With over 15 years of experience in commercial cinematography and photography, I’ve built a career at the intersection of visual storytelling and strategic marketing. As the founder of Ryan Theriot Photography, I specialize in creating compelling photo and video content for brands, events, and media, with a focus on innovation, audience engagement, and creative leadership. My work has been featured through global platforms including Getty Images, WireImage, and FilmMagic, capturing moments for major publications, advertising campaigns, and high-profile events.
In parallel, as Marketing Director at NewOrleans.Com Media LLC, I’ve led impactful digital campaigns, driven business development, and fostered collaborative teams to amplify brand visibility. My dual expertise allows me to deliver tailored visual solutions that align with organizational goals, blending artistic vision with strategic marketing to create meaningful connections and powerful narratives.
Passionate about storytelling through imagery, I remain committed to pushing creative boundaries and leveraging visual content to inspire and engage audiences across platforms.
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I had the incredible opportunity to direct and film a documentary celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Lamborghini Countach, one of the most iconic supercars in automotive history. To mark this monumental milestone, I was able to document a thrilling rally of Lamborghini Countachs cruising along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway. The rally was a part of the lead-up to Monterey Car Week, an annual event that draws automotive enthusiasts from all over the world. The drive along the coast was breathtaking, with the roaring engines of the Countachs echoing against the backdrop of the rugged coastline. It was an unforgettable experience, capturing the timeless beauty and power of these legendary cars, as well as the passion of the Lamborghini community. I used over 30 cameras to capture to entirety of this project.
I was the cinematographer for a music video featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Birdman, which has garnered over 160 million views on YouTube. I engineered dynamic in-car footage by designing and operating custom camera rigs mounted on luxury vehicles; Bentley, Ferraris, and Maserati ensuring stable, cinematic motion while meticulously avoiding any damage to the high-end cars. I led a lean yet highly efficient film crew and coordinated with more than 100 extras, maintaining safety and precision throughout high-energy, fast-paced scenes. To capture intense moments, I collaborated with a certified firearms expert to safely execute close-proximity gun sequences. Utilizing stabilization tools such as gimbals and Steadicam, along with expert camera operation, I achieved smooth, fluid movement that elevated the video’s visual storytelling and contributed to its polished aesthetic.
I had the privilege of directing and filming a special celebratory documentary for Bentley Motors, marking the monumental occasion of the company’s 100th anniversary since the production of its first-ever car. To commemorate a century of craftsmanship, innovation, and luxury, I documented an exclusive rally featuring a collection of original W.O. Bentleys — the earliest and most revered models to bear the Bentley name. The rally began in Los Angeles, where these classic vehicles, still in remarkable condition, set off on an unforgettable journey up the Pacific Coast Highway. The drive took us through some of the most scenic and picturesque stretches of the coast, eventually arriving at Monterey Car Week, one of the most prestigious automotive events in the world. Throughout the journey, I had the opportunity to capture the spirit of the rally, showcasing the timeless beauty and performance of these historic cars, while also highlighting the passion of their owners. It was an extraordinary experience, witnessing firsthand the lasting legacy of Bentley and the unique connection between the brand and its devoted community. I used over 30 cameras, a 24ft crane, multiple drones, motorized sliders, gimbals, zipline camera, cases of lenses, and a long list of audio equipment to capture everything.
I directed cinematic content production for a high-profile collaboration between Coca-Cola and Uber, featuring chef Aarón Sánchez. Filmed a narrative-driven series beginning at the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), capturing a scenic drive in a black Escalade to Johnny Sánchez, culminating in a dynamic arrival scene being greeted by Aarón Sánchez. I then captured scenes in the kitchen prior to filming an entire cooking show he hosted from multiple moving cameras. I utilized a gimbal, motorized slider, and motorized parfocal cine zoom for fluid, captivating movement, and focus. Ensured clear audio with wireless lav mics and crafted controlled lighting environments using Fresnel lights for both interior and exterior scenes. Delivered polished photo and video assets used in national integrated marketing campaigns.
I designed and delivered a comprehensive curriculum on Introduction to Cinematography, covering core principles of lighting modification, camera movement, lens selection, and grip equipment operation. Instructed students on practical application of Panavision camera systems and lighting setups to achieve specific visual narratives. The students were also encouraged to bring their own equipment to give them the chance to practice on as large of a variety as possible.
I developed and taught an advanced photography course focused on professional strobe lighting, covering operation and integration of multiple lights, triggers, and modifiers. I provided multiple brands and had students bring their own to give them a chance to learn as many systems as possible. Designed and managed hands-on photo shoots by hiring and directing models to demonstrate complex lighting techniques. We had a full day focused on posing. Instructed a large cohort of students, effectively communicating advanced concepts in artificial light modification and control.
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