Jay Trusler is a Cinematographer and Director that specializes in crafting visually compelling documentaries and commercial branded content within the outdoor adventure, environmental, and natural history genres. With 15 years of international experience he has also worked on commercials, tourism campaigns, educational documentaries, narrative films, action sports and adventure films.

Whether on a high-altitude expedition in the Himalayas, searching for humpback whales in the fjords of Greenland, or documenting seaweed farming in British Columbia Jay always brings a collaborative spirit, technical expertise, and a relentless drive to push creative boundaries. But the remote work is only half the story as he finds similar joy in perfecting the lighting in a sound stage or capturing an intimate interview in someone’s home. Jay operates comfortably both as a one-man-band, or as part of a larger team with experience running camera and lighting departments on small to medium sized shoots.

Known for his story-driven approach and stylized vérité cinematography with an emphasis on controlled naturalistic lighting. He skillfully combines his deep knowledge of innovative camera and lighting techniques and equipment with a passion for traditional storytelling to craft cinematic stories that aim to help people understand the human experience in themselves and the extraordinary world around them.

Jay has directed over 30 short documentaries, including several web series, and has worked as a cinematographer on numerous shorts, pilot series, and three feature films. His projects have garnered awards, played at film festivals and theatrically worldwide, received over 15 million YouTube views and even achieved #1 Documentary for 6 weeks on iTunes. His commercial career with over 90 past clients includes dozens of broadcast and web commercials and tourism campaigns for top-tier brands like Can-Am, Subaru, Oceanwise, Whistler Blackcomb, Apple, Salomon, The North Face, Go Whistler, Fjord Norway, Destination BC, Invictus Games and many more.