Summary
Overview
Work history
Education
Skills
Certification
Key Achievements
Timeline
Generic

Ryan Thomas

London (relocating to Edinburgh)

Summary

Versatile and committed to hands-on, high-risk work in challenging environments. I bring a strong background in technical and voluntary work, emergency response, and visual storytelling, with certifications in progress for IRATA Level 1, GWO, and BOSIET (estimated July 2025). Skilled in teamwork, safety protocols, and problem-solving under pressure. My experience spans technical fieldwork, humanitarian support, and hostile environment training (HEFAT), reflecting a passion for meaningful impact, physical endurance, and continuous learning.

Overview

2026
2026
years of professional experience
4043
4043
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certification

Work history

Freelance

Photojournalist
01 2017 - Current
  • Managed field operations, logistics, and risk assessments in unpredictable and high-risk environments
  • Worked with: Huck, Paradisa, Bayern Munich, Portrait of Britain, Portrait of Humanity, and the Royal Photographic Society building strong communication and teamwork skills

Volunteer

BlindAid UK
01 2025 - Current
  • Provide personalized support to a visually impaired individual, promoting independence and well-being

Retail Consultant

Wex Photo Video
01 2021 - Current
  • Provided expert advice on specialized photography and videography equipment
  • Managed inventory, processed transactions, and maintained up-to-date product knowledge, customer service, and technical support

Volunteer Support Worker

Deafblind UK
01 2019 - 01 2022
  • Supported an individual with dual sensory loss, enhancing accessibility and creative self-expression through my Blind Photographer project

Blood and Plasma Donor

NHS and Bio Life
01 2020 - Current
  • Regular blood and plasma donor, contributing to life-saving medical treatments and emergency care

Gateway Volunteer

999 Club Shelter
London
04 2025 - Current
  • Provided support to individuals facing homelessness, offering meals, clothing, healthcare navigation, and benefits assistance.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
09/2017 - 05.2020

Master of Arts (MA) - Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
09/2020 - 05.2022

Skills

  • Technical: Risk Assessment, Physical Fitness, HEFAT, IRATA (in progress)


  • Soft Skills: Team Collaboration, Patient Advocacy, Active Listening


  • Community & Mental Health: Mental Health First Aid, Community Engagement, Empathetic Communication

Certification

  • IRATA Level 1 – In progress, estimated completion July 2025


  • BOSIET – In progress, estimated completion July 2025


  • GWO Basic Safety Training – In progress, estimated completion July 2025


  • HEFAT (Hostile Environment & First Aid Training) – Completed Jan 2022, SEPAR


  • DBS Certificate – Issued 2024

Key Achievements

  • Completed the Welsh 3000s Challenge – Demonstrated endurance, self-reliance, and technical mountain skills across all 15 peaks over 3,000 ft.


  • Contributed to the “Contrary To / Всупереч” Exhibition – Showcased work in a London-based fundraiser supporting humanitarian aid in Ukraine.


  • Published Photobook – Released Everything Will Kill You, So Choose Something Proactive, a documentary collection spanning Britain, America, and France.


  • Completed SEPAR HEFAT Training (2022) – Gained practical training in risk assessment, emergency first aid, and conflict navigation in high-risk environments.


  • Recognized by Major Awards – Received recognition from institutions including the Royal Photographic Society, Portrait of Britain, Portrait of Humanity, and the Arizona Congressional Board.

Timeline

Freelance

Photojournalist
01 2017 - Current

Volunteer

BlindAid UK
01 2025 - Current

Retail Consultant

Wex Photo Video
01 2021 - Current

Volunteer Support Worker

Deafblind UK
01 2019 - 01 2022

Blood and Plasma Donor

NHS and Bio Life
01 2020 - Current

Gateway Volunteer

999 Club Shelter
04 2025 - Current

Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
09/2017 - 05.2020

Master of Arts (MA) - Photojournalism and Documentary Photography

University of Wales Trinity Saint David
09/2020 - 05.2022
Ryan Thomas