When it comes to creating compelling visual narratives in commercials and brand films, the role of a cinematographer is crucial. A great Director of Photography (DP) brings a unique blend of technical prowess and artistic vision, crafting the look and feel of a project with precision. Key traits of sought-after DPs include a keen eye for composition, mastery of lighting, and the ability to collaborate effectively with directors and crew.
Composition involves framing each shot to guide the viewer's eye and convey the desired mood and story elements. Lighting is equally important, as it sets the tone, creates depth, and highlights key subjects. Effective collaboration ensures that the DP and director align on a film’s vision and goals. The unity between a DP and director is essential in fostering a cohesive creative environment for the production crew through the entire production process.
Another quality of the best cinematographers is that they are current with video trends and the latest production technologies, such as shooting on LED volume stages. Nowadays this adaptability allows a good DP to push the boundaries of visual storytelling and deliver innovative, high-quality results, often achieving feats that were once relegated only to big budget feature films.
The Best Commercial DPs in Dallas-Fort Worth
Are you looking for a great Director of Photography? Below is a curated list of the top freelance cinematographers in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas. Their work spans inside and outside of the DFW metroplex as these professionals continually craft beautiful visuals for their clients locally and nationwide.
As a freelance Director of Photography with over 13 years in the industry, Nick has worked on brand films, commercials, music videos, films, documentaries, and corporate media. Whether it's capturing action or moments of reflection, Nick strives to deliver exceptional results that exceed expectations. For Nick, cinematography is about evoking emotion and drawing viewers into the story, using composition and camera movements to create powerful, moving visuals that inspire and resonate. He is also a FAA certified drone pilot. Notable clients include The Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Cowboys, Whataburger, and Uber.
Allan is a 14-year multimedia production veteran who specializes in creating character-driven pieces that inspire and empower. In 2011, he founded One:Eight Productions, offering video production, photography, copywriting, and aerial imagery. He has a diverse roster of clients, from nonprofits to Fortune 100 corporations and is an FAA certified drone pilot. Notable clients include Peterbilt Motors, American Airlines, and AT&T.
Mark is a Dallas-based Cinematographer and founded Manifest Imageworks Inc in 2010, specializing in commercial and corporate video. Mark earned his MFA in Cinematography from the American Film Institute Conservatory and now, as a commercial and narrative DP, he continues to perfect his art through constant study. Most recently, Mark founded a sister company, Cinemotiv Films, that brings dynamic and engaging content to the automotive, sports, and recreational vehicle industries. Notable clients include The Texas Rangers, James Avery, and Kubota.
A regular feature on the sets of DFW studios like Nametag Films and Equilateral Films, Noe is a Dallas-based Cinematographer and camera operator with over 10 years of industry experience. Need union representation? Noe is a member of IATSI 600 and can work locally in Dallas as well as Los Angeles. Notable clients include MaryKay, Frito-Lay, and JC Penny.
No list of DFW DPs is complete without mentioning Jake Wilganowski. He’s also IATSI 600 and his work truly speaks for itself. You’ve undoubtedly seen his style in eye popping commercial work across TV networks and social media platforms. Jake is also a proficient colorist and quick to dial in the perfect look for his projects. Notable clients include Mercedes Benz, Frito-Lay, and Haggar.
With 12 years in production and marketing, Brandon is a cinematographer and camera nerd, who values people and relationships over the bottom line. Known for a meticulous use of light, color, and composition, he brings emotionally resonant thoughtfulness to every shot. Brandon is also a talented colorist, a skill that enhances his work, whether collaborating with small teams or large productions. He can be counted on to be on the bleeding edge of new and tantalizing technological trends. Notable clients include Microsoft, Chevy, and Nike.
A lover of light, film, and a good cup of coffee, Collin is a freelance director and cinematographer based in Dallas, TX. He crafts visual stories that blend narrative and documentary styles and is driven by a passion to not just communicate or entertain, but to make a meaningful impact through film. His work is fueled by a deep love for storytelling and the art of creating compelling, impactful imagery that resonates with audiences and leaves a lasting impression. Notable clients include Southwest Airlines, Six Flags, and I Am Second.
A frequent flyer at Grit Productions and with over 15 years in film and video production buoying him, Joey is a cinematographer dedicated to crafting visually stunning and emotionally impactful content. His passion lies in exploring new creative horizons and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. For Joey each project is a chance to blend his technical skills with artistic vision, creating imagery that resonates deeply with audiences. Notable clients include US Polo, TIME, and Starlink.
Max is an award-winning cinematographer and channels his passion through his company Max Video Productions, delivering visually stunning, emotionally rich content. Raised in South Korea and inspired at a young age watching films with his father, Max discovered his love for the lens after receiving his first digital camera in 2003. Completely self-taught, Max quickly gained recognition for his quality work that brings stories to life with his camera. Notable clients include Intel, GE, and Sotheby’s.
Plus it in Post-Production
Once the martini shot is captured, production ends and post-production takes over (if it hasn’t already started). Even the most breathtaking footage requires the skilled touch of a professional video editor to truly shine as they put the pieces of the puzzle together to craft the narrative flow, pacing, and emotional impact needed in captivating video.
Editors often work closely with DPs and directors to ensure that every frame serves the story and aligns with the overall vision of a project. This synergy between the director, DP, and editor is what ultimately delivers a polished, engaging final product to the client.
DP: Jake Wilganowski | Director: Sawyer Skipper | Editor: Chris Salters
The best video editors can anticipate the pain points in any post-production process before they occur and are the goto resource for delivering a video project across the finish line. Chris Salters is a video editor that will walk hand-in-hand with you through the post-process and help navigate the edit, motion graphics, visual effects, color correction, audio mixing, and final delivery. Conveniently, you’re already on his website.
Imagine that 😉