ANDREA L. VALE
Using film and photography to make science accessible and exciting to all audiences. Specialize in working aboard ocean vessels, in mountains, and in other challenging locales.
andrealeevale@gmail.com • Portfolio: andreavale.com • Instagram: @andrealeevale
EXPEDITIONS
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November 2022: Tafelberg Ascent, Blue Mountain Adventures (Cederberg Mountains, South Africa; Land-based)
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August 2022: Ocean Twilight Zone Project, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (North Atlantic Ocean; Ocean-based)
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May 2020: Anthroposea Expedition, Oxford University Expedition Council (Southampton, U.K. to Plymouth, U.K.; Ocean-based)
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March 2018: Out of Eden Walk, National Geographic Society (Amritsar, India to Harike Pattan, India; Land-based)
SKILLS AND CERTIFICATIONS
PADI Open Water Diver Certification • FAA 107 Commercial Drone License (U.S.) • CAA Open Category Drone Flyer and Operator Permit (U.K.) • Top-Rope Belay Certified • Macro videography • Time-Lapse videography • 360 VR videography and photography • Underwater Videography • Wilderness and Remote Location First Aid Certification (First Option Safety Group LTD)
EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD Oxford, Oxfordshire, U.K. MSc in Biodiversity, Conservation, and Management September 2020 – October 2021
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Completed dissertation, “Storied, Sacred, Frightening, Awe-Inspiring:” Examining Geological Charisma in the Yellowstone River’ under supervision of Dr. Hannah Fair.
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Relevant Modules: Introduction to GIS (ArcGIS, GIS); Professional Research Theory and Practice, Species Distribution Modelling, Big Data, Biodiversity Technologies, Marine Biogeography, International Ocean Governance of the Deep Seabed, Marine Protected Areas, Coral Reefs in the Anthropocene
UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME Notre Dame, Indiana, U.S.A. BA in English literature with Creative Writing concentration August 2014 – May 2018 Cum laude
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Completed honors thesis and critical analysis in Creative Writing; fiction novella written under direction of acclaimed environmental writer Roy Scranton.
EXPERIENCE
Vale Media LLC – Science Expedition Videographer and Photographer March 2018 – Present
Remote
Serve as field-based videographer and photographer documenting scientific research expeditions. Specialize in working under difficult conditions in remote locations for extended periods. Recent work includes underwater filming along the coast of South Africa for Cape RADD (Research and Diving Development) and the Marine Diaries; filming a multi-day mountain ascent for Blue Mountain Adventures; and editing together footage for the Loggerhead Marinelife Center.
NOAA / WHOI – Videographer and Photographer August 2021
North Atlantic Ocean
Joined NOAA crew members and researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute aboard the NOAAS Henry B. Bigelow for two weeks at-sea, living in close confines. Acted as the sole videographer and photographer on board to document the Ocean Twilight Zone research cruise. Worked erratic hours on a 24-hour working schedule, documenting early morning and late-night deployments, ocean layer monitoring, and creature catches.
Anthroposea Expedition – Underwater Camera, Drone Operator, Second Camera, Producer
October 2020 – May 2021
Southampton, England to Milford-Haven, Wales
One of six members of the Anthroposea Expedition, a two-week offshore marine research and filming journey along the U.K. coast. Lived aboard a sailboat for two weeks in close confines. Participated in marine social science studies and documented them for 2022 film, "Anthroposea: The Human Ocean." Filmed Sony mirrorless topside, underwater GoPro, underwater VR, and aerial drone footage.
National Geographic Channel – Assistant Producer January – May 2022
Formosa, Argentina
Logistical support on two month-long shoots in remote locations for upcoming season of National Geographic / Disney+ series Primal Survivor. Acted as camera assistant to DoP and second camera. Shot b-roll and details on Sony FX6 and DJI gimbal; shot underwater wildlife b-roll footage. Built and prepped Ronin gimbal system. Filmed timelapse; used Rhino slider to film panning shots. Took production stills. Transported, packed, and cleaned kit.
BBC – Wildlife Camera Operator December 2021
Birmingham, U.K.
Captured close-ups, slo-mos, establishing shots, cut-aways, and talking head interviews for episode of BBC’s The One Show. Operated Sony FS7 and FS5. Transported, packed, and cleaned kit.
The Oxford Scientist – Creative Editorial Team Member November 2020 – May 2021
Oxford, U.K.
Worked with editorial team to conceive, pitch, and create artistic visualizations of scientific research. Focused on visual poetry films depicting environment and biology research.
National Geographic Society – Human Story Specialist June 2017 – July 2020
Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
Science and Exploration team. Oversaw mission development and logistical planning for international expeditions, including Pristine Seas, Last Wild Places, Okavango Wilderness, and Perpetual Planet projects. Supported two-time Pulitzer-winning environmental journalist Paul Salopek’s “Out of Eden Walk” (OOEW): a 10-year, 21,000-mile reporting trek on foot across the world from Ethiopia to Chile. Joined Salopek in the field in northwestern India to report grassroots conservation story for publication with National Geographic.