CAMERAMAN - EDITOR - NATURALIST
Adam Ernster is a wildlife cameraman focused on the storytelling of our vast oceans. Whether he is working on projects surrounding whale and vessel collisions in his own backyard in Santa Barbara or is busy filming whales in Monterey Bay's expansive underwater canyons, Adam's passion for filmmaking has taken him on countless adventures. With years of experience as a mariner, naturalist, and cameraman, Adam has the skills and fortitude to capture incredible wildlife spectacles.
With a degree in Environmental Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Adam has devoted his life to biodiversity at all levels. Whether in the classroom, on a boat, or during a shoot, his life revolves around the animals he loves. Adam is an FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot and US Coast Guard Licensed Captain.
Using various gear over the years, Adam has honed his filmmaking kit into a few key parts. Below is a list of equipment Adam uses daily. It is also available to rent for film-making productions.
CAMERAS
Red Komodo X
Canon EOS R5
LENSES
Canon 16-35 mm lens f/4.0
Canon 70-200 mm lens f/2.8
Canon 100-400 mm lens f/4.5-5.6 mk II
Sigma 24-70 f2.8 lens
DRONES
DJI Inspire 2 (X7)
DJI 16 mm lens
DJI 35 mm lens
DJI Mavic 3 Cine
UNDERWATER
Marelux Underwater Housing for R5
LIGHTING
2X Aputure 300X
2x Matthew Heavy Duty Light Stands
2X Aputure Soft Boxes
ACCESSORIES
DJI RS3 PRO
Flowtech 100 Tripod Legs
Aktiv 10 Tripod Head
Bright tangerine Left Field kit for Komodo X
Breakthrough Photography X4 VND
AUDIO
Sennheiser MKH 416
Sennheiser G4 Lavalier Mic Set
ZOOM H6
Underwater hydrophone
VEHICLES
2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 4x4
(Towing capacity 6,500 lbs)
1996 Zodiac Hurricane 733
Large open deck for diving/ filming/ rigging
Capable of traveling long distances in rough weather
Equipped with a 250 HP Yamaha engine
