Meet Luke Park | Cinematographer/DP

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

Hi Luke, we’d love to hear more about your end-goal, professionally.
As a cinematographer, my ultimate goal is to create a cinematic masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. While awards and recognition are certainly welcome, they are not my primary motivation. Rather, I am driven by the desire to tell powerful stories through compelling visual imagery that evokes genuine emotions in viewers.

I believe that the art of cinematography is not just about capturing stunning shots. It is about communicating the heart and soul of a story through visual storytelling. A truly great film can transport us to another world, make us feel deeply, and leave a lasting impression on our minds and hearts. That is the kind of impact I aspire to create with my work.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My approach to the art of visual storytelling as a cinematographer comes from my love for the way imagery can convey powerful emotions. While many people can capture beautiful shots, my goal is to create a visual narrative that not only captures the beauty of the image but also evokes a genuine emotional response in the viewer.

To achieve this, I focus on crafting shots that communicate the character or the scene’s emotion through visual language. By using techniques such as lighting, framing, and composition, I aim to immerse the viewer in the story, taking them on a journey through the film’s emotional landscape.

What sets me apart as a cinematographer is my ability to transform ordinary locations into stunning visual backdrops. I am always excited by the challenge of creating beautiful shots from everyday environments such as streets or houses, pushing the limits of what is possible and finding new and creative ways to capture the essence of the scene.

In terms of what I am most proud of, it is my ability to communicate effectively and collaborate closely with directors to bring their vision to life. One of the most important aspects of this collaboration is the ability to have open and honest conversations about the creative direction of the film.

While I always approach these discussions with respect and professionalism, I am not afraid to speak up if I believe that a particular shot or approach may not be the best choice for the film. At the same time, I also understand the importance of being receptive to the director’s vision and finding creative solutions that balance their artistic goals with the practical considerations of the production.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m new to Atlanta soI don’t know many hidden spots. However, I love walking around the beautiful neighborhood surrounding Piedmont Park. It’s an amazing park with trees, workout areas, and a lake. There are not many outdoor track or workout area in metro Atlanta so Piedmont Park is like an oasis for me. I also like Colony square in the midtown. There are great food places and you can relax on the bench in the middle of the square. It has parking so you can drive to it too. It’s a perfect place to hangout or have a meeting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When it comes to discussing cinematography, it is impossible to ignore the work of legendary cinematographers such as Roger Deakins, whose mastery of light and shadow has inspired countless filmmakers and cinephiles. However, for me, Hoyte van Hoytema is the cinematographer who truly embodies the qualities that I aspire to emulate in my own work.

Hoyte van Hoytema is a Dutch-Swedish cinematographer known for his minimalist yet immersive visual style. He has collaborated with some of the most respected directors in the film industry, including Christopher Nolan, Tomas Alfredson, and Spike Jonze, among others. His films are characterized by a restrained color palette, atmospheric lighting, and an unobtrusive camera that allows the story to unfold without distracting the viewer.

One of the things I admire most about Hoyte van Hoytema’s work is his ability to use light and shadow to create a sense of atmosphere and mood that is both subtle and evocative. His approach to lighting is minimalistic, using only what is necessary to create the desired effect. He also has a keen eye for composition, often using unconventional camera angles to create a sense of depth and dimensionality in his shots.

Also, his life story of starting as a film school dropout, and then not giving up until he became one of the most respected cinematographers in the industry, has taught me to persevere and follow my passion no matter the obstacles.

Website: https://www.lukeparkcine.com

Instagram: @lukeparkcine

Other: lukepark@lukeparkcine.com