Real Stories, Real Impact.
Case studies from real world assignments.
Take a look at some of the projects I’ve been part of. Each one is a collaboration with organisations working to tell stories that matter. From capturing raw, emotional moments to creating communication strategies that genuinely connect with people, these projects reflect what purposeful storytelling can achieve.
For me, it’s not just about solving problems or ticking boxes. It’s about finding creative ways to turn challenges into opportunities and inspire real action.
If you’re curious about how storytelling can make an impact, dive in and explore. You might discover ideas that resonate with your own vision.
Quick Links:
Target Malaria
Overview
Target Malaria, a not-for-profit research consortium, is leading the way in developing genetic technologies to modify mosquitoes and reduce malaria transmission. I was commissioned to create a series of three animations to enhance stakeholder engagement. These animations were essential 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
My approach to the project was multifaceted:
Simplifying Complex Concepts: The first animation explained Target Malaria’s overall approach to stakeholder engagement. It detailed how the project informs and involves stakeholders at every level, from local communities where the research happens to national and international bodies.
Informed Decision-Making: The second animation highlighted how local communities are engaged from the very beginning, ensuring their input shapes the project’s development. This step was crucial for building trust and empowering communities to 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, developed in response to lessons learned from earlier mosquito releases. The animation explained the model’s commitments, which reflect the consortium’s values and ensure accountability in its operations.
I collaborated with various partners, including Emerging Ag Inc., SKELJA Studio, and Pappy Orion Media, to produce these animations, aiming to make 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
I 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. My 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
My work with Women for Women International (WFWI) focused on several key areas:
Empowering Women Through SWSN: I documented training sessions where women learned about their rights and gained the tools to become decision-makers in their homes and communities. Through my photography, I captured the transformation of women as they built confidence and skills through WFWI’s programs.
Village Savings Loan Associations (VSLAs): I photographed the impact of VSLAs, which enable women to save money, generate income, and access micro-insurance for healthcare. My images showcased how these initiatives support women’s economic independence and improve their access to healthcare.
Men’s Engagement Program: I also documented the participation of male leaders and community members in the Men’s Engagement Program. This initiative encourages behavior change around women’s rights and promotes greater acceptance of women’s roles in society.
Impact
My visual storytelling played a crucial role in showcasing the success of WFWI’s programs in Eastern DRC. My images have been featured across social media, annual reports, online platforms, and eDMs 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 I captured highlighted the resilience and strength of the women in these communities and 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
I have been documenting Medair’s extensive humanitarian efforts across Poland, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). My 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
My documentation work with Medair spans several key areas:
Refugee Support in Poland:
In Poland, I captured the care provided to Ukrainian refugees at the TESCO refugee centre in Przemyśl and the Przemyśl train station. My work highlighted the welcome and aid centres set up at these locations, where refugees received essential help, advice, and care upon arrival in Poland.
Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine:
Western Ukraine: I documented the short- and long-term housing solutions offered to displaced individuals, as well as the distribution of food and goods to those in need. My imagery showcased the resilience of these communities and the critical role Medair played in providing stability and support.
Eastern Ukraine: In eastern Ukraine, I followed Medair’s teams as they distributed food, money, and medical supplies to war-affected communities, including those on the frontlines and in recently liberated areas. My photos captured the immense challenges faced by aid workers and the lifesaving impact of their efforts.
Long-Term Projects in DRC:
Ituri Province: In the Democratic Republic of Congo, I 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. My photography highlighted the positive impact of Medair’s long-standing presence in the region, showing how these initiatives have improved the lives of vulnerable communities.
Impact
My visual storytelling has been essential in raising awareness of Medair’s work and securing ongoing support for their operations. My images have been widely featured 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, my work has played a key role in advancing Medair’s mission and showcasing the effectiveness of their interventions.
“Ryan is a passionate and highly experienced photographer. I had the privilege of working with him when he visited our Medair base in Bunia, Eastern DRC, to document our humanitarian work. His photographs have beautifully captured our stories in Eastern DRC, resonating deeply with our team and earning praise from our funders.”
Christian
Country Infrastructure and WASH advisor at Medair
Malembe Rise
Overview
My relationship with Malembe Rise began in 2018 when I served as a guest speaker for a fundraising event. Since then, our collaboration has grown, with me taking on a consulting role to help Malembe Rise visually document their educational initiatives in Kinshasa, DRC. In 2022, I visited Kinshasa to further enhance their visual footprint.
Approach & Execution
My work has focused on several key areas to elevate Malembe Rise’s visual storytelling:
Website Redesign: I captured vibrant and impactful imagery for Malembe Rise’s redesigned website, ensuring their online presence reflects the organisation’s dynamic mission.
Fundraising Support: I created photographic art prints of some of the ‘Faces of Malembe Rise’ for auction at fundraising events, contributing to the financial sustainability of their programs.
Social Media Content: I developed a library of engaging images and stories for use across social media platforms, helping to increase visibility and engagement with Malembe Rise’s work.
Impact
My contributions have significantly improved Malembe Rise’s ability to communicate their mission. The refreshed imagery has strengthened their online presence, effectively showcasing their programs and attracting new supporters and donors. The high-quality prints have been successful in raising funds at auctions, while the ongoing social media content has expanded the organisation’s reach and impact. Through these efforts, I’ve 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, I have 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 played a crucial role in showcasing the richness of Ukrainian culture and raising funds for humanitarian aid, especially following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. My work has included capturing cultural performances, documenting the collection and shipping of medical aid, and visiting local partners in Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, to show how and where aid from Adelaide is being distributed and the ongoing needs on the ground in Ukraine.
Approach & Execution
My ongoing collaboration with SLAVA has taken a multifaceted approach:
Cultural Documentation: I have photographed SLAVA's cultural events and performances, highlighting the beauty and richness of Ukrainian heritage.
Humanitarian Coverage: I’ve documented the collection and shipping of medical aid from Adelaide to Ukraine, capturing the dedication and hard work of SLAVA’s community.
Field Reporting in Ukraine: I visited Kharkiv, Eastern Ukraine, to document how SLAVA's aid is being used, 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
My work has been instrumental in SLAVA's efforts to engage the South Australian community and support Ukraine. Through my photography and reporting, I’ve helped SLAVA communicate the importance of their work, resulting in increased cultural engagement, successful fundraising, and a stronger connection between Adelaide’s Ukrainian community and Ukraine. My ongoing documentation has not only highlighted Ukrainian culture but also shown the tangible impact of SLAVA’s humanitarian efforts.
Overview
In 2018 and 2019, I 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, working alongside local healthcare providers and translators to deliver essential medical services. My assignment focused on visually capturing the daily operations, personal interactions, and the positive outcomes of GHO’s work.
Approach & Execution
I embedded myself with the GHO teams, documenting a wide range of activities, from clinical appointments and dental procedures to home visits and community engagement. My photography focused on the collaboration between international and local teams and the impact of the care provided. The images captured the human side of the healthcare challenges faced by these communities and played a key role in sharing these stories with GHO’s donor base.
Impact
My work was used primarily for reporting and highlighting the importance of GHO's missions through direct communication and online platforms. My visual narratives significantly enhanced engagement and helped secure ongoing support for future missions. The imagery not only documented the delivery of essential healthcare services but also captured the hope and resilience of the local communities, reinforcing the critical role of GHO’s efforts in Ukraine.
