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.