My name is Ryan Hill, and I view the world through a lens,literally and figuratively. From the moment I held my first film camera, I became obsessed with capturing fleeting moments, emotions, and landscapes in ways that make people pause and reflect. As my skills evolved, I discovered drone photography, which opened up an entirely new dimension of storytelling. My artistic mission is simple yet profound: to showcase the beauty, fragility, and interconnectedness of our world through photography and aerial imagery, inspiring both appreciation and action. My Journey into Photography and Drone Art I began my creative journey with traditional film photography, drawn to its raw, unfiltered nature. There’s something magical about the chemical process of developing film,the anticipation, the imperfections, and the way light etches itself onto each frame. Over time, I expanded into digital photography and eventually drone cinematography, which allowed me to merge technical precision with artistic vision. Drones, in particular, have transformed how I see the world. They enable me to capture perspectives that were once reserved for birds or satellites,revealing patterns in nature, the geometry of urban landscapes, and the scale of environmental changes. Whether it’s documenting coastal erosion, the symmetry of farmland, or the energy of a crowded festival from above, my goal is to create images that are not just visually striking but also thought-provoking. I believe photography is more than just aesthetics, it’s a tool for education, advocacy, and connection. Here’s how I plan to use my craft to contribute meaningfully to the world: 1. Environmental Awareness Through Aerial Storytelling Climate change and habitat destruction are often discussed in abstract terms, but drone photography can make these issues visceral. By documenting melting glaciers, deforestation, or coral bleaching from above, I can provide undeniable visual evidence of environmental shifts. Organizations like National Geographic and The Ocean Agency have shown how powerful imagery can drive conservation efforts, and I aim to contribute to this movement. For example, I’m currently working on a series that contrasts lush forests with areas affected by wildfires, highlighting the urgent need for reforestation. I hope to exhibit this work in galleries and online platforms to reach a broader audience. 2. Preserving Cultural Heritage Many historical sites and indigenous lands are at risk from urbanization or neglect. Drones allow me to create high-resolution maps and 3D models of these places, preserving them digitally for future generations. Projects like CyArk (a nonprofit that digitally archives heritage sites) inspire me to use photogrammetry, a technique that stitches drone photos into 3D reconstructions, to safeguard cultural landmarks. In the future, I’d love to collaborate with archaeologists or local communities to document endangered sites, ensuring their stories aren’t lost to time. 3. Promoting Social Change Photography has always been a medium for social justice, from Dorothea Lange’s Depression-era images to modern photojournalism. I want to use my drone and ground-level photography to spotlight underrepresented stories, whether it’s documenting humanitarian crises, urban inequality, or the resilience of marginalized communities. One project I’m passionate about involves capturing “cityscapes of contrast,” where drone images reveal disparities in housing, green spaces, and infrastructure within the same city. These visuals can be powerful tools for policymakers and activists advocating for equitable development. 4. Innovating in Digital Storytelling Beyond traditional photography, I’m exploring ways to integrate drone footage with emerging technologies: Virtual Reality (VR): Creating immersive experiences where viewers can “fly” over landscapes I’ve filmed. Interactive Maps: Using drone data to build educational tools for schools or NGOs. AI-Assisted Editing: Streamlining workflows to focus more on creative storytelling. My Goals and How Support Will Help To turn these ideas into reality, I need to invest in advanced equipment (like thermal drones for environmental monitoring), software for 3D modeling, and education to refine my technical skills. This scholarship would empower me to: Take specialized courses in aerial mapping and photogrammetry. Travel to document at-risk ecosystems or cultural sites. Build a public archive of free-to-use educational drone imagery. Conclusion: Art as a Catalyst for Change Photography, to me, is a language that transcends borders. Whether it’s a black-and-white film portrait or a sweeping drone panorama, every image has the power to evoke empathy, curiosity, or action. My dream is to be a visual storyteller who doesn’t just capture the world as it is but helps shape how it could be, more sustainable, just, and awe-inspiring. With the right resources and mentorship, I’m confident my work can contribute to meaningful conversations and solutions. I’m not just taking pictures; I’m documenting history, advocating for our planet, and inviting others to see the world from new angles, one frame at a time.

Photography, especially film photography, is more than just a hobby or career path for me,it’s a way of seeing and interpreting the world. There’s something magical about capturing a moment in time, freezing emotions, light, and composition in a single frame. Film photography, in particular, excites me because of its tactile nature, the unpredictability of chemical reactions, and the patience it demands. Unlike digital, film forces me to slow down, think critically about each shot, and appreciate the artistry behind every exposure. While I enjoy many forms of photography, my greatest passion lies in documentary and street photography, particularly when shot on film. There’s an authenticity to capturing raw, unposed moments,whether it’s the energy of a bustling city, the quiet solitude of a rural landscape, or the emotions of people in everyday life. I’m also deeply drawn to aerial photography using drones, as it allows me to merge technical skill with creative vision, offering perspectives that are impossible from the ground. In design, I’m most excited by 3D modeling for immersive storytelling. Whether it’s reconstructing historical sites in virtual reality, designing environments for games, or creating architectural visualizations, I love how 3D art blends technical precision with artistic expression. The idea of building entire worlds digitally fascinates me, and I want to push the boundaries of how people interact with these spaces. While film photography remains my first love, I recognize the power of digital tools in enhancing and expanding my creative work. My approach includes: Blending Film and Digital Workflows ,I scan my film negatives to refine them in programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, maintaining the organic grain and texture of film while enhancing contrast and clarity. This hybrid technique allows me to preserve the nostalgic feel of analog while utilizing digital precision. Mastering 3D Software for Creative Projects – I plan to deepen my expertise in Blender, Unreal Engine, and Reality Capture to create photorealistic models and animations. These tools will help me bring my photography into the digital space,for example, by turning aerial drone shots into 3D maps or transforming street photography into immersive VR experiences. Using AI and Automation Wisely – While I value the hands-on process of film development, I see AI-assisted tools (like Topaz Labs or Adobe’s AI features) as useful for speeding up repetitive tasks, such as noise reduction or batch editing, so I can focus more on the creative side. Building a Unique Visual Brand – By combining my film photography aesthetic with digital enhancements, I want to develop a signature style that stands out in both the photography and 3D design industries. This could mean offering limited-edition film prints alongside digital 3D renders for clients who appreciate both traditional and cutting-edge art. My passion for photography and design stems from a desire to capture the world in ways that evoke emotion and tell stories. Film photography grounds me in the roots of the craft, while digital tools allow me to push creative boundaries. With this scholarship, I can further refine my skills in both analog and digital mediums, ultimately creating work that bridges the past and future of visual art.

Life has a way of redirecting us when we least expect it. For me, that moment came after more than a decade working as a commercial truck driver in the film industry a career that demanded long hours, resilience, and adaptability. But when an 11-month industry strike brought everything to a halt, I was forced to reassess my future. At 44 years old, with three children (including a five-year-old who now attends school on the same campus as me), I made the decision to bet on myself once again this time, by pursuing higher education. Experiences That Shaped My Path My journey has been anything but conventional. Becoming a parent later in life (starting at 32) taught me responsibility in a way nothing else could. Juggling work, family, and financial stability was never easy, but it instilled in me a relentless work ethic and the understanding that growth often requires discomfort. The film industry, while unpredictable, also sharpened my problem-solving skills and ability to thrive under pressure,qualities that now serve me well as a student. The strike was a turning point. Suddenly, the stability I had relied on was gone, and I realized that if I wanted to build a more secure future for my family, I needed to invest in myself. Education became the clear path forward, despite the challenges of returning to school as a non-traditional student. Personal Values and Career Aspirations My experiences have grounded me in three core values: perseverance, adaptability, and community. As someone who has worked in a high-pressure industry and balanced parenthood, I know the importance of pushing forward even when the odds seem stacked against me. Now, I’m channeling that determination into studying [your field of study e.g., business, technology, healthcare, etc., with the goal of transitioning into a career that offers both stability and the opportunity to give back. Community service has always been important to me, whether through mentoring younger coworkers in the film industry or supporting local initiatives. I see my education as a way to expand that impact,perhaps by specific goal, e.g., creating job training programs for blue-collar workers, advocating for labor rights, or using my skills to support local nonprofits]. How This Scholarship Will Help Me Achieve My Goals Returning to school later in life comes with financial challenges, especially while supporting a family. This scholarship would alleviate some of that burden, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on how to make ends meet. More importantly, it would affirm that my decision to reinvent myself,despite the uncertainties, was the right one. Education isn’t just about securing a better job for me; it’s about proving to my children that it’s never too late to chase a dream. It’s about gaining the tools to lift up others in my community who, like me, might need a second chance. With this support, I can continue building a legacy of resilience,one that extends beyond my own life and into the lives of those I hope to inspire. Conclusion At 45, I’m no stranger to risk, but this time, I’m not just gambling on myself, I’m investing in a future where my education becomes a bridge to greater opportunities for my family and my community. This scholarship would be more than financial aid; it would be validation that perseverance and purpose can rewrite any story.

Art has always been a powerful form of expression for me, a way to communicate emotions, perspectives, and stories that words alone cannot capture. My journey into photography began when my father introduced me to medium format and digital cameras, sparking a fascination with light, composition, and the ability to freeze moments in time. What started as a hobby has evolved into a deep passion, one that allows me to see the world differently and share my vision with others. Why I Chose to Pursue Art I pursue art because it is both a personal escape and a way to connect with the world. Photography, in particular, gives me the ability to document life’s fleeting beauty whether it’s the golden hues of a sunset, the raw emotion in a portrait, or the abstract patterns seen from a drone’s perspective. Unlike other forms of communication, photography transcends language barriers, making it a universal medium for storytelling. Another reason I am drawn to art is its power to inspire change. Some photographers use their work to highlight social injustices or environmental crises, while others create purely for aesthetic pleasure. I aim to do both capturing striking visuals that also carry meaning. For example, aerial photography reveals the impact of human activity on landscapes, while street photography preserves candid human experiences. Through my art, I hope to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and even motivate action. What Inspires Me Artistically My biggest artistic inspiration comes from the natural world. There is something profoundly moving about the way light interacts with landscapes, how shadows shape a scene, or how colors shift with the seasons. Photographers like Ansel Adams and Peter Lik have influenced my appreciation for dramatic landscapes, while drone artists like Sebastian Opitz inspire me to experiment with unconventional perspectives. Human stories also drive my creativity. Portraits and street photography allow me to explore emotion, culture, and identity. The works of Steve McCurry, known for his evocative portraits like Afghan Girl, remind me of photography’s ability to convey deep human experiences in a single frame. I strive to capture similar authenticity in my own work, whether through environmental portraits or candid moments. Technology also plays a role in my inspiration. The evolution of cameras, drones, and editing software constantly pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Mastering new techniques such as long exposures, HDR imaging, or drone cinematography fuels my artistic growth and keeps my work dynamic. Examples of My Work While I cannot attach images here, my portfolio includes: Aerial Landscapes – Drone shots of coastlines and forests, emphasizing textures and natural patterns. Urban Exploration – Street photography capturing candid moments in city life. Portrait Series – Close-up shots that highlight emotion and character. Experimental Light Photography – Long-exposure shots of stars or light trails, playing with movement and contrast. Conclusion Photography is more than just a hobby, it’s my way of interpreting and interacting with the world. My father’s early influence ignited this passion, and over time, it has grown into a means of artistic expression, storytelling, and advocacy. Whether through breathtaking landscapes, intimate portraits, or thought provoking aerial shots, I aim to create art that resonates with viewers and leaves a lasting impression. My goal is to keep evolving as an artist, using my work to inspire others and, in some small way, make the world a little more beautiful.

Photography and drone photography are powerful mediums that can inspire, educate, and connect people across the world. Through my art, I aim to capture the beauty of nature, the diversity of cultures, and the urgency of environmental conservation, using visuals to evoke emotion and drive positive change. One of my key goals is to master aerial photography to highlight environmental issues, such as deforestation, melting glaciers, and urban expansion. By showcasing these perspectives, I hope to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices. Drones provide a unique vantage point, revealing patterns and problems that ground-level photography might miss. Sharing these images on platforms like social media and exhibitions can amplify their impact. Additionally, I want to teach others, especially young aspiring photographers, how to use this art form responsibly. Workshops and online tutorials could help budding artists develop technical skills while emphasizing ethical photography respecting privacy, wildlife, and environmental regulations. Mentorship can empower the next generation to use their creativity for advocacy. Beyond environmental causes, I’d like to document underrepresented communities, telling their stories with dignity and authenticity. Photography bridges gaps, fostering empathy and understanding across cultures. Whether through photojournalism or artistic projects, these visuals can challenge stereotypes and celebrate human resilience. Ultimately, my mission is to blend artistry with purpose using the lens to educate, inspire, and preserve the world’s beauty. By mastering and teaching photography and drone techniques, I hope to leave a legacy of awareness, creativity, and positive change.

From an early age, arts education shaped the way I saw the world—not just as a passive observer, but as someone who could capture, interpret, and create meaning through imagery. My first and greatest inspiration was my father, who handed me a camera and taught me to see beauty in the ordinary. Later, I discovered the work of Gordon Parks, the legendary African American photographer, composer, and filmmaker, whose artistry and activism showed me the power of visual storytelling. Their influence has been a guiding force in my life, pushing me to pursue my craft with purpose. My father was the one who introduced me to photography. He wasn’t a professional, but he had an artist’s eye—always noticing the way light fell across a room or the emotion in a fleeting expression. He encouraged me to take pictures of anything that moved me, whether it was the texture of peeling paint on an old building or the candid laughter of family gatherings. Through his guidance, I learned that photography wasn’t just about technical skill; it was about perspective. He taught me to slow down, to observe, and to find stories in the details others might overlook. Those early lessons became the foundation of my artistic journey. As I grew older, I sought out other artists who could expand my understanding of what photography could achieve. That’s when I discovered Gordon Parks. His work—raw, poetic, and unflinchingly honest—showed me the potential of photography as a tool for social change. Parks documented Black life in America with both tenderness and defiance, from the struggles of poverty to the resilience of the human spirit. His ability to blend art and activism resonated deeply with me. Beyond his photography, his work as a filmmaker and composer proved that creativity has no boundaries. He became a symbol of what I aspired to be: an artist who used multiple mediums to tell important stories. Arts education gave me the space to explore these influences and develop my own voice. In school, photography classes taught me technique, but they also encouraged me to think critically about the messages behind my images. I began to see my camera as more than just a tool—it was a way to document my community, challenge stereotypes, and preserve moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether through a portrait, a street scene, or an abstract composition, I learned that every image carries weight. Today, as I continue to pursue my craft, I carry the lessons from my father and Gordon Parks with me. My father taught me to see with curiosity and heart, while Parks showed me the responsibility that comes with storytelling. Their influence has shaped not only my artistic style but also my understanding of why art matters. Whether I’m behind the lens, studying new techniques, or mentoring younger artists, I strive to honor their legacy by creating work that is both meaningful and impactful. Art has taught me discipline, patience, and the courage to share my perspective with the world. Most importantly, it has shown me that creativity is a lifelong journey—one that requires both inspiration and dedication. Thanks to my father and Gordon Parks, I’ll never stop learning, creating, and using my art to connect with others.

In January 2021, a month after recovering from COVID-19, I was diagnosed with a blood clot an unexpected and frightening complication. Then, in April 2024, my five year old son nearly drowned in our pool and spent two days in the hospital. These two experiences forced me to confront the fragility of health and taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, prevention, and the importance of making well-being a priority both for myself and my family. When I developed the blood clot, I was overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. I had always considered myself healthy, but the diagnosis was a wake up call. Recovery required strict adherence to medication, frequent doctor visits, and significant lifestyle adjustments. I learned to listen to my body, recognizing that ignoring symptoms could have severe consequences. More importantly, I realized that health isn’t something to take for granted,it requires active effort. I began incorporating small but meaningful changes, like daily walks, better nutrition, and regular check-ups. This experience shaped my approach to stress management, especially when balancing work and family responsibilities. I now prioritize rest and self care without guilt, understanding that my long-term productivity depends on it. Three years later, my son’s non fatal drowning tested me in an entirely different way. One moment, he was playing by the pool; the next, he was unconscious in the water. The terror of those seconds before reviving him still haunts me. Though he recovered, the emotional toll was immense. In the hospital, as I held his hand, I vowed to never let complacency put my family at risk again. I enrolled him in swim lessons, installed additional safety measures around the pool, and educated myself on emergency response. But beyond the practical steps, the experience reinforced how quickly life can change. It taught me that preparation, whether through safety precautions or emotional resilience is crucial. These events have profoundly influenced how I approach my future. In school and work, I now set boundaries to avoid burnout, knowing that pushing myself to exhaustion helps no one. As a parent, I’ve become more proactive about safety and health, ensuring my family has the tools to prevent and handle emergencies. Most importantly, I’ve learned that prioritizing health isn’t selfish it’s necessary. Without physical and emotional well being, every other aspect of life suffers. Moving forward, I carry these lessons with me. Whether pursuing education, career goals, or personal growth, I now build time for rest, reflection, and prevention into my plans. Life’s challenges have shown me that health is the foundation of everything else and protecting it is the wisest investment I can make.