Bio

Background

Ian started out as a conservation and ecotourism writer-photographer in South Africa in the mid-nineties. By the early 2000s his work had been published by leading magazines and book publishers in South Africa, Canada, the U.K. and the U.S.A. After immigrating to the U.S. he landed a berth as a photojournalist-reporter with Lee Central Coast News where he led the group into the world of multimedia storytelling. Examples were showcased as best practice at national conferences.

From there Ian transitioned into the field of science communications where he exercised a knack for storytelling at some of the world’s leading research institutes including the Woodwell climate Research Center, Virginia Sea Grant at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science and Oregon State University where he served as editor of the research magazine, Terra.

Although a journeyman, his education includes an AA in Photography and Graphic Design, a BA ED with majors in Geography and Human Movement Science, and a MS in Environmental Studies specializing in Environmental Communications. Ian has also been certified as a sea kayak, river, backpacking and adventure guide.

Educator

Originally trained as a geography teacher and phys ed coach, Ian's early career roots were as a teacher. Then in 2016 and 2017 he was asked to host and served as faculty for a semester-long Advanced Science Communication Seminar at Virginia Sea Grant, which is housed in the Virginia Institute of Marine Science at the College of William and Mary.

Coaching fellows in-person and remotely, from infographics to whiteboard animation to videos to photo essays and documentary shorts, products were shared with the media, policymakers, stakeholders and prospective employers. Some were published on Science Matters and PBS Television.

Ian has been the primary adviser for a master's thesis, which evaluated data collected using time-lapse photography, to monitor improvements to a Wyoming wetland that is an important bird migration stopover area, and has served as principal investigator on a project entitled The Benefits of Transmedia over Regular Journalism for the Communication of Science.

Ian is currently developing a paid online storytelling class for photographers, and a communications class for small conservation non-profits.

Student Work

What is a Wetland, created by Pamela Braff, aired on PBS Television in an advertisement slot.

Resilient Ingleside was a multimedia storytelling project that examined a local community partnership to combat recurrent or "nuisance" flooding caused by sea level rise. The piece is introduced by local character, Charles Gore, whose home is regularly inundated with water. Scientists attribute it to sea level rise.

(This story was used to test the hypothesis embedded in the research project about the benefits of transmedia over traditional media for the communication of science.)

The Marlin Maven was an ARCGIS Storymap that followed the work of a graduate student at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Nadya Mamoozadeh. As a Ph.D. candidate, she spent four years amassing a collection of marlin DNA samples from across the globe to examine the management of the species.

The James River Blues was one of Ian's favorite projects. It was produced by talented storyteller Paige Bellamy who has since opted for a career in law.

Authentic Portrayal

Empowerment Through Storytelling

Artistic Vision

Crafting Visual Stories

Dedicated to creating immersive visual narratives, Ian Vorster intertwines artistic creativity and a scientific mind with journalistic expertise to produce captivating multimedia content.

Ian recognizes the influential role of storytelling to drive meaningful change and understanding. He aims to empower individuals and communities by shedding light through impactful narratives.

Ian Vorster's vision invites audiences to embark on an exploration of diverse people, places and pursuits. From thought-provoking video documentaries to visually stunning photojournalism, his work transcends boundaries.

Ian is a multimedia journalist with a passion for capturing compelling stories through various mediums. His work reflects an ability to authentically portray the essence of diverse subjects and topics.