Ben Ruffell is an award-winning cinematographer and Director of Photography working across New Zealand and Australia, based between Queenstown and the Gold Coast.

With more than 25 years of experience across commercials, feature films, television and branded content, Ben specialises in commercial cinematography, automotive filmmaking, aerial production and complex location work.

Ben also works as a camera operator and Second Unit DP on feature film, television and commercial productions.

Aerial cinematography is a core part of his work. In New Zealand, Ben operates under CAA Part 102 certification and he holds a CASA RePL in Australia, with experience across both drone and full-scale helicopter aerial units.

Ben is a full member of the New Zealand Cinematographers Society (NZCS) and Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS), and works on productions throughout New Zealand and Australia.

Selected Awards & Recognition

• NZCS Bronze — Specialised Cinematography — Mitsubishi Industrial (2025)
• ACS Silver — Commercials — NIO: Winter (Director + DP) (2023)
• ACS Silver — Music Videos — Ricki-Lee: On My Own (2023)
• NZCS Bronze — Specialised Cinematography — Dawn Flight (2021)
• NZCS Gold — Specialised Cinematography — Mitsubishi Ski Lift (2019)
• NZCS Silver — Specialised Cinematography — Telus (2019)
• NZCS Bronze — Music Videos — Kuro Deko: A Ghost in Town (2018)
• NZCS Gold — Specialised Cinematography — Flying South (2016)
• NZCS Bronze — Commercials — Red Bull: Conquer Highlands (2016)
• Spikes Asia Silver — Commercial Film — Love from Land Rover (Director + DP) (2015)
• NZ Effie Gold — Automotive — Love from Land Rover (Director + DP) (2015)