case study
Whale Wise x Dryrobe
Authentic visual storytelling showcasing
MARINE RESEARCH & outdoor gear in action
WHERE SCIENCE MEETS STORY
Overview
As President of the Board of Trustees for Whale Wise, I led a brand collaboration with Dryrobe to create authentic content showcasing their gear during our field season in Iceland’s Westfjords. This wasn’t a traditional sponsored shoot—it was real documentation of marine mammal research in action, capturing the team as they worked in challenging coastal conditions where Dryrobes became essential kit.
The project demonstrated how purpose-led brands and conservation organizations can collaborate to create compelling visual stories that serve both missions: showcasing performance gear in authentic use while amplifying vital marine research and ocean advocacy work.
the process
Collaborative approach
& ideation
This project came from an authentic need. The Whale Wise field research team spends hours on exposed coastlines in Iceland’s Westfjords, where weather conditions shift rapidly and staying warm and dry isn’t a luxury, it’s essential for doing the conservation work. Dryrobe supported Whale Wise by providing their Advance Long Sleeve Robes for the entire field team and together, we create a story that honoured both the gear and the mission.
As both a trustee and visual storyteller, I could bridge these worlds. I understood the conservation work intimately, as I’ve been in the field. I know how the long hours can feel, scanning horizons for whale blows, the physical demands of coastal fieldwork, the moments of awe when a humpback flukes, the work is fascinating and I translated that into a compelling visual narrative.
I collaborated with the team to define the storyboard, planned locations that would showcase both the dramatic Westfjords landscape and the realities of field research, directed the shoot to capture authentic moments rather than posed product shots, recorded audio interviews to ground the story in the team’s own voices, and edited the final short-form video that wove together environment, purpose, and the gear that enables the work.
The result was content that Dryrobe could proudly share as an example of their gear being used in perhaps a more unique way than after a surf or cold water swim! And for Whale Wise it was an incredible moment to illuminate their impactful research and advocacy work. It’s the kind of collaboration that creates a beautiful story.
Creating content that serves both brands and conservation advocacy requires understanding both worlds deeply – it is the alchemy of science meeting storytelling
MARINE RESEARCH MEETS BRAND STORYTELLING
Deliverables
For Whale Wise x Dryrobe, I created a short-form video story that captured the essence of field season in Iceland’s Westfjords—the wild beauty of the landscape, the dedication of the research team, and the practical reality of needing reliable gear when you’re working at the edge of the ocean for 12+ hours a day.
The deliverable was a sub-60-second narrative edit optimised for social media, featuring:
- Cinematic b-roll of the Westfjords coastline and field conditions
- Authentic footage of the team in Dryrobes during research work
- Audio interviews woven throughout to ground the story in real voices
- Pacing that balanced brand visibility with conservation storytelling
- Colour grading that honoured the dramatic Icelandic light
The video was shared across both Whale Wise and Dryrobe’s social channels, creating cross-pollination between outdoor/adventure audiences and ocean conservation communities. It demonstrated how field research unfolds, accomplished research scientists undertaking vital work in challenging conditions, enabled by gear that performs when it matters.
This is brand storytelling with purpose. The product is present in an authentic and organic way. The conservation mission is central, showing not telling people the purpose. The result is a story that serves both partners authentically.
Behind the scenes
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Full service production
Location: Steingrímsfjörður, Westfjords, Iceland
Duration: Field season documentation across multiple days
Team: Whale Wise volunteer researchers & scientists
Conditions: Coastal fieldwork in variable sub-Arctic weather
Equipment: FUJIFILM X-T5 cameras and XF lenses for photo and video, DJI drone for aerial perspectives, DJI Mic for audio
Audio: Field recordings and team interviews
Edit: sub-60-second social-optimised narrative
Concept & Storyboarding
Collaborative planning to define narrative arc, key messages, and visual approach that serves both brand and mission.
Field Production
On-location filming across multiple days, capturing authentic moments, conducting audio interviews, and directing team to ensure natural, unforced footage.
Post-Production & Edit
Complete editing process including narrative structure, pacing, colour grading, audio mixing, and optimisation for social media platforms..
How we can work together
Purpose-led brands want to work with organisations doing real work in the field. Conservation organisations need visibility and resources. Visual storytellers who understand both worlds can create content that serves people, place and planet.
If you’re a brand looking to collaborate with conservation organisations authentically, or a conservation org wanting to create compelling content with brand partners, I can help you craft stories that honour both the mission and the partnership.
Ready to tell your story?
Explore how we can co-create your visual story
Process
Co-creation is at the heart of everything I do. From our first conversation to the final deliverable, I work with you to ensure your vision comes to life with intention, artistry and care. Discover how seasonal rhythms, collaborative planning and deep listening shape every project.
Portfolio
Stories from wild edges, liminal spaces and nature-connected places. Explore brand campaigns, destination marketing, conservation exhibitions, underwater photography, aurora chasing and more. Every project is an invitation to remember we are part of nature, not separate from it.
Services
Full-production visual storytelling across photo, video and drone. From tourism board campaigns to conservation projects, brand shoots to product launches—I create compelling visual narratives at the wild edges of earth, sea and sky. Explore what’s possible when we work together.