We recently connected with Morvarid Reyes Talebzadeh and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Morvarid thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?
As a cinematographer, I hold a belief that may be considered somewhat unconventional in my industry: “Perfection isn’t always the goal, and sometimes embracing imperfections can enhance the storytelling process.”
Throughout my journey as a cinematographer, I’ve come to realize that the pursuit of perfection can sometimes stifle creativity and limit the emotional impact of a visual narrative. In the early days of my career, I was always obsessed with achieving flawlessly composed shots, impeccable lighting, and technically pristine visuals. While technical proficiency is essential, I soon discovered that there’s a certain charm and authenticity in embracing imperfections.
One defining moment that led me to this belief was during the shooting of an indie film. It was a low-budget project with limited resources, and we faced numerous challenges on set. One day, we were shooting a crucial emotional scene at the golden hour, but just as we were about to start filming, an unexpected cloud covered the sun, drastically changing the lighting conditions. Initially, I was frustrated and wanted to wait for the sun to reappear, but the director encouraged us to proceed and adapt to the situation.
As we continued shooting, I realized that the soft, diffused light created by the cloud added a unique, dream-like quality to the scene, making it more emotionally evocative than the perfectly lit version we had initially planned. This experience taught me that imperfections can bring unexpected beauty and emotional depth to a scene, making it more relatable and human.
Since then, I’ve embraced a more organic and intuitive approach to cinematography, allowing room for spontaneity and creative improvisation. I’ve found that sometimes the best shots come from being open to the moment and being in sync with the emotions of the characters and the story.
While technical excellence is crucial, I believe that a balance between technicality and artistic expression is key. My willingness to explore the beauty of imperfections has allowed me to create visually striking and emotionally resonant moments that might not have been possible if I had rigidly adhered to a pursuit of perfection.
Overall, I believe that my unconventional view on embracing imperfections has enriched my work as a cinematographer and has contributed to creating more authentic and compelling visual stories.
I have the privilege of creating visual narratives that can evoke powerful emotions, spark conversations, and inspire change. Whether it’s through a film, a commercial, or a documentary, I get to immerse myself in the storytelling process and collaborate with a team of talented individuals to bring ideas to life. The joy I experience when seeing an audience moved by the visuals I’ve crafted is unparalleled. Knowing that my work has the power to touch people’s hearts, provoke thought, and create lasting impressions is incredibly fulfilling. It reinforces my belief in the transformative power of art and its ability to make a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.
Ultimately, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the privilege of contributing to the collective tapestry of human expression. Art has the power to inspire, heal, and unite, and I take pride in being part of this beautiful journey. It is a lifelong pursuit of self-discovery, connection, and making a difference through the magic of storytelling.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My journey into the world of cinematography began with a deep love for storytelling and visual arts. From a young age, I was captivated by the power of films to transport audiences to different worlds and evoke profound emotions. This fascination led me to pursue a career in filmmaking, where I learned about the intricacies of visual storytelling and the technical aspects of cinematography.
I dove headfirst into the industry, starting as a camera assistant and gradually working my way up to become a full-fledged cinematographer. This path allowed me to gain invaluable hands-on experience, refine my skills, and understand the nuances of capturing moments that truly move viewers.
As a cinematographer, I offer a range of services and creative works to clients, including feature films, documentaries, commercials, music videos, and short films. I pride myself on being adaptable and versatile, capable of bringing a unique vision to various genres and styles. One of the key problems I solve for my clients is creating compelling visual narratives that connect with audiences on a deep emotional level. I believe that the art of cinematography goes beyond merely capturing images; it’s about weaving a tapestry of emotions, textures, and atmospheres that transport viewers into the heart of the story.
What sets me apart from others is my commitment to storytelling. I approach each project with a keen understanding of the narrative’s essence, collaborating closely with directors and other creative talents to ensure that the visuals align seamlessly with the story’s themes and characters. I take pride in my ability to evoke emotions through visuals, whether it’s through the clever use of lighting, framing, or camera movement.
One aspect of my work that I am most proud of is my dedication to continuous growth and improvement. I never stop learning and experimenting with new techniques, tools, and technologies. This openness to innovation allows me to stay at the forefront of the industry and deliver cutting-edge visuals that resonate with modern audiences.
My brand MORFILMS stands for authenticity, creativity, and passion. I am deeply committed to bringing stories to life through the lens of my camera, and I approach every project with the same enthusiasm and attention to detail, regardless of its scale or budget, You can expect a collaborative and seamless experience. I thrive on building strong relationships with clients and ensuring that their vision is brought to fruition while adding my artistic touch to enhance the overall cinematic experience.
My journey as a cinematographer has been driven by a genuine love for storytelling and a desire to touch hearts through the magic of visuals. I am thrilled to embark on new creative adventures and welcome anyone who wishes to be a part of this exciting journey with me. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work!
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
My side hustle as a cinematographer indeed evolved into my full-time career, and the journey has been both challenging and immensely rewarding.
When I first started, I was working as a photographer for publicity magazines and passion projects during my free time while holding a regular job to make ends meet. Cinematography was my true passion, but I knew it would take time and effort to establish myself in the highly competitive industry. As I continued to refine my skills and build my portfolio, I began receiving positive feedback and recognition for my work, which encouraged me to take my side hustle more seriously. I became a Focus Puller for about 15 years and I had a very successful career working with great directors and cinematographers on international level, travel and living in different continents (Asia, Europe and America).
The turning point came when I was offered the opportunity to work on a low-budget independent film as the director of photography in Los Angeles. The project was a stepping stone that allowed me to showcase my abilities on a larger scale. While the pay was modest, the experience and exposure were invaluable. The film screened at Cannes film festival 2023 and it’s been nominated at several film festivals for Best Film, Best Director and Best Cinematography!
Over time, I made a conscious decision to allocate more of my time and energy into cinematography, gradually reducing my commitments to other jobs. As the demand for my services grew, I transitioned into freelancing full-time, which allowed me to work on a diverse range of projects.
Key milestones in my journey included collaborating with renowned Academy Award directors and production houses, as well as being part of projects that received international recognition. The positive word-of-mouth from satisfied clients further expanded my network and led to more opportunities.
However, I faced challenges along the way. The unpredictable nature of freelancing demanded a careful balance between creative pursuits and financial stability. But with determination and persistence, I continued to grow both as an artist and as a business professional. Being an artist allows me to constantly evolve and grow creatively. Each new project presents unique challenges and opportunities for exploration. The process of discovering innovative techniques, experimenting with different styles, and pushing the boundaries of my artistic capabilities is immensely satisfying.
Today, my side hustle has grown into a successful full-time career. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and the impact my work has had on various projects and audiences. While the journey was not without its obstacles, the fulfillment I find in bringing stories to life through visuals makes it all worthwhile. I’m excited to continue inspiring and connecting with fellow creatives and small business owners through my passion. Additionally, the sense of camaraderie and collaboration within the creative community is a source of great joy. Working alongside fellow artists, filmmakers, and creators fosters a shared passion and a supportive environment that enriches the creative process.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
Non-creatives might find it challenging to fully grasp the intricate balance between technical precision and artistic expression that defines my journey as a cinematographer. While the technical aspects of camera equipment, lighting setups, and shot composition are crucial, they serve as tools to convey emotions, themes, and narratives. It’s the fusion of these technical elements with a deep understanding of storytelling that allows me to create visuals that resonate on a profound level.
Additionally, the collaborative nature of filmmaking might be less evident to those outside the creative field. The seamless coordination between various departments – from directing to production design, costume, and editing – is vital in realizing a unified vision. Each decision made contributes to the overall cinematic experience, making it imperative to strike a balance between personal creativity and collective teamwork.
The journey of a creative is an intricate tapestry woven with passion, vulnerability, and a relentless pursuit of inspiration and self-expression. Understanding these aspects can foster empathy and appreciation for the valuable contributions of creatives to our shared human experience.
Ultimately, my journey is a blend of calculated precision and boundless imagination. It’s about translating concepts and emotions into a visual language that can be universally understood. This duality is at the core of my work and is what enables me to create moments that linger in the hearts and minds of audiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.morfilms.net
- Instagram: @morfilms
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/morvaridreyes
- IMDB: www.imdb.me/morvaridreyes