcare services but also conveyed the hope and resilience of the local communities, reinforcing the critical role of GHO’s efforts in Ukraine.
