In this deeply personal and introspective episode, we sit down with award-winning cinematographer Erin Haynes to explore the emotional and visual language behind her work. Known for her poetic use of light, human-centered storytelling, and intuitive sense of composition, Erin reveals how her artistic voice developed and the moments that shaped her path behind the camera. From creative inspirations to on-set challenges, Erin reflects on the subtle art of capturing truth, building trust with subjects, and the spiritual connection between cinematography and lived experience. She opens up about her creative philosophy, the evolution of her career, and how she brings presence, empathy, and authenticity to every frame. Whether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, artist, or lover of visual storytelling, this intimate conversation invites you to slow down and consider the transformative power of the lens.

🔎 Keywords:
Erin Haynes, cinematographer interview, filmmaking podcast, visual storytelling, personal interview, creative process, artistic journey, cinematography, camera craft, movie making, film lighting, composition, film production, behind the scenes, creative inspiration, director of photography, DOP interview, Apple Podcasts film podcast, Spotify film podcast, YouTube filmmaking, art podcast

BIO
American cinematographer Erin Haynes is making her way in an industry that she believes has a long way to go to increase diversity among its crews. Erin was born in New Orleans in 1999—one of two daughters to Denise and Joe Haynes. She grew up in the 7th Ward of a complex city as a young Black woman mindful of the challenges facing minorities. Erin attended Cabrini High School in the shadow of New Orleans Museum of Art where she was drawn to English Literature, writing, art and film. She developed a talent as a sketch artist and at Loyola University she studied Mass Communications; Journalism and French.  Erin describes herself as a ‘shy, nerdy kid’ who surprised everyone by leaving the Big Easy for the Big Apple in pursuit of modeling opportunities; something she is still open to today alongside her day job. Her immersion in fashion modeling led to an interest in the photography and filmmaking. She prefers film that makes you think like psychological thrillers and horror. Her early inspiration in filmmaking came when she discovered Greta Gerwig’s work in the 2017 Comedy Romance Lady Bird, and Christopher Nolan’s 2014 SciFi/Adventure Interstellar, which captured her imagination for its visuals and soundtrack. Erin’s career path has so far led to being a Second Camera Assistant, FAA Drone Pilot and an emerging Steadicam and Underwater Camera Operator at the age of 24. She says: ‘I want to be a complete master of the camera.’  Erin’s ambitions align with her mission to champion the need for diversity, visibility and possibilities for women of color in the film industry.
 
Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinhaynesofficial/

Some Female Visual Artists Erin admires:
Supermodel Coco Rocha
Supermodel Naomi Campbell
Cinematographer, Camera Operator, and Founder of 600 Black Women, Chris Wairegi Cinematographer, Camera Operator, and Founder of @ladycameraguy on Instagram, Gretchen Warthen
Cinematographer and Steadicam Operator, Megan Masur
Actress Zendaya
Director and Cinematographer Chloe Weaver
Cinematographer Mandy Walker
Fashion Model and Activist Bethann Hardison (whose film Invisible Beauty was shot by Cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry)
Photographer Nadia Lee Cohen
Fashion and Beauty Influencer: Karen Blanchard (@karenbritchick on Instagram and YouTube)
Singer, songwriter, entertainer, performer and business woman Beyoncé Knowles Carter
Filmmaker Ava DuVernay
Filmmaker Shonda Rhimes
Fashion Designer Donatella Versace
Visual Artist and Painter Hill Spriggins
Photographer Kris Davidson
Actress, Filmmaker, Fashion Icon, and Founder of PATTERN Beauty Tracee Ellis Ross
Director, Writer, and Actress Greta Gerwig
Actress, Writer, and Producer Meryl Streep 

Host: Chris Stafford
Produced by Hollowell Studios
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