Exposing the Negative

In this final episode, I had the opportunity to talk with cinematographer Mandy Walker, AM, ASC, ACS. Her work on the film Elvis earned an Academy Award nomination and made history when she became the first woman to receive the ASC Award for feature film cinematography. In 2025, she further made history when she was elected the first female president of the ASC. She has helped pave the way for future generations of filmmakers through both her groundbreaking work behind the camera and her commitment to mentorship. We discuss being a woman in the film industry, work life and family life balance, long hours on set, burnout, imposter syndrome, handling rejection, managing highs and lows, work in Los Angeles and the importance of community.

In this episode, I had the chance to talk with cinematographer Brandon Cox. A graduate of the American Film Institute, Brandon has built a career spanning music videos, feature films, and television, with cinematography credits including Werewolves, Long Gone Heroes, One Spoon of Chocolate, and Gasoline Alley. After spending decades working in the film industry, he offers an honest perspective on the challenges that come with building a career in this industry. We talk about burnout, handling rejection, imposter syndrome, depression, managing highs and lows, having to ask for payment, constantly traveling,

In this episode, I had the opportunity to talk with camera technician Matthew Thomas Borek. A Local 600 camera technician based in Los Angeles, California. Matthew has worked on a wide range of acclaimed feature films, television productions, commercials, and music videos. Beyond his work on set, he is passionate about educating and mentoring the next generation of filmmakers, generously sharing his knowledge to help others grow in the camera department. We talk about managing highs and lows, burnout, balancing work and family life, being your own worst critic, imposter syndrome, depression and community.

In this episode, I had the chance to talk with cinematographer Jayson Crothers. Jayson earned his Master of Fine Arts degree from the American Film Institute. His work spans both feature films and television, including series such as Cruel Summer for Hulu, Chicago Fire for NBC, and most recently additional photography on Margo’s Got Money Troubles for Apple and A24.  Beyond his work behind the camera, he is a frequent guest instructor at workshops and seminars, where he is passionate about educating the next generation of filmmakers. We speak about life off set, the illusion of social media, burnout, toxic work conditions and working with toxic people, and balancing work with personal life.

In this episode, I had the chance to speak with Argentinian cinematographer Natasha Braier, ASC, ADF. Her work includes films such as The Neon Demon, Honey Boy, and I Love Boosters. She is the first Latina to serve on the Board of Governors of the American Society of Cinematographers. In 2025, she founded Deep Light, a global cinematography mentorship community dedicated to education, growth, and support for cinematographers around the world. We discuss feeling isolated, finding community, being underestimated, navigating highs and lows, and balancing work and personal life.