Today we’d like to introduce you to Loren Henley
Hi Loren, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My passion for photography began at the age of 13 during a family trip across Europe. Capturing the diverse landscapes and cultures sparked a deep interest in visual storytelling, leading me to explore night landscape and portrait photography. This exploration taught me the fundamentals of exposure, composition, and various photographic techniques.
At Fossil Ridge High School in Fort Collins, Colorado, I further honed my skills by enrolling in film photography and darkroom printing courses. Additionally, a rigorous film course provided hands-on experience with Canon, Sony, and Red Cinema cameras. I contributed to over 30 short films, discovering my passion for cinematography and lighting. Many of these films were featured in the FOASS Film Festival, earning me awards for best cinematography.
At 16, I embarked on my professional journey in commercial video production as an In-House Photographer, Videographer, and Social Media Manager for The Dough Bar/The Donut Club, a Shark Tank-invested company. I created high-quality content for their website and social channels, managing their social media presence.
Around this time, I developed an interest in motorsports media, particularly car drifting. I covered events like Formula Drift and #Gridlife, which deepened my appreciation for dynamic photography.
After graduating high school early at 17, I began online classes at Santa Monica College, pursuing an Associate’s degree in Film Production. Upon moving to Los Angeles, I worked freelance as a Director of Photography (DP), Photographer, Camera Assistant, and Lighting Technician, contributing to various productions, including short films, music videos, commercials, and photoshoots.
A significant milestone was shooting media for Buy Now Japan/ Drift Cave Motorsports during the 2022 Formula Drift season. Traveling nationwide with driver Wataru Masuyama, I documented events through recap videos and photos, managing the Buy Now Japan social channels.
At 18, I served as DP for my first feature film, “Once In a Blue Moon,” spanning 30 shoot days over five months while balancing academic commitments. Shortly after, I married my wife, Mitsuho, and began working full-time at Blaque Diamond Wheels as a Photographer and Videographer. There, I coordinated weekly automotive shoots with clients across Los Angeles, enhancing my expertise in automotive photography and cinematography.
After nearly a year, I transitioned back to freelancing to focus on college, completing advanced production classes and participating as A Camera Operator for a major thesis project. This experience exposed me to larger budgets and crew dynamics, enriching my understanding of high-scale film production.
Graduating from Santa Monica College last year, I continue to freelance as a DP and photographer. I’ve ventured into vertical production, collaborating with companies like Dramabox and ReelShorts. Currently, I’m preparing to serve as DP for a vertical shoot directed by and starring James Franco, and later this month, I’ll DP “Into The Flesh,” a dark and twisted short film.
Reflecting on my journey, I see that each experience has been a building block, shaping my skills and passion for visual storytelling. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and the stories yet to be told through my lens.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey hasn’t always been straightforward, but every obstacle has played a key role in shaping my career. One of the earliest challenges I faced was balancing my education with my professional responsibilities. At 16, I took on a part-time role at The Dough Bar/The Donut Club while still in high school. Juggling work and school was a significant challenge, but it taught me invaluable lessons in time management, prioritization, and handling multiple tasks simultaneously. It became clear that staying organized and cultivating a strong work ethic were essential, and those lessons continue to serve me today.
When I moved to Los Angeles at 18 to pursue my film studies, I encountered a new set of challenges. The transition was overwhelming—new city, high living costs, and a fiercely competitive industry. But I quickly learned the power of persistence. I stepped out of my comfort zone, took on a variety of roles in different productions, and often worked for little or no pay just to gain experience and build a network. These early experiences taught me resilience and adaptability, and they showed me how to thrive in a fast-moving environment where every day presents new hurdles.
One of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences was working on my first feature film, Once In a Blue Moon. Coordinating a 30-day shoot spread across five months while attending college was a monumental task. The creative and technical demands were intense, and I had to continuously think on my feet, solve problems in real-time, and make quick decisions under pressure. It pushed me to develop crucial leadership skills, learn the importance of collaboration, and maintain focus even in the most high-pressure situations.
Looking back, I see how each of these challenges contributed to my personal and professional growth. I’ve learned that true progress happens when you push past your comfort zone and embrace the difficulties that come with new opportunities. Every struggle has not only made me more capable but has also prepared me for larger, more complex projects. The obstacles I’ve faced have been pivotal moments that have shaped me into the filmmaker I am today.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a Los Angeles-based freelance Director of Photography (DP) specializing in Narrative Film, Automotive Commercials, Action Sports, Documentaries, and Photography. With a strong cinematic eye, I craft compelling visuals across these diverse areas of production, ensuring each project is both visually striking and emotionally engaging.
What sets me apart is my ability to leverage every available tool—whether it’s complex camera movement, precision lighting techniques, or advanced rigging setups—to create immersive, dynamic imagery. From high-energy action sequences and sleek automotive cinematography to raw, intimate storytelling, I bring both technical expertise and a sharp creative vision to every frame.
I excel in both large-scale productions and fast-paced environments, seamlessly adapting to the demands of each project while maintaining a high level of artistry and efficiency. My passion lies in pushing creative boundaries, delivering stunning visuals, and elevating every story through expertly crafted cinematography.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
Luck has played a significant role in my life and career, opening doors to incredible opportunities that have shaped me as a cinematographer. I’ve been extremely fortunate to shoot a feature film at just 18, an experience that not only pushed my skills to new heights but also solidified my passion for visual storytelling. Another stroke of luck was the opportunity to travel across the country, documenting the Formula Drift season for BuyNowJapan. Getting to capture high-intensity action while working alongside talented drivers and teams was an unforgettable experience that deepened my love for dynamic cinematography.
While hard work and dedication have been key, I recognize that being in the right place at the right time—and having the right people believe in me—has been instrumental in my journey. I’m grateful for every chance I’ve had to grow, create, and collaborate, and I look forward to whatever lucky breaks come next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lorenhenley.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loren_h_photography/profilecard/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
