Major(s): English, Film Studies
Minor(s): French Studies
What is your current role? What was your journey in arriving there?
Cinematographer/1st Assistant Camera
What do you enjoy about your work? What do you struggle with?
I really love how being a freelancer in the film industry means no two days look alike. Every day is a new shooting location, and every project has new collaborators and new challenges & learning opportunities. This line of work is a wonderful combination of creative fulfillment, technical problem-solving, and community building. It’s incredibly social and physical, and working alongside trusted friends and collaborators makes the life of long hours and difficult shoots safe, sustainable, and worthwhile. There is definitely a whole aspect of the job that involves learning how to advocate for yourself on a day rate, crew and gear needs, safety concerns, schedule and budget expectations, etc. These conversations and personal journeys are never-ending and continue to evolve from project to project.
Do you have any advice for students thinking about entering your industry?
It’s okay not to know anything about production when graduating. Practical skills come once you’re out in the real world on real sets, and an eagerness to learn and willingness to admit what you don’t know yet will get you really far. People will notice if you are quick to learn and have a good attitude, and will take you under their wing. Start trying to PA in the department you are interested in (camera PA, art PA, etc.) and if you prove yourself to be a hard worker, growth and community will come. Don’t be afraid to fight for your safety and worth.
How did your time at Wesleyan influence your career choice/journey?
As a Film Studies and English double major, I graduated from Wesleyan with an interest in cinematography as well as writing and directing. The film program (at least when I was there) felt really geared toward thinking like directors & writers. Once in the industry, I realized instead that I much prefer working solely as a DP and being a trusted collaborator on someone else’s vision. Being only a creative can be difficult and it wasn’t the path I ultimately saw for myself, but I discovered cinematography to be a beautiful mix of creative and technical pursuits. I didn’t have many technical skills when I entered the industry, but these things I picked up on sets in my first few years (cinematography/lighting is a lifelong learning process anyway). What I value most from my time at Wesleyan, and what I feel sets me apart from non-Wes grads in the industry, is an ability to articulate storytelling techniques and communicate clearly to my directors, producers, and other department heads. Many of my peers who I went to school with are also some of my closest collaborators (directors, writers, producers, production designers, gaffers, etc) and I value the community I found at Wes and beyond.
Updated as of September 29th, 2023
