Behind The Lens: 3 Female Cinematographers Breaking Barriers!

Who do you picture when you are thinking about a cinematographer? Probably a grizzled dude in his 40s thoughtfully looking into the abyss and then asking the gaffer to move the light half an inch to the left. Well, it used to be like that. Don't get me wrong, making tiny changes that are only visible to the Director of Photography themselves is still there, but the person making them now is a woman.

The role of a cinematographer historically belonged to a man, but today, young women are taking their power back, bursting into fields that, just yesterday, were all controlled by men. We want to celebrate these talented and pioneering women, so let's take a look at the incredible work they have done!

1. Ksenia Sereda: Crafting Atmosphere in "The Last of Us"

The HBO hit "The Last of Us" has left not only gamers but also cinema lovers in awe. A big part of what made this show so engrossing is the atmosphere conveyed through the visual storytelling. Blurred and foggy shots, dark tones, and a desaturated atmosphere express the emotional state of the characters. The post-apocalyptic scenery is magnificently crafted by production design and captured by the show's cinematographers.

One of the leading cinematographers is Ksenia Sereda. The way Sereda uses light and shadows to communicate despair, hope, and danger while keeping the emotional core intact is a testament to the power of her craft. She's a prime example of how young female cinematographers are pushing boundaries in high-profile, male-dominated productions.

2. Autumn Durald Arkapaw: Shaping Marvel's "Loki"

Another hit TV show, "Loki", was captured by another female cinematographer, Autumn Durald Arkapaw. Arkapaw utilized bold color palettes, innovative framing, and unexpected camera movements to transport audiences into the Multiverse, adding depth and texture to a show filled with complex storytelling.

Durald used the surroundings as one of the characters in the series. She shows TVA headquarters, different timelines, and different eras in these timelines to establish what the characters are going through. We loved the wide, symmetrical shots with vibrant backgrounds, which are the highlight of the TV series. 

She is also celebrated for being the DP behind films like The Sun Is Also a Star and Palo Alto, where her talent for capturing raw emotion and youthful energy stood out. Her dynamic style and her passion for visual storytelling have positioned her as one of the top DPs in Hollywood, contributing to the rise of young female voices in the industry.

3. Rina Yang: Mastering Music Videos to Film with "Euphoria"

"Euphoria" is one of the most unique cinematography styles in recent film and TV history. Filled with colors and movement, cinematography expresses the characters' lives. Shallow depth of field and haze make some sequences dreamy and trippy, conveying the drug abuse that some characters experience. Visual elements put you in a different world — a world of parties, love, betrayals, and emotional rollercoasters — to experience once again what it was like to be a teenager. 

All of this is thanks to Rina Yang, a British who has made her mark across various genres, from music videos to feature films. Still, her work on HBO's "Euphoria" has cemented her place as a key player in modern cinematography. Her background in short-form content like music videos has equipped her with a keen sense of pacing and mood, translating seamlessly to the long-form narrative world. This versatility and creativity have made Yang one of the most sought-after DPs in the industry today.

Today, we are redefining the narrative that has lasted for generations in cinema history. Finally, women are gaining their voices in front of and behind the camera. While the film industry still has a long way to go in terms of achieving true gender parity, the contributions of these young female cinematographers demonstrate significant progress. They have shown that cinematography is not just about technical skills but also about having a voice that resonates through visual storytelling.