Where Expedition Meets Mindfulness
Wellderness was a rare kind of project. One where story, space, and stillness had equal weight.
Set deep in New Zealand’s rivers, gorges, and mountain valleys, this film invited us to explore a simple but powerful question: What does it mean to feel well in the wilderness?
As a wilderness cinematographer, I knew this project would require more than technical precision. It needed presence, planning, and the ability to move lightly through sensitive, remote landscapes.
Small Team, Big Planning
The nature of the production meant we had to keep the crew small and light — as they say, leave only footprints. With no backup team or fly-ins, I was both Director and Director of Photography, carrying everything I needed through the terrain while staying fully immersed in the environment.
Weeks before the shoot, I worked closely with the client to build out a scene-by-scene storyboard, mapping each sequence to the core messages and emotional beats we wanted to hit.
From breathwork to body movement, everything had to feel real — grounded in the moment, not overproduced. That meant finding the balance between structure and spontaneity, and being ready to adapt to the landscape as it unfolded.
Human-Powered Cinematography
My approach to remote expedition filmmaking is all about staying close to the story — both literally and creatively.
No helicopters. No overbuilt crew. Just a camera, a backpack, and a plan.
Everything we needed, we carried in. It was a shoot shaped by the environment, powered by endurance and intention. From filming underwater sequences to moving through rugged terrain, it demanded full presence and adaptability.
I find there’s something honest in working this way — it keeps the process grounded and reminds me why I love what I do. And as a bonus, it definitely keeps me fit.
