We recently connected with Joshua Cornelius and have shared our conversation below.

Joshua, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back at internships and apprenticeships can be interesting, because there is so much variety in people’s experiences – and often those experiences inform our own leadership style. Do you have an interesting story from that stage of your career that you can share with us?

I’ve never had an internship in production, but the work I did early in my career felt like an internship—except I had to create those opportunities myself. I spent many hours working on commercials, weddings, short films, and even documentaries, often for free or for very little pay. Those projects weren’t about making money; they were about gaining experience and building a foundation for my career.

One of the most important lessons I learned during that time was the value of saying “yes” to opportunities, even if they didn’t seem glamorous. Shooting weddings taught me how to think on my feet and adapt to unpredictable situations. Working on short films helped me understand storytelling and collaboration on a set. Documentaries opened my eyes to the power of real-life narratives and how visuals can drive emotional impact. Every project added a new layer to my skill set and helped me develop the ability to work with people from all walks of life.
This unconventional path shaped me in ways a traditional internship might not have. I had to learn to be resourceful, work within tight budgets, and manage time effectively—all skills that are essential in production. Looking back, those unpaid gigs were invaluable. They gave me the hands-on experience and confidence I needed to take on bigger projects later in my career.

Most importantly, they instilled a deep appreciation for the craft and the collaborative nature of production. Every project—no matter how small—played a role in shaping the filmmaker I am today.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m a cinematographer and producer with a passion for storytelling. My journey into this craft wasn’t traditional—it’s a path shaped by diverse experiences and a deep love for visual storytelling.

I discovered my love for creativity early in life, studying the violin as a child, which taught me discipline and the value of expressing emotion through art. While attending Indiana University of Pennsylvania and later serving in the Army National Guard, I found myself longing for a creative outlet. During my deployment to the Middle East in 2016, I picked up a camera for the first time, initially as a way to document my surroundings and the people I met. That’s when I realized the power of visual storytelling to transcend language and cultural barriers.

Upon returning to the U.S., I began refining my craft, starting with photography and transitioning into videography by 2019. I worked on weddings, short films, documentaries, and commercial projects, often taking on unpaid gigs to build experience and hone my skills. In 2020, I took a leap of faith and enrolled at Full Sail University, where I gained formal training in cinematography and film production, graduating in 2023.

What I Do
I specialize in creating cinematic visual content, including narrative films, documentaries, commercials, and branded content. My focus is on helping clients tell authentic and compelling stories, whether it’s a brand showcasing its mission, a couple capturing the most important day of their lives, or a filmmaker bringing a script to life.

The Problems I Solve
I help my clients transform their ideas into visually engaging stories. Whether it’s crafting an emotionally resonant narrative or finding creative solutions to production challenges, I thrive on taking concepts from ideation to execution. I bring technical expertise and a collaborative mindset to ensure the final product not only meets but exceeds expectations.

What Sets Me Apart
My diverse background has given me a unique perspective in the industry. Coming from a military and business management background, I’ve developed a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt under pressure. My collaborative approach is central to my work—I believe the best stories are born out of strong relationships on set, where every team member feels valued.

I also take inspiration from legendary cinematographers like Roger Deakins and Bradford Young, whose work demonstrates how cinematography can enhance storytelling without overpowering it. This philosophy drives my commitment to creating visuals that feel authentic and meaningful.

What I Want You to Know
If there’s one thing I want potential clients and followers to know, it’s that storytelling is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I’m working on a documentary that tackles social issues, a commercial for a local business, or a short film, my goal is always the same: to create work that connects with people on a deeper level.

My brand is built on authenticity, collaboration, and passion for the craft. I believe every story deserves to be told with care and creativity, and I’m here to make that happen. For anyone looking for a partner to bring their vision to life, I’d be honored to collaborate and create something truly special together.

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

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to touch people on an emotional level and make them feel something real. Whether it’s joy, sadness, nostalgia, or inspiration, there’s something magical about creating a moment that resonates deeply with someone—something that stays with them long after they’ve experienced it.

When I’m behind the camera, I’m not just capturing images or telling a story; I’m building a connection. It’s incredibly humbling to think that my work might remind someone of a memory, help them see the world differently, or even just make them feel seen. That connection, that shared humanity, is what drives me.

One of my favorite moments is when someone watches something I’ve created and says, “That really hit me,” or, “I felt like you told my story.” Those are the moments when I know I’ve done my job—not just as a filmmaker but as someone who wants to leave the world a little more understood, a little more connected.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Managing a camera department or video production team comes down to communication and collaboration. From the beginning, I make sure everyone understands their role and the overall vision for the project. When people know what’s expected and how their work contributes to the bigger picture, they stay focused and confident. But I’ve also learned the importance of staying flexible—productions rarely go exactly as planned, and the best ideas sometimes come from being open to change.

Keeping morale high on set is about creating a positive environment where everyone feels valued. I try to keep communication open and make space for people to share ideas or concerns. Celebrating the small wins, like nailing a challenging shot or finishing on schedule, goes a long way in keeping the team motivated. I also believe in leading by example. If I stay calm under pressure and treat everyone with respect, it sets the tone for how the rest of the team works together.

For me, it’s also important that everyone on the team walks away feeling like they’ve grown from the experience. I do my best to mentor and create opportunities for people to try new things or step into bigger roles when possible. At the end of the day, a production is about more than just the final product—it’s about the connections we build and the experience we share while creating something together. When the team feels appreciated and invested, the work always turns out better.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://josh45c97.wixsite.com/part1joshuacornelius
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuacornelius_/reels/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-c-63210081/