Ben

For this film, I wanted daylight to feel present but actively ignored, reflecting the character's state of mind. This meant using light placement to suggest sunlight existing outside while the character stays inside and closed off.

Experience matters on set, especially when you're resource-limited. Even though I still achieved the visual intent despite the constraints, the mental load of mentoring while operating was a struggle.

A stronger support team would have freed me up to focus purely on image and my role as a DP. Next time, I know I need experienced crew around me, not just for the technical execution, but so I can stay focused on the creative vision rather than spreading myself across multiple roles.
For next time, I know I need experienced crew around me, not just for the technical execution, but so I can stay focused on the creative vision rather than spreading myself across multiple roles.

While, on set I was the only one with experience, which meant balancing DP work with mentoring inexperienced people through blocking and shooting decisions. I didn't have a dedicated 1st AC, so there were moments I had to pull my own focus while also protecting the visual plan.