歡迎。Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome.
Photo by Jen Stevie
Kia ora, 大家好, greetings!
I'm Kai, visual storyteller and founder of Subtledream Productions.
I've worked at the edges of climate action, humanitarian response, regenerative agriculture, indigenous community development, and social enterprise, always in pursuit of the same thing: the human truths beneath the work. That's what I document and help others share.
Through photography, film, podcast, and written narrative, I partner with purpose-driven people and organisations to craft stories and communicate to a global audience that honour context, cultivate trust, and move people toward shared goals.
My collaborators have been disaster relief workers in Nepal, food forest communities in Seattle, ecological restoration teams in Ecuador, and indigenous communities in Panamá . Different sectors, different cultures and stories, yet the same commitment to depth and the beautiful human experience.
Photo by Erica Austin
Since 2009, I have learned that the most important work happens before the camera and microphone comes out. It’s rooted in curiosity, openness, and listening. It’s relationship and trust building that allows those moments to speak for themselves.
I've called Aotearoa New Zealand home since 2023, where I’ve been learning to share, facilitate, and teach from my lived experiences.
Ngā mihi nui, 多謝你, thank you for being here.
I can’t wait to help tell your story.
Kai J. Lee 李曉敦
Who am I, in six minutes.
This is my personal statement video, decades in the making.
It speaks into my values and who I wish to attract to collaborate with.
My relationship with photography began at 13, when a simple camera became a bridge between technology, beauty, and memory. What started as curiosity grew into a calling: a way of noticing patterns, weaving people and ideas together, and helping stories turn into action. Over time I've learned that storytelling is as much about unlearning as it is about growing into who you are becoming.
Born in Hong Kong and raised in California, I carry Cantonese whakapapa (ancestry) and lived experience shaped across Asia, the Americas, and Aotearoa New Zealand, where I'm growing roots. My mahi (work) has taken me from earthquake recovery in mountainous Nepal to land regeneration and education in coastal Ecuador, from intimate weddings in Tuscany & Sikkim, to documenting food resilience in the community gardens of Aotearoa. Whatever the kaupapa (purpose, principle), I bring deep listening, creative craft, and clarity; helping visions be seen, felt, and shared with integrity.
In recent years, I am stepping into a new chapter of not only documenting the stories and happenings of worthwhile projects and causes, but also teaching and sharing from lived experiences thanks to so many amazing teachers I’ve had in the journey of life.
Outside the studio, I'm an outdoor lover, permaculture-minded systems thinker, and participant in well-being and men's groups rooted in honest sharing and inner work, and partner to my love, Jen. These people and practices keep me grounded to myself and the whenua (land).
Why people choose to work with me
Seeing with depth. I notice the often-unspoken connections between people, place, and purpose, and translate them into grounded, resonant stories.
Weaving with intention. Each project is shaped in relationship with its kaupapa and community, so the work feels authentic rather than imposed.
Catalysing with care. Documentation is only the start; it supports momentum, trust, and the next chapter of a project's life.
Sustainability and integrity. Guided by permaculture, systems thinking, and Tangata Tiriti values, I work best with organisations that mean what they say.
Artistry and professionalism. 16+ years of global storytelling have shaped a creative vision that is both technically reliable and deeply human.
and lastly, I always provide full-resolution photos, because they are your (organisation’s/business’) memories and stories.
“Kai is a great videographer and photographer! Kai did a fantastic job with the interview session we had for The Human CV. He made the whole process seems effortless and was very supportive along the way. I highly recommend Kai for your future media production needs.”
Photo by Jonny Knopp
Love reading? Read or subscribe to my newsletter, sent once every ~2 months.
Prefer listening? Check out my podcast, Wilderness Within.
Recorded talks and interviews I’ve had the privilege to share from:
Ōtautahi in Practice podcast @ Plains Media 96.9 FM
The Human CV “Storyteller, Systems Thinker, Bridge-Builder“
Garage Grown Gear interview
The Altruistic Traveler “How Visual Storytelling Creates Connection & Community”
Sprocket Podcast “[Kai]’s Lens“
Seeds: Talking Purpose “Photography as Art“
PechaKucha “Finding Purpose Through Travel, Service, and Photography“
Upstream Daily interview @ Social Enterprise World Forum
“Kai was amazing. He creates a fantastically comfortable space for you to be your best self. His passion for the work he does shines so strongly. To make such excellent work look effortless is a true skill. Truly a wonderful professional.”
“Kai delivers beautiful and impactful storytelling work. His care and motivation shine through, whilst his personal approach makes him a wonderful person to work with. Kai’s passion for supporting projects with a for-purpose mission is equally complemented by his creativity in telling their story.”
Photo by Jen Stevie
“Cannot highlight enough how Kai’s visual work is transformational, clear, honest, and stunning! Truly a holistic storyteller and adept at waiting for the right moments to engage in beautiful relationship building with clients, coworkers, and the more-than-human. I feel privileged to have been able to work alongside Kai during a video project that involved tons of changing logistics and language dynamics to navigate and then again to see him in his stride and ease while documenting a wedding on the Oregon coast. He is a wonderful teacher at so many levels.”
Let’s Work Together
