
Capturing Light - A Director of Photography's Podcast
Director of Photography, Cinematography, Lighting, Filmmaking, and Digital Video·Hosted by Les Gaddis·170 episodes
Capturing Light Podcast is a Director of Photography’s Podcast that both inspires and educates filmmakers with cinematography tips, tools and techniques by other cinematographers from around the world. Learn about digital video and film cameras, lighting and camera equipment, the film industry, and listen to interviews with film industry professionals about their work on tv shows, commercials, films, music videos, web series, and documentaries.
Why listen
Capturing Light is for filmmakers who want practical cinematography insight from people actually shooting films, TV, commercials, music videos, and documentaries. Les Gaddis interviews directors of photography about career paths, lighting choices, cameras, lenses, pre-production, and the real-world compromises behind finished images. It is especially useful if you like hearing working cinematographers explain both the creative intent and the technical decisions behind specific projects.
Series(1)
Episodes
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry Differences between Live Action and Stop Motion Cinematography Tools used for Stop Motion The importance of animators in stop motion. Director of Photography: Lakmé Iyengar https://lakmeiyengar.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sliyengar Check out The Links Below: https://lakmeiyengar.com/dormilon Join the Community –
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry Samsung Commercials Using Sony Venice with Tribe 7 lenses Director of Photography: Matt Sill https://mattsill.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mattsill https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattsill/ Check out The Links Below: https://mattsill.com/#/samsunginfluencers/ https://mattsill.com/#/samsungworkout/ Join the Community –
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry How to get Heaven from Belfast Some technical specs and the look of How To Get to Heaven from Belfast. Director of Photography: Ashley Barron, ACS https://www.ashley-barron.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarrondop/?hl=en Join the Community –
In this episode, we talk about Emerging Cinematographers Award Shooting Verticals Some technical ways to shoot verticals “Pizza Guys Vs. Vampires” Director of Photography: Daniel Cotroneo https://www.danielcotroneo.com/ flashback.pictures https://www.instagram.com/danielcotroneo https://www.instagram.com/pizzaguysvs/ @flashback_pictures <img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5665" src="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PGV-Landscape-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="450" loading="lazy" srcset="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PGV-Landscape-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PGV-Landscape-300x169.jpg 300w, https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PGV-Landscape-768x432.jpg 768w, https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PGV-Landscape-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/PGV-Landscape.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 800px) 100v
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. HIM Some technical specs of the film. (The FLIR Camera) “Work Ligt Balance Director of Photography: Kira Kelly, ASC https://www.kirakellydp.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0446579/ https://www.instagram.com/kirakellydp/ Check out the trailer to: HIM Check Out The BTS for HIM: <img decoding="async" src="https://gaddisvisuals.co
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Working as a Jack of All Trades . Run Some technical specs of the film. Director of Photography: Nathan Blaze https://www.instagram.com/nathanblazefilms/ https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/run-post-apocalyptic-thriller-film–2#/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafZKA_hzS7fa2d1xHf7PWoPO7WBvMfT_audWbFIQBPBpJFSLZMR0ehXG3t33Q_aem_NSL5noz4uFlvQiWRQuG5Xg Check out the trailer to: Run Check out the Screen Grabs for: Run <img decoding="async" src="https://gaddisvisuals.c
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Balancing working as a cinematographer and family. Ironheart Some technical specs of the show. Shot on Sony Venice – Anamorphic and Spherical Lenses Director of Photography: Alison Kelly https://www.alisonkelly.net/ https://www.instagram.com/abirdk/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0446170/ Check out the trailer to: Ironheart Join the Community –
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show Smoke Some technical specs of the show. Shooting on Venice 2 and Hawk lenses Director of Photography: Francois Dagenais, CSC www.francoisdagenaisdp.com https://www.instagram.com/francoisdagenais/ Check out the trailer to: Smoke Check out the screengrabs: Join the Community –
In this episode, we talk about How music can affect your visual language. Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show Can You See Us? Director of Photography: Rick Joaquim, SASC https://www.rickjoaquim.com/pages/contact https://www.instagram.com/rickjoaquim/ Check out the trailer to: Can You See Us. Check out the ScreenGrabs: Join the Community –
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders Some technical specs of the show. Director of Photography: Jonathan Nicholas https://www.jonathannicholasdp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jonathanbnicholas https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3112410/ Check out the trailer to: America’s Sweethearts. Check out the ScreenGrabs: <img decoding="async" src
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Pre-production and creating the look of the show Ransom Canyon Shooting with multi cameras The collaboration between DP and Production Designer Director of Photography: Eric Koretz www.erickoretz.com https://www.instagram.com/erickoretz_dp/ Check out the trailer to: Ransom Canyon Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Collaboration between DPs on the same show. The difference between working on television shows and feature film Daredevil: Born Again Director of Photography: Pedro Gomez Millan https://www.pedrogomezmillan.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2960150/ https://www.instagram.com/pedrogmillan/ Check out the trailer to: Daredevil – Born Again Check out the some BTS and Stills of: Daredevil – Born Again Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought o
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Shogun Doing light studies. How he covers a scene. Director of Photography and Author: Christopher Ross, BSC https://www.christopherrossbsc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/edjibevel/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2131733/ Check out the Trailer for Shogun: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. “A Hair in The Gate” Illuminating Cinema Director of Photography and Author: Rob Draper, ACS www.robdraperacs.com TWITTER: @rjdacs SKYPE: draperacs IMDB Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Sydney’s Journey into the industry. Testing Lenses Working on The Holiday Club The importance of therapy. Director of Photography: Sydney Lawson https://www.sydlawson.com/ instagram: @sydlawson Rent the Holiday Club Check out the Trailer for the Holiday Club: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. “The Cine Lens Manual” A Director’s Guide To Everything The importance of 156being a technician and being an artist. Director and Author: Jay Holben www.adakinpress.com www.jayholben.com instagram: @jayholben The Adakin Press site ships all over the world, we’ve sold to more than 40 countries. Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Film Inspiration “Work Life Balance” Director of Photography: Jammario Washington https://www.instagram.com/itzme_mario/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7470561/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamarrio-plair-washington-724b8a78/ Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Creating Story Driven Videos Having an agency Creating Legacy Documentary’s The importance of storytelling over tools. Cofounder and Creative Director: Eriksen Dickens www.platinumpeek.com https://www.instagram.com/platinumpeek Instagram: @eriksenwdickens https://dickensbrothers.com Linkedin: @eriksenwdickens Check out this video from Platinum Peek: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. The movie “Radical” Working with kids in film Creating the look of Radical. Communicating visual language to camera operators Director of Photography: Mateo Londono https://www.mateolondono.com/ https://www.instagram.com/matlondono/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0518804/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1 Check out the Trailer for “Radical” Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. The movie “Scrambled” The importance of mentorship Working with a director who is the main character in a film. Director of Photography: Julia Swain https://www.juliaswain.net/ https://www.instagram.com/juliaswain https://vimeo.com/juliaswain Check out the Trailer for “Scrambled” Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Talking about showrunning as well as being the cinematographer The series “Ren” Shooting Day for Night Shooting POV Director of Photography / Showrunner : Neil Oseman www.neiloseman.com https://www.instagram.com/neiloseman https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1371637/ https://www.instagram.com/renthegirlwiththemark Check out the Trailer for “Ren” Season 2 Check out the Behind The Scenes pictures: <img decoding="async" src="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Showrunner-and-di
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Talking about under camera animation. The short film “Baigal Nuur” Filmmaker / Animator : Alisi Telengut https://alisitelengut.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alisitelengut/?hl=en https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4665078/ Check out the Trailer for Baigal Nuur – Lake Baikal: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. The importance of film school. The television series “Winning Time” Director of Photography: Ricardo Diaz https://www.rickdiazdp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/rickdiazdp/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2011980/ Check out the Trailer for winning time: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. The importance of Female cinematographers. The comparison between documentary and narrative work The documentary “Girl’s State” Establishing trust with talent on documentary work. Director of Photography: Laura Hudock https://www.laurahudock.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2262917/ https://www.instagram.com/laura.hudock/ Check out Behind the Clapperboard Video of Girls State: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. In A Violent Nature – Project Shot on C70 with Canon FD Lenses – Glimmerglass Filters. Director of Photography: Pierce Derks https://www.instagram.com/pierce.derks/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3962389/ Check out the trailer: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. The importance of mentors. Authentically You – Project The relationship between cinematography and technology. Director of Photography: Matt Sill https://mattsill.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mattsill Check out the stills for Authentically You: <img d
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Cinematography inspiration Perspective and it’s importance. Director of Photography: Zak Ray https://zak-ray.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_zakray Check out these Film-making Apps: CameraKit, LensKit, FinderKit Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about Navigating the industry. Cinematography inspiration Perspective and it’s importance. Director of Photography: Marcus Guider https://www.marcusguider.com/ https://www.instagram.com/marcusguider_dp Check out Marcus’ Cinematography Reel: Check out the Uzuri Closet – Frames: <img decoding="async" alt="Carousel Image" src="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/uzuri-c
In this episode, we talk about: Having a style as a cinematographer Always be shooting The Blackening Always carry a camera Director of Photography: Todd A. Dos Reis, ASC https://www.todddosreis.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0234291/ https://www.instagram.com/todddosreis/ Check out The Blackening – Trailer Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Join The Direct The Photography Community
In this episode, we talk about: Always being prepared for opportunities. Nicole’s path to becoming a DP. Cinematography Inspiration The pursuit of film education Director of Photography: Nicole Simmons https://www.eleven21media.net/ https://www.instagram.com/eleven21media/ Check out Chloe’s Pocketbook – Trailer Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about: My thoughts about cinematographer. Highlighting topics in cinematography. Going out there and shooting film. Here are some key concepts and tips to get you started: Understanding the Camera: Know your camera inside out. Whether you’re using a DSLR, mirrorless camera, cinema camera, or even a smartphone, understanding your equipment is fundamental. Composition: Learn the basics of composition, such as the rule of thirds, framing, leading lines, and the use of symmetry. Experiment with different angles (high angle, low angle, eye level) to create different emotional effects. Lighting: Lighting is one of the most critical aspects of cinematography. Understand natural light, artificial lighting, and how to shape light to achieve the desired mood. Learn about three-point lighting (key light, fill light, and backlight) and how to use it effectively. Camera Movement: Different camera movements (e.g., panning, tilting, tracking, dolly shots, crane shots) can convey different emotions and perspectives. Mastering camera movement is essential. Framing and Shot Types: Familiarize yourself with various shot types like wide shots, medium shots, close-ups, and extreme close-ups. Each serves a specific purpose in storytelling. Understand framing techniques like long shots, two-shots, and over-the-shoulder shots. Lenses and Focal Lengths: Different lenses and focal lengths have a significant impact on the image. Wide-angle lenses create a sense of space, while telephoto lenses compress the image. Experiment with prime and zoom lenses to understand their strengths and weaknesses. Depth of Field: Learn how to control depth of field using aperture settings. A shallow depth of field can isolate subjects and create a cinematic look. Color and White Balance: Understand color theory and how color can be used to evoke emotions. Set your camera’s white balance correctly to ensure accurate colors in your footage. Exposure: Master exposure settings, including shutter speed, aperture, and ISO, to achieve the desired look. Use ND filters to control exposure in bright conditions. Storytelling: Cinematography is storytelling through visuals. Collaborate with the director and other crew members to understand the story’s tone and message. Use visual cues and symbolism to enhance the narrative. Post-Production: Familiarize yourself with vide
In this episode, we talk about: Her path to cinematographer. Filming House of Dragons. Finding your style. Director of Photography: Catherine Goldschmidt, BSC https://www.instagram.com/cgdop/ Home Check out House of Dragons – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4LZ-eepkGM Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about: Remembering your milestones along the way. Making the transition throughout the industry to where you want to go. Putting your best foot forward and curating your work. Director of Photography: Benji Bakshi http://benjibakshi.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1584144/ https://www.instagram.com/benjibakshidp/ Check out Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Trailer – Check out Benji’s Reel: http://benjibakshi.com/#/narrative-reel/ Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about: The importance of mentorship. Virtual Production. Pros and Cons of owning camera vs not. Director of Photography : David Wells https://www.davidwellsdp.com/ https://www.instagram.com/davidwells_dp/ Check out David’s Reel: Support David’s Next Short on Seed & Spark: https://seedandspark.com/fund/somewhere-you-feel-free#story Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about: Staying true to yourself as an artist. Making films for art and not just as a job. The importance of having diverse crews. Writer / Director: Nikhail Asnani https://www.nikhailasnani.com/ https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2862663/ insta @nikhailr Check out stills from Seed: <img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5349" src="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/A004C032_21062076_CANON_1.79.1-1024x576.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="450" loading="lazy" srcset="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/A004C032_21062076_CANON_1.79.1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/
In this episode, we talk about: Answering some cinematography questions. The ramblings of a cinematographer. Director of Photography: Les Gaddis www.gaddisvisuals.com www.instagram.com/lesgaddis https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4781966/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0 Check out my demo reel:
In this episode, we talk about: Preproduction, Production, and Post Production from a DP perspective.How important communication is as a DP. Director of Photography: Jon Pears https://www.jonpears.com/ https://www.instagram.com/jon.pears https://vimeo.com/jonpears Check out Jon Pears’ Reel: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about: The DP collaboration with other DPs Director of Photography: Dalton Pope https://cinemaginestudios.video/ https://www.instagram.com/dmp_studios/ Check out Dalton’s Demo Reel: Stills from Wisteria Short Film: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about: Confessions Movie filming in one location. Think About Your Production Design Don’t wait until someone calls you to make your film. Go and create the film you want to do. Director of Photogra–phy: Les Gaddis, SOC imdb Instagram References and Lighting Plots for Show Notes: <img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5314" src="https://gaddi
In this episode, we talk about: The DP collaboration with other DPs Director of Photography: Daniel Routh https://www.instagram.com/daniel_with_a_camera/ http://danielrouth.com/ Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast.
In this episode, we talk about: Triple D Revenge Movie Motivated Lighting. Director of Photography: Les Gaddis, SOC imdb Instagram Check out Triple D Revenge on Amazon – https://www.amazon.com/Triple-Revenge-Roderick-Official-Watson/dp/B0B7DHB6Q8/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1JEJV7IZ9Q7E4&keywords=triple+d+revenge+movie&qid=1673711525&sprefix=triple+d+rev%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-1 References and Lighting Plots for Show Notes <img decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-5303" src="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/E_Pat_carsceneplot-1024x1024.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="800" loading="lazy" srcset="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/u
In this episode, we talk about: Joseph’s Dream (Short Film).Motivated Lighting. Director of Photography: Les Gaddis www.gaddisvisuals.comwww.lesgaddis.cominstagram.com/lesgaddis Check out the still frame: <img decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/IMG-5077-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-5263" loading="lazy" srcset="https://gaddisvisuals.com/wp-conten
In this episode, we talk about: Communication with the crew from a DP’s perspective.Prepping for the project.Gear used to get the look of “The Witcher” Director of Photography: Romain Lacourbas ASC, AFC imdb Instagram Check out the Trailer to The Witcher – Season 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJFVV2L8GKs Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Be sure to join the Capturing Light Community on Facebook and say hello. I would love to hear from you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/capturinglightcommunity and https://discord.gg/kxRhwusg
In this episode, we talk about: Josh’s journey into film-making. How he communicates on set. Exploring different ways to get into the industry. (G&E vs AC route) Film Vs. Digital Shooting on Film Working on Mental Health Director of Photography: Josh Echevarria https://www.joshuaechevarriadop.com/https://www.instagram.com/joshuaechevarriadop/https://vimeo.com/joshuaechevarria Check out Josh’s Work On Vimeo Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Be sure to join the Capturing Light Community on Facebook and say hello. I would love to hear from you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/capturinglightcommunity and https://discord.gg/kxRhwusg
In this episode, we talk about: -American Underdog-What Kris looks for in a cam op-Working in the industry and balancing famliy life. Director of Photography: Kris Kimlin www.kriskimlindp.cominstagram.com/kkimlin_dp Check out the trailer for: American Underdog Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Be sure to join the Capturing Light Community on Facebook and say hello. I would love to hear from you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/capturinglightcommunity and https://discord.gg/kxRhwusg
[smart_podcast_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_email=”true” ] In this episode, we talk about: 5 Years of Podcasting Blackmagic Ursa Mini 12k Share Grid – Lens Test Director of Photography – Les Gaddis https://www.instagram.com/lesgaddis www.gaddisvisuals.com twitter.com/gaddisvisuals https://www.youtube.com/user/gaddisvisuals Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Be sure to join the Capturing Light Community on Facebook and say hello. I would love to hear from you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/capturinglightcommunity and also https://www.facebook.com/groups/directthephotography/
[smart_podcast_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_email=”true” ] In this episode, we talk about: Lens Finder http://www.phfx.com/tools/ Lens characteristics. Ryan Avery www.lensfinder.com Instagram: ryanavery Twitter: ryanavery Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Be sure to join the Capturing Light Community on Facebook and say hello. I would love to hear from you. https://www.facebook.com/groups/capturinglightcommunity I’m creating mo
[smart_podcast_player social_twitter=”true” social_facebook=”true” social_linkedin=”true” social_email=”true” ] In this episode, we talk about: “Motul” film creating a look that compliments a location. working on corporate jobs work / life balance Director of Photography: Carter Hewlett https://www.carterhewlett.com/ https://www.carterhewlett.com/podcast https://www.instagram.com/carterhewlett/ Check out the video: Check Out The Screen Grabs: Thank you for listening: Please let me know what you learned or thought of the show today. Subscribe to the podcast. Be sure to join the Capturing Light Community on Facebook and say
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