
STORIES TOLD THROUGH THE LENS
Photography, film, and narrative that connect people to purpose—crafted with heart, shaped by experience, and driven by impact.
FAA Certified Part 107 Drone Licensed and Insured
Certificate in Digital Photography
15+
years of professional photography & filmmaking
Associates of Applied Science: Fish and Wildlife Management
100+
Projects & Clients across the U.S. and beyond
Bachelors of Arts in International Studies; Latin American Studies. Minor: Natural Resources Management
Consistently 5-star rated by collaborators worldwide
From the depths of forests to the heart of urban greenspaces, I document the people, places, and efforts shaping a more sustainable world. Whether working alongside conservationists, nonprofit teams, or local communities, my mission is to craft compelling visual narratives that educate, inspire, and drive change. Every image and frame is rooted in purpose—to connect viewers with the urgent beauty and fragility of our planet.
Environmental Storytelling That Moves People
Services
Whether from the ground or the sky, I offer professional visual services tailored to nonprofits, environmental groups, and organizations with a mission. From cinematic storytelling to high-resolution documentation, each service is designed to help you connect, engage, and inspire.
Project Portfolio
A curated selection of photo and film projects that reflect the heart of my work—documenting the people, landscapes, and efforts shaping a more hopeful, sustainable future. Each piece is a story told with intention, crafted to inform, connect, and inspire action.
Portrait Shots
Every person has a story, and the right portrait can bring it to life. Whether it's for personal branding, nonprofit features, or editorial work, these portraits are created with authenticity, care, and intention.
Past Clients and Volunteer Work Experience























What Clients are Saying
“Working with David is like working with an extension of your team. Having worked with David on numerous projects, I have witnessed and benefited from his dedication to his craft. He takes the time to understand your goals and audience and knows what questions to ask to deliver the best results. Bringing nature and environmental issues to life is not for the faint of heart. It requires long hours, sometimes grueling conditions and a deep respect for the lands and waters that sustain us. David exudes patience, creativity, and deep experience in this space, which sets him apart from other photographers.
Because David is more than an incredible photographer; he’s a gifted storyteller.
His passion for conservation and the environment is illuminated in his exceptional work. From capturing the most delicate features of a blooming wildflower to breathtaking vistas of a forested valley from a ridgetop, David’s ability to see the beauty in every aspect of nature—and life—makes him a valuable asset to any communications professional seeking to instill a sense of emotion and impact through imagery.”
Jen Murphy, Director of Storytelling, Midwest. The Nature Conservancy
“David went above and beyond on our project to highlight regenerative farmers. He not only captured beautiful and artistic images of the farmers at work but also provided important video to further share their stories. To contribute to our success, he was open minded and used his creativity on the website and traveling display. David took the time to understand our goals and worked cooperatively with me, our partners, and the farmers to create images to elevate regenerative agricultural practices. He was very flexible to accommodate the scheduling with many farmers and educational events putting in the time needed to capture the materials we needed. Overall, David’s personality made it fun and easy to work together and the products he delivered exceeded our expectations.”
“I first met David Ike at the Columbus International Film & Video Festival in 2012, he was an event photographer. I’ve work with David on numerous photo projects over the years. He has countlessly added value and exceeded expectations both of craft and service. David has provided my business tremendous value with his photo images being used in print, web and featured on my interview for BBC News. I would highly recommend David Ike to anyone seeking professional photography services”
Stephanie Singer, Agriculture Outreach Project Manager. The Nature Conservancy
John Delia Jr, Purpose Driven Builder and Innovator
“David is not just an exceptional photographer and videographer; he is an extraordinary collaborator who goes above and beyond to capture the imagery and footage that will most powerfully tell a story. We’ve hired David to photograph numerous ecological restoration projects, and we are consistently blown away—not just with the results of his work, but with his preparation, focus, humility, and professionalism. He approaches the work not as a contractor or vendor, but as a teammate who is as invested in the subject he is capturing as we are. In preparing for a shoot, David seeks more than a shot list. He wants to truly understand the subject. He asks great questions and often suggests shots we hadn’t thought of. On shoot days, he is always early and ready to go. In fact, on a few occasions, he opted to camp at the project site in order to capture the sunrise. David is also extremely flexible and fun to work with. It is often the extra moments David notices and takes it upon himself to capture (e.g., a fish swimming beneath the surface of a newly opened stream channel, a bird perched atop a standing snag in a restored wetland) that we end up using most frequently. On the ground and via drone, David has photographed and filmed landscapes, flora, fauna, and people for us in ways that have elevated the quality of our communication. When it comes to capturing our work, David gets it, and he delivers.”
Amy Nelson, Marketing and Brand Leader. Biohabitats
A Note From The Photographer
Hi, I’m David—an environmental photojournalist, filmmaker, and storyteller with a lifelong connection to the natural world.
My journey began in the woods and rivers of rural Ohio, where early days spent outdoors sparked a deep respect for the environment and a desire to document the stories unfolding around it. That passion led to years of study, global fieldwork, and visual storytelling in service of people, places, and purpose.
From nonprofit work to conservation campaigns, my goal has always been the same: to create imagery that informs, inspires, and connects us more closely to the world we share.
Thanks for being here. I’d love to collaborate on something meaningful.
Published & Featured Work
Over the years, my photography has been featured in environmental campaigns, nonprofit reports, magazines, and digital publications. Whether shining a light on restoration efforts or celebrating everyday moments of impact, these images have helped tell stories that matter across local, national, and global platforms.
Get In Touch
Have a project in mind? Want to talk photography, nature, or meaningful visual work? Reach out and let’s start a conversation. I’m always open to connecting with individuals, organizations, and teams looking to make an impact through visual storytelling.
I’m based in Central Ohio but available for travel and remote collaboration. Just fill out the form, or drop me a message directly.
Ph: 1 (917) 671-6188
Email: davidikephotos@gmail.com
