Fifth Ring came to Harp Visual Media for their client Sulmara with a need for photo and video that could help explain a highly specialized technology in a clear, compelling way. Sulmara was working with Chevron on a small autonomous survey boat designed for use in coastal waters and lakes, helping map the seafloor, identify pipes or other hidden obstructions, and create a clearer picture of underwater topography. The goal of the shoot was to capture not just the craft itself, but also the people operating it, the data analysis behind it, and the larger brand presence Sulmara would need as the company continued to grow.

This production took place over two days. On day one, we documented the onshore control and data center where technicians monitored incoming information, reviewed camera feeds, and analyzed survey data in real time. That part of the shoot helped show the intelligence and expertise behind the operation, not just the technology in the water. On day two, we moved offshore to capture the autonomous craft in action along the Texas coast, along with the team and equipment required to support the mission.

The production logistics of this project were a major part of its success. To get the right footage, Harp Visual Media chartered a boat that could safely follow the craft into the surf and several miles offshore while carrying our crew, gear, and Fifth Ring’s art director. We had to balance safety with creativity, using waterproof camera cases, shooting low to the water for more dynamic perspectives, and even flying and hand-catching a drone from a moving boat in rough conditions. It was a demanding production environment, but one that allowed us to capture the kind of varied, high-value visuals the project needed.

The result was a broad content library that gave Sulmara a much stronger visual foundation for branding, marketing, HR, and future communications. More than just documenting the technology, the final photo and video assets helped tell the full story of how the system works, who is behind it, and why it matters. This project is a strong example of Harp Visual Media’s ability to balance creative and logistics in complex industrial productions and translate technical operations into clear, useful visual storytelling.