In a world where visual storytelling captivates audiences, one talented cinematographer has been steadily making his mark on the industry. Meet Jonathan Zhao, a Chinese Canadian director of photography whose passion for film has led him from a small town in British Columbia to work on high-profile projects, including the award-winning movie Grown, the popular Genshin Impact concert, and the NBC and Amazon Prime TV show New Amsterdam. Zhao's expertise in shaping and controlling light to create immersive cinematic experiences sets him apart from the rest.

Zhao's journey into the world of film began in middle school when he discovered a love for creating short films. Despite having no prior experience in filmmaking, his natural talent shone through as he consistently won top awards in cinematography and overall film at local British Columbia film festivals. These early achievements, along with support from his family, led Zhao to pursue his passion at the prestigious NYU Tisch Film & TV School.

Overcoming the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Zhao has continued to thrive in the industry. His work on the 2023 South by Southwest Film Festival Jury Award-winning film Grown demonstrates his keen eye for detail and ability to expertly manipulate light and shadows. As the key grip on this project, Zhao's contribution significantly impacted the film's overall visual quality.

Zhao's talent for visual storytelling extends beyond the realm of film. As the gaffer for the online world concert of the hit game Genshin Impact by Hoyoverse Mihoyo, Zhao created a mesmerizing atmosphere that captivated over three million viewers. His innate ability to evoke emotion through light and composition has earned him recognition across various mediums.

One of Zhao's recent projects includes working in the lighting department for the major NBC and Amazon Prime TV show New Amsterdam. While the demands of television production differ from those of film, Zhao's adaptable nature and dedication to his craft have allowed him to excel in both formats. His commitment to using his skills to support the story, regardless of the medium, has been instrumental in his success.

Zhao has also shot internationally in Barcelona and Brussels, with the Kickstarter commercial he shot in Belgium for the app Fluyo successfully crowdfunding over one million dollars, becoming the most funded app in Kickstarter history.

Despite his impressive accomplishments, Zhao remains grounded and focused on his future aspirations. With plans to shoot his first feature film and dreams of being accepted into the American Film Institute's Cinematography Masters Program, there is no doubt that we can expect to see more incredible work from this talented cinematographer.

The wisdom Zhao has to share with others is a testament to his passion and resilience. His message is clear: don't let anything stop you from chasing your dreams, and believe in yourself, even when others doubt you. As he continues to forge his path in the industry, Zhao's love for the art of cinematography and his dedication to his craft will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of filmmakers.

Follow Jonathan Zhao's captivating journey by exploring his work through his website and Instagram page. With a career that continues to rise, there is no doubt that Zhao's passion as a director of photography and his unique approach to visual storytelling will keep us all captivated for years to come.