Meet Austin Jansma | Director of Photography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Austin Jansma and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Austin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
As an individual diagnosed with ADHD, I have always been apprehensive about working in a conventional nine-to-five work setting, which involves enduring traffic and being confined to a cubicle for long hours. Therefore, I have found my calling in the film industry, which is characterized at times by its unpredictability and perfectly fits my professional aspirations. As a Director of Photography (DoP), I am deeply passionate about my work, and my attention to detail is evident in my keenness to discuss and collaborate on the impact of different camera angles or movement, lens choices, and lighting setups with the director. I take pride in my ability to bring out the best in every scene and constantly look for ways to enhance visual storytelling. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working on various projects, including music videos, commercials, sketch comedy, and short films. I have developed a unique style that leans towards a dark and moody aesthetic, but I am always willing to explore new techniques that evoke emotions and enhance the story. I believe that a good DoP should be versatile and adaptable, and I strive to embody these qualities in my work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a director of photography, I have developed a unique approach to each project that involves active listening to the director and producers. I strive to work within the given story and budget parameters to achieve the project’s vision. During pre-production, I collaborate with the director to gain a clear understanding of their vision for the project. We discuss various elements such as storyboards, shot lists, mood boards, aspect ratios, and color schemes. We also analyze the best tools to use, such as cameras, lenses, and camera movement equipment, to enhance the visual storytelling of the project.
My attention to detail during the pre-production phase sets me apart from other directors of photography. I understand that this phase is critical to the project’s success, and I carefully consider every detail. During this phase, I work closely with the director to develop a shooting schedule that maximizes the use of time and resources. Despite careful planning, some projects present challenges that require quick thinking. When faced with such challenges, being versatile and adaptable is key. I draw on my experience in lighting and camera setups to analyze resources, location, and actor movements to create the best possible scenario. I have learned to be patient, flexible, and creative in such situations to achieve the project’s vision.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My wife and I don’t go out much, but when we do, we take our guests to exciting places. We would ask them about their interests in picking the best location.
If they like thrill rides, we would take them to Six Flags Over Georgia. If they are sports fans, we would attend a live game at SunTrust Park. We would hike to the top of Stone Mountain so nature lovers could enjoy the beautiful views. And for foodies, we would take them to the Curious Kitchen in Senoia, GA.
We always ensure that our guests have a great time and that they leave with unforgettable memories.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A film industry saying goes, “It’s not what you know, but who you know,” and to some extent, that’s true. However, it’s important to be able to perform the job even if you know somebody. I owe much of my success to the people who have helped me along the way.

Firstly, I’d like to thank my wife, Jessa Jansma, for being my rock and always supporting me through the industry’s demanding nature. She’s also saved the day by filling in last-minute roles when needed.

I also owe a lot to IbJb, a great friend and independent music artist based in Sacramento, California. We collaborated on several music videos and a short film, where I learned and experimented with different lighting techniques, camera movements, visual effects, editing styles, and, most importantly, camera tone for the story (when to move and when not to move the camera). Without him, I wouldn’t have pushed myself to try new things and test my limits.
Adam Weber is another friend and colleague who has been instrumental in my success. He’s an amazing actor and writer, and we’ve continuously pushed each other to reach our career goals. He’s even recommended me to directors looking for a photography director for their projects.

I’m also grateful to Kristin Petrovich and the Society of Camera Operators (SoC). As an associate member, I’ve been able to attend masterclasses and workshops with some of the best camera operators in the world. I’ve learned everything from balancing a fluid head to the differences between gimbals and how camera movement can intensify or calm a scene. Capturing the essence of the story that the director and DoP have envisioned for the film is crucial, and the knowledge I’ve gained from the SoC has been invaluable.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Scott and Lindsey Howell and the entire Cinemoves family for granting me the invaluable opportunity to learn about specialty camera equipment and tools. As an independent filmmaker, I have always struggled to gain access to advanced camera cranes, arm cars, underwater housings, and various drone setups that are essential for creating high-quality films.

However, being part of Cinemoves, a truly innovative and dynamic company with a strong team, has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for me. Working alongside their skilled technicians and experts has taught me about camera movement and some incredible shots that I never imagined were possible. Being a part of the Cinemoves family has been an absolute privilege. I am deeply grateful for the invaluable knowledge and experience I have gained through this opportunity.

Website: https://www.austinjansma.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinjansma/

Image Credits
Austin Jansma