Umit
Gulsen — Cinematographer & Director of Photography in Washington, DC
Cinematography for brands, nonprofits and documentaries — atmospheric, human, and built on two decades of visual storytelling.
Visual thinking,
not just a cinematic look.
I'm a Washington, DC-based Director of Photography with over 20 years of experience crafting visual narratives for global brands and independent documentaries.
My film journey began in 2001 at film school in Istanbul, studying the theory and history of cinema and working as an assistant director on TV series, shorts and documentaries — including Blue, supervised by Oscar-nominated director Majid Majidi.
I went freelance as a cinematographer in 2015 and earned my MA in Film and Video from American University in 2016. Since then I've shot hundreds of projects locally and internationally — including Project Concern International films in Guatemala and Tanzania.
Whatever the project, I look for the specific soul of it: the rhythm of a place, the honesty of a face, and the light that tells the story.
Full story & behind the scenes → Résumé →
Technical precision.
Logistical agility.
Atmospheric realism
Every frame is intentional. Composition and light are chosen to serve the story and reveal the people in it — not to chase a generic "cinematic" look.
Fast, lean, ready
A custom-built production van and an integrated camera cart mean quick moves between lighting and camera setups — and more time on set for creativity.
People at ease
From executives to first-time interviewees, I build a calm, respectful set so authentic moments can happen in front of the lens.
One call.
Full package.
I shoot Panasonic for its color science and dual native ISO — 14+ stops of dynamic range at both 800 and 5000. Every camera, lens, light and grip item below is owned, maintained and arrives with me.
Varicam LT ×2
- Panasonic EVA-1
- DJI Ronin 4D 6K
- PL & EF mounts
Angenieux EZ-1 / EZ-2
- 30–90mm & 15–40mm T2.0
- SLR Magic APO HyperPrimes 25/32/50/85
- Canon 70–200 f2.8
Nanlite Forza 720 / 500 / 300
- Pavo Tube II & Pavo Slim kits
- ARRI 650 & 300 tungsten
- Lightbridge C-Reflectors
Passport 2 dolly & track
- Easyrig Vario 5 + gimbal bar
- Flowtech / Miller sticks
- Tilta Nucleus wireless focus
Wireless video village
- OSEE 15″ + 2× Shinobi 7″
- Accsoon wireless transmission
- Sennheiser MKH-416, Sony wireless, Tentacle sync
DJI Mavic 2 Pro
- PolarPro ND set
- 8×8 frames, grids & greenscreen
Notes from
behind the lens.
From Broadcast to Byte: How D.C. Corporates and Nonprofits Must Shift Their Video Strategy
Behind the Lens: Videography vs. Cinematography in the Modern Production World
The Soul in the Machine: Why the Essence of a Cinematographer Transcends the Camera Era
The Dual Architecture of Visual Storytelling: Why Composition and Lighting are Irreplaceable in Cinematography
Let's make
something true.
Based in Washington, DC — serving DC, Maryland & Virginia, and available for travel worldwide.