In this inspiring biographical interview, we sit down with acclaimed cinematographer Gretchen Warthen, whose distinct visual storytelling and dedication to craft have made her a respected voice behind the camera. From early creative influences to her celebrated cinematography career, Gretchen offers an intimate look into her evolution, her artistic philosophy, and the experiences that have shaped her as an image-maker. Gretchen discusses her pathway into cinematography, how she found her visual voice, and the mentors and collaborators who guided her journey. She explores her approach to lighting, composition, and narrative intention—revealing how she crafts emotionally resonant imagery for film, television, and commercial productions. Listeners will hear behind-the-scenes stories, advice for filmmakers and artists, and reflections on creativity, persistence, and professional growth. Whether shaping imagery on remote location shoots or designing cinematic language in studio environments, Gretchen shares how she balances preparation with intuition to deliver authentic visual storytelling. This episode is a must-listen for emerging cinematographers, filmmakers, students, and anyone passionate about the art of the moving image. Discover how Gretchen continues to innovate, collaborate, and champion storytelling through the power of photography and film.

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BIO
Gretchen Warthen is an American cinematographer whose work has taken her from Hollywood sound stages to shooting from the back of a camel in India, an elephant in Thailand, the bow of a boat off Venezuela, hovering over Alaskan glaciers and the deserts of the Sahara in a helicopter. Gretchen was born in Idaho, the only child of parents Kathryn Warthen, a retired horticulturist, and Brian Warthen who, after a lifetime of struggle, found his true success in graphic arts. As a child, Gretchen was a tough girl in school with a rebellious nature. After High School, she headed to Boise State University where she gained a Bachelors in Communications before moving to Washington State where she went back to school at the Evergreen State College for a Bachelors in Liberal Arts. It was at Boise State that she began taking an interesting in film-making and undertook projects that showed her natural talent for the art which led her to pursue a career in the industry. By now Gretchen had a plan to be a camera operator and she steered her course starting in wardrobe through set design and props until she was on set where she wanted to be. Her youthful defiance and determination paid off and led her to success across genres. Gretchen has worked as the Director of Photography for the Emmy-nominated Netflix documentary feature "Circus of Books," the epic international OWN documentary series "Operation Change," the Emmy Award-winning NBC series “Starting Over,” the Showtime documentary series “The Real L Word” and the award winning documentary feature “East LA Interchange." She has also DP’d two award-winning narrative feature films; Sharon Gless’s “Hannah Free” and “Jamie and Jessie are Not Together.”  Gretchen has been a camera operator on popular Emmy Award-winning prime time reality programming, including “Project Runway,” “The Apprentice” and “America’s Next Top Model”. Her narrative credits also include FX’s “Mayans MC”, FOX’s “Call Me Kat” and FOX’s “Welcome to Flatch.” Gretchen has also been a camera operator on popular Live Comedy Specials including Netflix’s "Dave Chappell - Age of Spin” and “Hannah Gadsby - Douglas”.  When she is not working, Gretchen’s passion is collecting Vespa scooters and driving fast cars. She lives in LA with her wife Documentary Director, Unscripted Reality Co-Executive Producer, Natalee Watts.
 
Gretchen’s links: Website: https://www.ladycameraguy.com/
IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1008443/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladycameraguy/  @ladycameraguy
 
Women whose work Gretchen admires:
Shana Hagan - I admire her mentorship, high standards and gentle guidance. Shana has the documentary career I have always dreamed of having. 
Mandy Walker - I admire her creativity and ability to do it the way she wants to do it without being too heavily influenced by others. (Plus, works with Baz Luhrmann…)
Ana Amortegui - I admire her passion for life and having it all. Her gratitude for life’s struggles along the journey.
Chris Wairegi - I admire her motivation to make a difference in other people’s lives. 

Gretchen’s playlist:
Superchick/One Girl Revolution
Ladytron
Metric
Wax Tailor
Silver Sun Pickups
Old Madonna/Ray of Light
Doris Day/Fun
Sydney Bechet
Bessie Smith
Big Maybell
Nina Simone 

First published on the AART podcast, October 21, 2023,

Host: Chris Stafford A Hollowell Studios Production
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