CRAIG BARKER

Behind the lens

A Cinematographer’s Journey: Vision and Humanity

As a Cinematographer, I see my role as encompassing far more than the artistry behind the lens—it is a fusion of creativity, leadership, and collaboration that shapes the soul of every project. At the core of my work is the deeply personal relationship with the Director. This bond is not only professional; it is a partnership that grows through trust, emotional support, and shared vision. I have often found myself engaged in profound psychological discussions, offering encouragement and fostering a friendship that strengthens over the course of a project.

Collaboration is the heart of filmmaking, and my commitment to creating a supportive, vibrant environment on set is unwavering. By cultivating a positive energy flow, the crew operates with efficiency and enthusiasm, while the actors are inspired by the peaceful atmosphere to deliver their best performances. This synergy creates an invaluable space for the Director and actors to work freely, uninterrupted, and with a heightened sense of creativity.

My approach to cinematography is rooted in precision and preparation. Meticulous pre-production planning and attention to detail form the backbone of my work ethic. I design lighting setups to be not only visually compelling but also time-efficient, ensuring that every moment on set is optimized for storytelling. This strategic planning allows the Director and actors to immerse themselves in the creative process without the hindrance of logistical delays.

I am acutely aware of the commerce side of filmmaking—balancing budgets, meeting tight schedules, and delivering results with speed and professionalism. Having served as a Cinematographer on hundreds of projects featuring celebrity talent with fees exceeding half a million dollars per day, I embrace the immense responsibility of managing both the creative and operational demands of production. This dual focus ensures that every project not only meets but exceeds its goals.

In my cinematography, humanity takes precedence over mere technique. While I deeply respect the technical mastery required for my craft, it is the heart and soul of the filmmaker’s vision that guide my work. I am driven by a profound love for storytelling and the transformative power of cinema. There is no greater journey than collaborating with passionate filmmakers to bring their visions to life in this extraordinary art form.

My Creative Influences

We are stardust—our cells, made of elements forged in stars, create our complex bodies of over 30 trillion intricate cells. Above us, a billion stars stretch across an endless cosmos. Quantum physics suggests that reality itself may not exist until it is observed, hinting at life’s unimaginable strangeness. My creative journey draws from Alan Watts’ wisdom, Charles Bukowski’s raw honesty, Gregory Crewdson’s haunting photography, the fine art paintings and drawings of David Lynch, and the poetic voices of Tom Waits, Leonard Cohen, Lou Reed, and Edith Piaf. Damien Hirst’s Mother and Child, Divided and the brutal beauty of Francis Bacon’s triptychs reveal the power of art to provoke and unsettle, while Vincent van Gogh shows how art whispers meaning. The soulful presence of dogs—their boundless energy, quiet wisdom, and unwavering spirit—flows through my art, helping to shape its essence. Art that is too literal leaves no room for the soul to enter. True art invites the viewer to find themselves within it, to pour their life and understanding into its frame.

Some Favorite films

EO https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrBeSQbdXmw

A Ghost Story https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vb0F_CN83E

The Florida Project https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwQ-NH1rRT4

Ida https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JIXxo8qUn0

“If something burns your soul with purpose and desire, it's your duty to be reduced to ashes by it. Any other form of existence will be yet another dull book in the library of life.” -Charles Bukowski

Gear

ARRI MINI LF     ARRI MINI   ARRI AMIRA   ZEISS SUPREME PRIMES SET  + 22 OTHER LENSES   17 MONITORS  

COMPLETE WIRELESS PACKAGES AND ALL CAMERA SUPPORT   LOADED 5 TON LIGHTING AND GRIP TRUCK  

40+ LED LIGHTS TIED TO CONTROL BOARD  30+ HMI LIGHTS INCLUDING 18K AND M SERIES ARRI  

POWER + DISTRO PACKAGE AND GENERATORS    PRODUCTION/CAMERA VAN 

ASC MENTORSHIP MEMBER