Ryan Rumpca | Minnesota

Introducing Fram Studio Company Among many of the early polar expeditions were photographers and filmmakers. These individuals did not only play an integral role during the expeditions, but also after. Their work garnered legitimacy to the endeavors, alongside worldwide intrigue. The work developed by the likes of Frank Hurley, Herbert Ponting, Dora Keen, Olav Bjaaland, and many more still inspire to this day. Not only did these individuals have to brave the conditions, but they had to manage bulky materials and cameras while trying to get the shot. For instance, Frank Hurley lugged around forty pounds of gear throughout the entirety of the Endurance expedition with Shackleton. The photographs were so important, that as the Endurance was being crushed and sinking beneath the ice, Hurley repeatedly dove into the wreck to retrieve the exposed media in his storage room. Before departing the wreck, Hurley and Shackleton sorted through the images, knowing that they could not keep them all. To this day, Hurley’s saved photographs from the expedition are some of the most influential and striking images of early polar exploration. Why does this matter in the 21st century when everyone has a camera in their pocket? We would argue that intentional storytelling is more important now than ever. The saturation of media can easily drown out things that are easy-to-get, while also allowing for truly unique work to float on the surface. This is why we believe in Earned Stories here at Fram Studio Co. To push past the friction of mundane and to truly experience storytelling in its realist and most authentic form. Just like the storytellers did before us. Explore More: @framstudioco

Introducing Fram Studio Company What does Fram Studio Co do? We specialize in outdoor media production, working with outdoor and lifestyle brands, conservation groups, and tourism boards to tell stories that matter. Fram often works as small, nimble, and modular teams, helping brands create branded short form stories, branded documentaries, social campaigns, product launch campaigns, and more. This team format mirrors one of Roald Amundsen, of whom led the South Pole Expedition onboard the Fram. He organized a small group of specialists for this attempt, a handful of which were the first to successfully reached the pole on December 14th, 1911. He successful employed this method on his other expeditions as well, being the first to traverse the Northwest Passage onboard the Gjoa in 1906, and being the first to fly over the North Pole onboard the airship The Norge in 1926. We integrate with your team from concept to launch, providing everything from pre-production planning, to cinematography, to post production. The flexibility of a small team allows for scaling to match your project needs and budget. Explore More: @framstudioco

Introducing Fram Studio Company Here we are built on the belief that stories should be earned. Trading truth for trend, we find the strongest stories lie at the intersection of science, history, and experience. We love to feel the moment firsthand, not relying on a translation to show how our subject felt. We draw our inspiration from early explorers – those who ventured into the unknown on the quest for knowledge and advancement. Their expeditions were not just feats of endurance, but they tested new theories, explored new domains, and pushed human grit to the limits. Throughout it all, photographers and filmmakers were right alongside, experiencing it all to document history. Why Fram? Fram, pronounced “Frahm”, is named after an early polar sailing vessel. Fram, meaning “Forward” in Norwegian, was commissioned by Norwegian polar explorer Fridtjof Nansen and brought into service in 1892. Nansen wanted to test a bold theory with it. While on his expedition to be the first to cross Greenland in 1882, Nansen noted driftwood and earth from Siberia in the ice. He theorized, alongside the meteorologist Henrik Mohn, that there was an East-West current over the Arctic Ocean. With North Pole ambitions, he dreamed of using this current to purposely get frozen into the ice and drift with the pack ice. At the time, this was ludicrous. Almost all ships that got stuck in the ice were crushed, many with horrific consequences for their crews. The Fram however, was engineered to withstand these pressures and almost “float” on top of the ice. It took a well known problem and approached it differently. While the first Fram expedition did not succeed in getting to the North Pole, their proved theory of the oceanic currents was of immense scientific value. Later, the Fram was used by Roald Amundsen and his team to be the first to reach the South Pole in 1911 (pictured). History is not just a backdrop, it’s a compass. It reminds us that discovery, responsibility, and storytelling move us forward. Fram. Explore More: @framstudioco

The Last of Winter. As the days get longer and the temperature changes, the big lake usually kicks up some good waves. The season’s last grip holding on to the long winter. Surf Series 3/3.

Winter Waves. Surf Series 2/3.

The Big Lake Gives, the Big Lake Takes. Some carnage from a mid-winter swell on Lake Superior. Surf Series 1/3.

Where the Wind Takes You. We are super stoked to announce that we will be releasing our newest film “Where the Wind Takes You” on Friday, January 30th, 2026. This film follows a a sailboat captain north on the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard in search of adventure. Click the link in my bio to register for the online premiere! Where the Wind Takes You Series 3/3.

Where the Wind Takes You. We are super excited to announce that we will be releasing our short film Where the Wind Takes You publicly on Friday, January 30th! After touring in film festivals all around the country, this award winning film will be available to watch online soon. Mark your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for more information! Executive Produced by: @nate_dodge Field produced by: @ryanrumpca Cinematography by: @nate_dodge , @ian.niklaus , @josiahfilm , @ryanrumpca Cast: @captain_sugars , @gullsmedmarinavandijk , @wintergreendogsledlodge Edit: @josiahfilm , @outlandfilm Color: @moth.colour Sound: @deanhughart.sound Score: @philipdanielmusic

Where the Wind Takes You. We are super excited to announce that we will be publicly releasing our short film “Where the Wind Takes You” on Friday, January 30th. The film follows sailboat captain Peter Schurke (@captain_sugars ) on his quest for adventure in the modern age. We took off to the high Arctic archipelago of Svalbard in June of 2024 and soon found ourselves at some of the most northern settlements in the world. Onboard the 52’ sailing vessel Nanuk, we traveled up the western coast of the islands, eventually arriving at 79’40”N before turning back south. This story is one of continued adventure and exploring the unknown. Mark your calendars for January 30th! Where the Wind Takes You Series 1/3.

Homeward Bound. The racing season kicks off this weekend with the @beargreasesleddogmarathon . Toting the longest dogsled race in the lower 48, teams race all along Minnesota’s north shore of Lake Superior starting near Duluth and ending in Grand Portage. Over 7 years ago this race piqued my interest in mushing here in the Midwest. We are blessed to have such an interesting race here in our own back yards, and teams from all across the US and Canada come to town to race. Looking back 7 years ago, it’s crazy to see the incredible opportunities that this sport has given me. From volunteering and shooting for the local races here in Minnesota, to making our first film in Ely, to heading up to be a videographer for the Iditarod in Alaska, I’m glad to be a small fraction of the community, even if it’s just by proxy. The Dog Sled Series 3/3.

Snow Runners. I’ve been documenting mushing for about seven years now. Throughout that time, I’ve seen things change, but many stay the same. Between changing winters and increased costs, mushers and teams are finding it harder and harder to do what they love. It takes an incredible amount of work and money to manage and/or race dog teams, so you don’t really find anyone “half-assing it”. You can immediately sense the love that these people pour into their dogs and activity that they love. These photos are some from around the upper Midwest area, as well as my time documenting the Iditarod dog sled race in 2024. The Dog Sled Series 2/3.

Mushing Season. After a couple of years of poor winter conditions in northern Minnesota, I am excited for how the early season is shaping up this year. I’ve always loved how prevalent mushing is in northern Minnesota. It’s a small niche and small community, but is probably one of the highest concentration of teams in the lower 48. The next month and a half is full of dog sled races across the upper Midwest, so get out and cheer on those teams doing what they love to do! The Dog Sled Series 1/3.