Meet Fernando Santos – Director of Photography
About Me
Every director looks for someone who doesn’t just execute, but sees — really sees. Someone who shows up with a vision, listens with sensitivity, and delivers more than was expected. I’ve been lucky to be that person for teams who trusted me with their stories.
They say I bring calm to pressure, clarity to chaos, and energy to the set. That I understand what’s not yet visible and make it real. That I care — about the frame, the story, and the people behind it.
What I aim for is not just technical precision, but emotional resonance. I believe every project is an invitation to elevate, collaborate, and inspire. Whether you’re crafting a poetic long take or a bold commercial cut, I’m here to make the image carry more than light — to carry meaning.
The directors I admire most — the Cuaróns, Iñárritus, Bays of this world — work with those who help them go further. I work to be that kind of DoP. One who challenges, contributes, and delivers — not just for the camera, but for the vision.
And when someone says, after a wrap: “I’d film with him again in a heartbeat” — that’s when I know I’ve done my part.
THEY SAY ABOUT ME
There’s no price tag on that. Perfectly lit. Delivered a great result. An asset. Nothing phases his creativity. Doing cool things. Kept the energy. Funny to work with.
PERFECTLY LIT
“Thank you for your work on the project. It looked fantastic. Perfectly lit and our post team appreciated that!
I greatly enjoyed working with Fernando and his team. He went over and beyond to help capture quality footage for our international production. Asked all the right questions and had excellent gear available. I would recommend anyone with a media project to consider Fernando.”
Ken Morris
Producer & Director
AN ASSET
“Recently we did a tough shoot in Lisbon where we had no time…
Some of the shots required some versatility in terms of what and where we were shooting outside at night or inside of a tight car, etc. Each required skill, ingenuity, and efficiency. Fernando was right in there making it happen! Total team player and he offers suggestions appropriately. This means we don’t always have time to get the best possible shot…it’s about doing what is needed for the Director and project to move forward. Fernando was an asset and would love to work with him again!”
Lawrence Ribeiro
Action Director
DOING COOL THINGS
“Thank you for doing cool things with such a small team and so little time!”
Sérgio Henriques
Director
HIS DESIRE TO MAKE THE BEST SHOTS
“It was a real pleasure to have worked with Fernando on a number of shootings. He’s one of the most proactive, engaged, and creative DoPs I have worked with. Nothing phases his creativity or his desire to make the best shots, the most original way to tell the story, and his unique and knowledgable use of light to create amazing moods and atmosphere. Not only is Fernando one of the greats but he’s also always a pleasure to work with.”
Nuno Dias
Director
THERE’S NO PRICE TAG ON THAT
“There is nothing as rewarding as working as a team with passionate people. That’s how it feels to work with Fernando to whom the most important thing is quality footage. Fernando goes above and beyond to ensure that every single shot is truly spectacular and meets what the director had in mind and there’s no price tag on that.”
Maria Sande E Castro
Director
FUNNY TO WORK WITH
“Thanks Fernando. You have been really kind, nice, hospitable, and funny to work with. We felt like we knew you from before. Hoping to see you soon in Mumbai. Good luck to you for other projects too.”
Vivek Shah
Creative Producer
DELIVERED A GREAT RESULT
“Fernando undertook a logistically challenging multicam shoot for me remotely in Portugal during the lockdown and delivered a great result, both in terms of vision and follow-up with file transfer. I’d recommend him highly to any quality TV production.”
Brad Hayward
Producer & Director
KEPT THE ENERGY
“It was a pleasure working with you. You are very professional, and more than that a better human being. You kept the energy and the frames right. Thank you and we should really work soon. Whenever I shoot Bollywood, music videos I call you to India. Take care, Mr. F”
Udit Jawarani
Director