We were lucky to catch up with Zehua Yang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Zehua thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

The trend towards smaller crews and setups has really changed the way we the filmmaker work. We’ve been able to shoot entire commercials and promo videos with just one or two people, which wasn’t even possible a few years ago. With today’s mirrorless cameras that has good enough image quality and bright, lightweight LED fixture, we can move quickly, capture genuine moments, and work closely with many clients to bring their vision to life—often on a much smaller budget than before.

In a way, this shift gives us the freedom to focus more on the creative aspects and makes production more adaptable. While there are challenges—like managing multiple roles and ensuring the quality stays high—it’s an exciting time for filmmaking. This trend opens up new opportunities for both indie filmmakers and businesses, allowing high-quality work without the high costs of traditional productions, which also means even small business now can afford good commercial.

Zehua, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Zehua Yang, a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, with a background that spans both the US and China. My journey into cinematography began with a passion for visual storytelling, and I’ve since worked on a range of projects from documentaries to commercials. These experiences have shaped my approach, allowing me to capture meaningful imagery that connects with audiences.

I’ve had the honor of showcasing my work at film festivals like NFFTY, Palm Springs, and Berlin Short Awards etc. I love working across different styles—whether it’s the heartfelt moments of a documentary, the fast pace of a commercial, or the creative shots in a music video. My goal is always to tell a story through images that feel real and engaging.

Collaboration is really important to me, and I always work closely with clients to bring their ideas to life, even when we’re under tight deadlines. I balance technical skills with creativity to produce high-quality work that connects with people. I’m excited to keep pushing myself and exploring new ways to tell stories through film.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being a cinematographer is capturing those moments that feel real—whether it’s a perfect shot that enhances a scene or a fleeting moment that tells the story. It’s about blending technical skill with intuition, getting the right shot at the right time. Working with the director and team to create something meaningful that resonates with the audience is what makes all the hard work on set worthwhile. There’s nothing quite like knowing that the shot I’ve captured will have an emotional impact, and that’s what keeps me passionate about this craft.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

To keep morale high and manage a team effectively, I focus on leading by example—working hard and staying positive. I think it’s important to communicate clearly and make sure everyone feels heard. Recognizing both big and small achievements helps keep energy up. I try to give my team trust and ownership over their work because that keeps them motivated. And, of course, I always try to keep stress in check by setting realistic expectations and not overloading anyone. At the end of the day, it’s all about making sure everyone feels supported and valued.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/z_yang44/?hl=en