Director of Photography in Portugal Showreel Fernando Santos
Director of Photography – More Than Just the Frame
FRAMING EMOTION
A Director of Photography [DOP] or Cinematographer is not only responsible for lighting and framing, they help shape the emotion, pace and identity of a story through images. For producers and directors, the right DOP doesn’t just execute the plan, they elevate it.
BE CREATIVE
Creativity is not just visual. It’s strategic. It means understanding the heart of a scene and offering visual solutions that bring unexpected depth. I collaborate closely with directors and creative teams to find imagery that goes beyond what’s written and delivers something authentic, memorable, and alive.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Every project starts with a conversation. After reading the screenplay or concept deck, I engage with the director’s vision, scouting with intention and making technical plans that support the emotional tone. It’s about making the invisible, visible.
EXPERIENCE
Working across genres and continents taught me to be flexible, fast-thinking, and intuitive. Whether it’s a complex commercial shoot or an intimate narrative moment, I adapt quickly and bring a deep visual literacy drawn from cinema, painting, and photography.
TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE
From sensor dynamics to color pipelines, I bring a solid technical foundation to every set. But tools serve the story, not the other way around. My role is to make every choice count: for the budget, for the schedule, and for the final image.
ELEVATION
Whether you’re producing a short film, TVC, music video or branded content, I aim to be more than a DOP. I aim to be your creative partner in making the visuals unforgettable.