Guelph Grad Q&A: Ryan Tidman

How U of G Helped Award-Winning Wildlife Photographer and Cinematographer Follow their Passion 

After Ryan Tidman graduated from the Environmental Sciences Program at the University of Guelph, he used the foundation it provided to pursue a career as a wildlife photographer and cinematographer.

His most recent accolades include having his photo selected as one of National Geographic's 2024 Pictures of the Year and working on the “Our Oceans” documentary, which is currently streaming on Netflix.

Continue reading to learn how the U of G helped Ryan land his dream job.

You can see some of Ryan’s incredible photography and work here.

Interview with Ryan Tidman

Tell us about yourself and why you chose to study Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph?

I am a wildlife photographer and cinematographer specializing in conservation and natural history storytelling. I chose to study Environmental Sciences at the University of Guelph because I was always passionate about being outdoors and the natural world.

Environmental Sciences provided a variety of different avenues to explore, allowing me to feel out different career paths. This allowed me to discover my strengths and interests and gave me a solid foundation to pursue a career that keeps me in the field, working on projects that contribute to environmental conservation. 

What did you like most about your program? Is there anything in particular about the courses or professors that stands out to you?

I appreciated the sense of community fostered by smaller class sizes. That created meaningful connections with classmates and faculty, which influenced my learning experience. The personal attention from professors made the courses more engaging and helped me retain a better understanding of new topics. 
One standout course was MATH*1080, which taught me resilience and perseverance in unexpected ways—I took it three times before passing.

Did you do co-op? If yes, tell us a bit about your co-op job and your experience.

I did not do co-op, but I did a Student Exchange program in England (Loughborough University) and then a study-abroad semester in Australia (La Trobe University).

Where are you currently working and what is your role?

I am a freelance photographer and cinematographer who is constantly working on different projects. I have two long-term National Geographic photography assignments in British Columbia, and I’m also involved in filming several international natural history series for major streaming platforms.

How did your degree and time at the University of Guelph help get you to where you are today? How do the skills and education you gained help with your current work?

One of the most valuable skills I developed during my time at the University of Guelph was the ability to communicate effectively with scientists. This skill has been crucial in my career, mainly when working on conservation projects. Collaborating with researchers requires a strong understanding of their perspectives and objectives. My time at the University of Guelph subconsciously prepared me to bridge the gap between science and my storytelling career, ensuring I accurately represent scientific work while crafting narratives that engage broader audiences.

What advice would you give someone considering the Environmental Sciences program or applying to the University of Guelph?

University is as much about the people you meet as it is about the education you receive. I would advise prospective students to fully immerse themselves in the University of Guelph community. Please take advantage of its welcoming atmosphere to build connections with like-minded classmates, faculty, and industry professionals. Networking and collaboration will open doors and create opportunities that can shape your career.

Bonus Questions

Where was your favourite place to eat on campus and what was your go-to food order?

The Bullring has excellent food, and I loved the Mongolian BBQ at Prairie Dining Hall in South.

In your opinion where is the best place to study on campus?

Library 6th floor study carrels.

What was your pre-exam ritual?

To double-check my in-class and lab results to figure out how well I needed to score on the exam to pass the course.

What are your top 5 favourite things about U of G?

1. The Arboretum
2. Student experience in South Residence
3. Exploring all the parks around Guelph (Guelph Lake Conservation Area, Elora Gorge, etc.)
4. Seeing the Cannon painted different colours each day
5. Rutherford Conservatory and the Conservatory Garden