CONSERVATION THROUGH
CREATIVE CAPTURE
Adam Ernster is a wildlife filmmaker dedicated to telling compelling stories about the natural world. From documenting the impacts of vessel strikes on whales in his home waters of Santa Barbara to filming wild salmon in Alaska, his work has taken him into some of the world’s most dynamic environments. With years of experience as a mariner, naturalist, and cameraman, Adam combines a deep understanding of wildlife with the technical skill and field experience needed to capture extraordinary moments in nature.
Adam holds a degree in Environmental Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has devoted his career to exploring and documenting biodiversity in all its forms. Whether in the classroom, behind the camera, or at the helm of a vessel, his life and work are centered around the wildlife and wild places that inspire him.
Adam is an FAA Part 107-certified drone pilot and a U.S. 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 filmmaking productions.
CAMERAS
Red Komodo X Kit
Nikon ZR
Canon EOS R5
2x DJI Action 5 Pros
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
1x Amaran 100D
3x Matthew Heavy Duty Light Stands
2X Aputure Soft Boxes
ACCESSORIES
DJI RS3 PRO
Tilta Advanced Ring
Flowtech 100 Tripod Legs
Aktiv 10 Tripod Head
SHAPE baby legs tripod
Manfrotto 509 HD 100mm tripod head
Bright tangerine Left Field kit for Komodo X
Breakthrough Photography X4 VND
iFootage Shark Nano II Slider
AUDIO
Sennheiser MKH 416
Sennheiser G4 Lavalier Mic Set
Sennheiser MKE 400
Sanken Cos 11D Lavalier Microphone
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
