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

Hi Juan, how do you think about risk?
I believe in every successful story there is always a level of measurable risk to take. Is very important to take risks, in order to achieve success, because when you jump into the unknown is when you figure out your capabilities and your limitations. Every time you take a risk, your bubble of comfort expands, in a way it sounds contradictory to what people normally say of getting out of the comfort zone, however I would say, the more you get out of the comfort zone, the most you expand. It has shaped me in every way possible. I am not alive if I am not constantly taking risks in order to expand, learn and grow, weather I fail or succeed at taking certain risks the knowledge acquired is very important.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a freelance director of photography, no is not what you think not the director of the stills department I work with light, shadow, cameras , lenses, color palettes; in motion picture to create a look or a feel for the work you would see online on movies on tv shows etc. What really sets me apart I feel is the ability I have to create great cinematic moods in the story telling process. I believe not everybody is a cinematographer you have to have certain kind of eye to really create ambience and mood in moving picture images, is not as easy as it may sound; light is very complicated much more controlling light because light always wants to get away. When you master light you become Rodger Deakins. I got to where I am today by shutting up the outside voices.The what would people think?, and looking in side me searching for what really makes me complete. A camera makes me so complete I spend shooting at least half the week, in weeks I have no work I feel something lacking inside me so I grab my camera and play look for composition shoot the trees play with lighting etc. Is never easy much less if is work passion. Is so HARD  but nobody wants to talk about how hard it is to be where you really want to be but as you grow professionally in the business you endure a thick skin that is hard to penetrate and that creates a lot of resilience in you. All the pain is worth it in the end. Challenges are overcome by going with the flow, do not resist them, because it will become more difficult, the lessons are go with the flow, smile all the way, stay present, don’t rush things, difficult times makes us a better person cry all you want but don’t let emotions overtake your life. Stay focus and always keep your goals in mind. Daily goals are important, what can I do today that will get me closer to what I want? be resilient. Resilence is proven to make people very successful. I want people to know that My unique eye will bring that unique touch to their story telling, a deep cinematic meaning makes a whole lot of difference when telling a story in film, commercial, music video etc.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love hanging out near the new braves stadium, there are so much places to eat and good vibes. Ponce city market the sunsets at the roof are definitely pretty, a Georgia summer is not a summer without the pool since, also the lake on a boat ride is a great plan. Midtown is always a fun spot to hang out, or a long hike at Kennesaw Mtn park in Marietta, or Stn Mtn park are fun things to do in Georgia as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out first of all to my wife Isabel because she gives me an incredible amount of support since the begin, she has never given up on my dream even when I was about to give up she encourages me all the time to keep going, even when things have gotten dark and difficult, also God because without putting him first I would not be here, and also the colleagues in the field of filmmaking which have endured through this journey throughout the years of experience in our work. The big guys in the industry who have given me that window of opportunity to learn new stuff and apply it to my own projects.

Website: https://jelfilms1.myportfolio.com/
Instagram: @jlondondop

Image Credits
Photo taken by J. Nance

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