General Mills – Cereal Training Camp
March 2025Many projects in the photo industry can come with short notice, but this was one of the fastest productions I’ve ever worked on, with shoots across the country in three timezones, and ~48hr notice before the first shoot! Logistics to make sure the flights existed, and crew and gear were lined up dominated conversations, but I also tried to focus on the creative. While “simple” to capture probably the three of the top NFL Wide Receivers on a white backdrop, I wanted to make sure the photos had the “pop” that would help them stand out with the saturated colors of the cereal boxes, and not loose their faces into the shadows of their helmet.
I never really expected to "be" on the cover of a cereal box, but we are! I grew up with a Twin's '87 World Series box in as a prize in my closet, so this was so fun.
On top of the week long shoot for the packaging, I joined Epoch Films to piggyback on the broadcast shoot, running a still set, and capturing on set and BTS stills and video assets.
“Lightening-speed execution, super-human flexibility, amazing results! What a team. I feel fortunate to work with people who can make a lift like this look (almost!) easy.” – Becky DaWald Executive Producer General Mills
Athletes:
Justin Jefferson
Amon Ra St. Brown
Ja'Marr Chase
Digi-tech and travel buddy - Matthew Hintz
Producer - remote logistics - Gina Hessburg
Producer - Erika Schumacher
Alyx Orstad - Brand Experience Manager
This campaign for Starkey Hearing’s Omega AI focuses on the lives of three hearing aid patients, highlighting their passions and showing how hearing aids connect people to what matters most.
Starkey Hearing – Omega AI
2025I'm excited to share a new campaign created for Starkey, highlighting the stories of three remarkable individuals who use hearing aids in their everyday lives.
Over 10 days in Northern California’s Marin County, my team captured a wide library of stills and three short documentaries designed to bring these personal stories to life. Our creative approach was rooted in the real interests of our talent. Every location and activity was shaped around their lives and passions.
From a golden sunset atop Mount Tam on day one, to a quiet coastal sunrise on our final shoot – the landscapes provided a cinematic backdrop to explore the human side of hearing technology.
Huge thanks to Starkey for trusting me once again to help launch their newest flagship product. It's always fascinating to learn about the tech, and even more rewarding to see how it's transforming real lives.
Credits:
Director / Photographer: Nate Ryan
DP: Eric Schleicher
Producer: Gina Hessburg
Digi/DIT: Matthew Hintz
Gaffer: Matt Mimiaga
Assistant: Mark T. Davis
PA: Ashley Quarterman
Editorial: Optimus Post - Tim Cahill
I’m grateful to our talent – Daphne, Fawn, and Bill – for sharing their stories.
Fanatics x Nike Tech Fleece
2025Captured in Chicago – Fanatics and Nike Tech Fleece will launch for MLB, NFL, and NCAA D1.
I was flattered to be part of the creative process in planning and brought new ideas to the client for lighting – we settled on having a different background color to differentiate each sports league's images.
Styling the rest of the looks was key with the athletic cut of the Tech Fleece, we wanted to balance with a more streetwear, casual wardrobe vs a full fitness look.
Minnesota Makers
Minnesota Makers is a collection of editorial and commercial projects featuring makers in Minnesota. Blending portrait and documentary approachs, this has been a series I’ve really enjoyed working on.
The chance to showcase makers—artists, artisans, and even athletes—doing what they do is what inspires me as a photographer. I find the juxtaposition of workmanship with the digital world to be interesting. I also enjoy learning about the particulars of each maker’s process or technique.
On most of these assignments, it’s only me, the subject, and minimal lighting equipment. My challenge is to capture and supplement the natural light in the space while staying respectfully out of the way.
My goal for every session is to create a series of images that honor the maker’s work as well as their personalities. Most of the images in this gallery were featured in magazines, including Minnesota Monthly and Midwest Living. Several were part of a campaign for Red Wing Shoe Company.
Sarah Kraning x Lucius – Final Days – Synesthesia Performance
May 2025Sarah experiences all sounds as colors, patterns, and textures – translating these experiences into her unique art. Working beyond her standard canvas size, Sarah expands her paint strokes to take over an entire room, filling it with the vibrant colors of 'Final Days' by the band Lucius.
Learn more about Sarah's work at https://www.sarahkraning.com
Directed and produced by Nate Ryan
Music: Lucius
Directed by: Nate Ryan
Artist: Sarah Kraning
DP: Kellen Witschen
Editor: Tim Cahill
1st AC: Chad Scheuneman
Set Build: Jacob Garrison
Gaffer: Sam Mayhew
Key Grip: Joe Gallop
Sound playback: Nick Mihalevich
H&M: Shannon Darsow
BTS STILLS / PA: John Fontana
Studio: Acme Stage
Camera Support: CineMechanics
Assistant Editor - Chris Shepard
Post Production Producer - Tracy Spera