Ted Hesser
Entrepreneur, Storyteller & Multimedia Producer
Ted Hesser is an award-winning filmmaker, adventure photographer, and multimedia producer whose storytelling bridges the worlds of adventure, innovation, and social impact. He originated and executive-produced the Netflix documentary Skyrunners (Plimsoll Productions), chronicling elite athletes pushing the limits of extreme-altitude mountain running. His filmmaking portfolio also includes documentary projects for HBO Vice, National Geographic, Adidas, The North Face, Black Diamond, and Mountain Hardwear.
Ted’s photography has been widely published, appearing in National Geographic Online, Outside Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, and Climbing Magazine, among others. His viral 2017 solar eclipse image at Smith Rock captivated global audiences, showcasing his talent for orchestrating complex shoots with powerful digital reach.
As a trusted creative partner, Ted has led high-profile marketing assignments with Meta, directing storytelling campaigns for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where he captured intimate narratives of Olympic hopefuls around the world. He was also chosen by Masterclass as the lead photographer for climbing legends Alex Honnold and Tommy Caldwell, highlighting his skill in capturing authentic, compelling human stories.
Beyond outdoor adventure, Ted has leveraged his expertise in impactful storytelling for pioneering sustainability brands, notably leading creative marketing for Lilac Solutions, a next-generation lithium mining innovator that dramatically reduces water consumption compared to conventional methods.
Ted hosts The Ted Hesser Podcast, featuring long-form, biographical conversations with world-class guests with notable figures like Kristine Tompkins, Davis Guggenheim, Leslie Odom Jr, and more
Before dedicating himself to visual storytelling, Ted spent nearly a decade in clean energy and climate solutions. He holds a Master's in Renewable Energy Engineering from Stanford University and a Bachelor's in Physics from Colorado College—underscoring his lifelong passion for innovation and problem-solving across disciplines.
Ted continues to inspire audiences through vivid, human-centered narratives at the intersection of adventure, environmental stewardship, and meaningful innovation.
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My Story.
Talent is ... hard work. It's the willingness to go there. To devote yourself to something, and to bring it to life. In my past life, I was a financial analyst in New York City. Suit and tie. Ultimately, I decided I wasn't satisfied. Something inside of me knew that that wasn't my path.
Photography has been with me the whole time. It took a while, but I decided I didn't want to look back having not committed. It felt like I jumped off a cliff and had to grow wings on the way down.
It's taken years to learn to trust the real sacrifice and hard work. But it’s been the best decision I've ever made. What's been gained is freedom — to create, to tell meaningful stories, and be in beautiful places.
Photography is a passport for adventure. It allows you to step into new experiences with new people. Real sacrifice, a ton of hard work, and a unique story. It's not just talent, it's work. It's a real love, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I hope you’ll join me on the journey.
