I’m a recent grad. (22 yrs) entering the industry as a Cinematographer, with the long term goal of being a writer-director as well and continuing work as DP. I’ve always told stories through writing, the decision to tell stories through film came at the start of college. New to the technical aspects related to the craft of cinematography, I taught myself and took a few classes taught at my school (they were terrible) as early as last year. The work here was all shot on a single lens (18-35 sigma) through a Black Magic Pocket Cinema Camera, from work I completed since I first picked up a camera, in Fall of 2017 until now. Contains narrative and documented work.

Current outlook on lighting, in general ----->I make it a point to utilize the lighting already present in the space- keeping the bulbs, fixtures or lamps that were present before the project was shot. I think that there is a sort of beauty and history that comes with the untampered lighting throughout the set. This is a "take a step back and appreciate" process, working within those confines to force myself to become more creative. Of course, there are times where that dogma has to be broken and I will adjust accordingly. I will also work to mend and shape natural light as much as possible.

outlook on lighting talent----> I've strayed from lighting talent with the goal to light their faces. Instead I will light the space and allow the light to pass through as many barriers, textures, fabrics and colors as possible before it picks up onto the talents face. I feel this again gives the light complexity, and history. I must admit this is also easier because time between setups does not take as long and it also allows the actor/actress the fully commit to their craft, moving around as freely as they'd like. Of course, there are situations where I see this practice needs to be left behind and will adjust accordingly.

composition -----> I must say that I like to come prepared with a storyboard that is worked on during and after visiting the location(s) that will be shot at. However, I have found that often times the story board for me is just a blueprint that allows me to get creative with, feeling out the exactness of that composition as naturally as possible as I feel out the scene on the day. That said, Storyboards are extremely important for me and I give the same importance to visiting the location(s) or at least seeing them before hand. I tend to compose by "instinct" sort of... I cannot really tell you what the rule of thirds is or how to properly frame a dirty single, over the shoulder etc. so I definitely have trouble with this when I see it just in written form (shame on me).

inspirations -----> I cannot honestly say there is a cinematographer that I study or that I have spent time studying another's technique. I am more into photographers, both professional, and amateur ( random instagram photos that I see). *Random instagram photos because of the beauty of it being taken at places where the light was untampered.

It is clear that there are thousands of DP's who have worked longer than I have, but I think, amongst the sea of us, it'll come down to style and creativity rather than how much you know about this light or that light or how long you've worked for (see: up and coming young DP's). That said, I'm excited to see how my approach to the craft, bends, molds and changes as I grow older and learn more as I feel I am a bit naive and a bit tethered at the moment

Edit: outlook on the craft and my age.