Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dipen Patel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Dipen , thanks for joining us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

From childhood, I’ve been captivated by the world of film, commercials, and visual storytelling, always dreaming of being part of that industry. That initial desire to be on screen as an actor and model eventually evolved into a deeper passion for crafting those stories myself. I transitioned into cinematography here in Los Angeles and haven’t looked back. My mission as a cinematographer is rooted in meticulous detail and unwavering effort. I believe in building strong teams and collaborating closely on the visual language of a project, understanding the brand’s narrative and injecting my own creative perspective. Beyond just the technical aspects, I’m driven by the collaborative spirit, working closely with actors, models, and brands to create compelling cinematic stories that resonate with audiences and showcase our collective work. This drive to create is constant, I actively seek out collaborative opportunities. For me, it all comes down to staying creative, consistently working on my craft, and believing that this dedication will lead to success.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Dipen Patel, and what excites me most is creating films and working as an actor in the industry. However, working as an actor sometimes made me feel incomplete. I always wanted to discover how to create a film and understand the process that goes behind it. This question always intrigued me over time.

My journey began when I landed in Mumbai from my hometown in Gujarat. I started hustling to work as an actor and did a few lead roles in short films like Kaash, Use Me Tokiye Aur Rokiye, Vicar Ka Achar (Open Your Mind Before Mouth), Bhavra, and more. I also featured in TV commercials and series. After spending a considerable amount of time as an actor, a sudden shift behind the camera was exciting and challenging. I had to gather all the knowledge about lighting, cameras, equipment, and tools used in filmmaking. Slowly, I started grasping all the necessary skills and bought my first Sony camera. I began filming randomly, trying to make all the clips come together. But again, the same question arose: How do I edit this footage like a professional? I did research and learned editing by watching videos on social media platforms. It took me a while to master the process and make it industry-standard. I moved from basic software to pro-level industry-standard software and went from using a basic camera to now working with top-tier equipment like RED, ARRI, Blackmagic, and even film cameras like ARRI SR2 film cameras.Today, I make trendy commercial content in Los Angeles. I’ve worked as a cinematographer for commercials like Boohoo Man, Monaco Colombia, Jolly Couture, Skin Tight, Upper Case, and many others. I’ve also created award-winning short films like Not in This World and First Light.

As a cinematographer, I’m constantly faced with new challenges. For example, working on multiple commercials in one day excites me, but it also requires me to deliver everything that’s needed for each project. When I’m fully involved, I believe everything is possible. One of my standout projects was with the fashion label Monaco Colombia. The project demanded multiple commercials in a single day, each with unique collections from the brand. As a cinematographer, I had to make quick decisions about placing lights and cameras to achieve the desired look, matching the look-book of the film. I had my camera setup on a gimbal, placing bounce boards and reflectors to shape the light. We had to make fast set changes for each outfit, meaning I had to work quickly to save time while ensuring the shoot stayed on track. Using gimbals and camera setups gave me the flexibility to achieve the best shots. I solved problems on set, ensuring everything was delivered on time. The result was a successful project completed within the deadlines.

Filming has its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to maintaining the attention of the audience. Filmmaking requires long timelines to tell a complete story, and it’s my job to hold the audience’s attention by creating visually appealing frames. One of the most memorable projects for me was Not in This World. This film required close attention to colour theory, set lighting, and storyboarding. I carefully selected locations to match the film’s mood and worked with the lighting accordingly. The challenge was filming a long scene where the characters Gabbi and Mezz do a face ice dip, a fruit blow face dip, and makeup, before ending with a mirror shot. The lighting had to be soft and natural, while I also needed to capture all the character details in the frame. I believe in staying experimental and working on new ideas to improve my craft.

Some of my standout projects include Boohoo Man, First Light, and Not in This World. These projects have gained international attention, breaking records on social platforms. Once your work is noticed by the industry, your cinematic journey takes off. This has allowed me to collaborate with brands like Fresh Beauty, Upper Case, and Dino Specs. There’s no looking back now. I work back-to-back as a cinematographer on commercials, and my consistency in matching trendy effects makes my videos stand out. Working closely on scripts and understanding brand demands has led me to new opportunities.

Before setting up my camera, I always have a conversation with the brand owner. I want to understand what they’re looking for, the inspiration behind their product, and the message they want to convey. This helps me make informed decisions on how to best approach each project. I customise my approach to every individual project because each commercial and film has its own story, mood, colour, and message. Being honest, disciplined, and staying true to my art is what sets me apart from others. Every problem has its own solution, and it’s through consistency and a personalised touch that I’ve reached where I am today.

When I first arrived in Los Angeles, I had questions about how I would achieve my goal of becoming a successful cinematographer in such a competitive environment. But by staying consistent, adapting to challenges, and giving a personal touch to each project, I’ve been able to achieve what I am today.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Back in the day, when I was just starting my journey as a cinematographer, the thrill of run-and-gun shooting without proper planning, a storyboard, or a vision board was real. My only priority was to shoot, edit, and create something amazing. This method worked for me at the time. I was gaining attention from other creators around me, making a name for myself as a rising cinematographer.
Everything seemed to be working for a while. I was producing visual stories using whatever resources I had available. But soon, my downfall began. While my approach was effective at the moment, I had a deep realization: I was missing the ability to execute projects properly with the depth they required. I needed to refine my visual storytelling skills to elevate my work.
At this point, run-and-gun filmmaking was no longer enough. I decided to join the New York Film Academy to further shape my career in cinematography. There, I discovered the intricate details that go into visual storytelling, understanding how each scene requires its own shot composition, mood, and lighting style. I learned about the importance of pre- and post-production, industry norms, and, most importantly, how to craft a complete product that resonates emotionally with the audience. For example, I learned about the The principle of thirds is essential., the use of different lighting setups to create specific moods, and the role of color in storytelling.
After gaining sufficient knowledge, my approach to filmmaking and commercials underwent a complete transformation. Now, my work is guided by story, mood, and lighting style tailored to each project. My goal has always been to create films and commercials that deeply engage audiences through visual storytelling. While I was always making films and commercials before, they lacked essential elements that keep the audience connected to the narrative.
As a cinematographer, you must master the language of the lens, camera movements, lighting intensity, and color theory. Cinematography is a deep and layered subject once you understand all its aspects, you can genuinely bring motion pictures to life.
I am successfully working in this competitive industry today, but I sometimes wish I had learned these lessons earlier. However, it’s never too late to embrace growth and knowledge. The willingness to evolve is what truly shapes a filmmaker’s journey.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

I have always believed in investing in camera gear and building a small personal setup. This decision has helped me generate more work than others. Owning my equipment allows me to make quick and independent decisions, especially when a project’s budget doesn’t align with a brand’s creative demands.
I was once booked for a last-minute commercial shoot for a skincare brand called Skin Tight. The project was urgent, and I had less than 24 hours to deliver the final product. Reaching out to a rental house on such short notice wasn’t a reliable option, as equipment availability isn’t always guaranteed. Fortunately, having my compact setup allowed me to take on the project without delays, ensuring I met the brand’s deadline.
Working as a freelancer often means dealing with unexpected workloads and sudden project opportunities. Purchasing my camera was a long-term investment in my cinematography career. Having a personal, well-equipped setup has led me to many unexpected collaborations and allowed me to take on more projects without worrying about rental logistics. It also allows me to work within different budgets and experiment creatively without constraints.
I encourage all aspiring cinematographers and filmmakers to invest in at least essential camera gear and lighting equipment. This not only makes you more accessible in the industry but also increases your chances of securing work. Owning equipment becomes even more crucial when working on long-term projects where rental costs can exceed initial estimates. You can maximize your creative potential without second thoughts when you have your gear.
Having my setup has given me the freedom to create continuously. My projects, such as Dico Beauty, Dino Specs, and Jolly Couture, started with my gear, eventually leading me to big-budget productions. My advice to every filmmaker is: don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; start creating with whatever resources you have. Staying visible and active in the industry is key to long-term success.
In the long run, owning even a tiny filming kit ensures sustainability in this competitive field. Being ready and adaptable will set you apart and keep your cinematography journey moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dipenpatelcinema.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdipen?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@actdipen5478