Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Zatkowski.
Nicole, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I am a Cinematographer working in Atlanta, Georgia. I grew up on Long Island, New York which was where my passion for the moving image was sparked. As a child, I was obsessed with the movie: Wizard of Oz and grew up to love movies, TV and photography. I always had an interest for what went on behind the camera and what the big camera setups were. My brother had also introduced me to some tv shows that had behind-the-scenes disks and while watching them, I was always in awe. In High School, I took Photography and Media classes. I also have a best friend who lived three houses down from me and he always liked to direct fun home videos with him and his dad. He always asked me to help him to camera operate and I would happily do so. During one of those days, I had decided I liked camera operating so much that I wanted to pursue it as a career. One summer while I was 16, I attended a film camp for a week and that experience was eye-opening and had also inspired me to decide that I loved being on a set with like-minded individuals. I graduated High School earning the Media Arts award and moved to Georgia with my parents to start my college career at SCAD, Atlanta.
In my Sophomore year at SCAD, my professor highly recommended that I change my path from camera operator to Cinematographer. Before I had realized it, he saw that I had the passion, creativity and the eye for the craft. This was also the year I had met a director in their junior year who thought very highly of my skills and wanted me to be the Director of Photography for her thesis project when she became a senior. Since then, I have been the Cinematographer for many student thesis projects until I graduated. I have also become associated as a Cinematographer for a small start-up production company with a producer and friend of both myself and the same director. The three of us as a team have made short films that have won nominations and awards, one of which went on to win Best Short Film at Yale Hollywood Film Fest. That same film had played at Atlanta Film Festival, Charlotte Film Fest, and even at SCAD’s very own Savannah Film Festival this past year. It was a very surreal experience to attend SCAD Film Fest as an Alum and Filmmaker, especially knowing how much I wanted to attend during my college years. Since these festivals, I continue to grow my craft as a Cinematographer working on short film sets, so I can soon be Director of Photography on a feature film with my team.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being sometimes the only young, small female on the camera crew comes with physical disadvantages. Over the years I have not only gotten physically stronger, but I have learned to use the physical disadvantage to my advantage. It teaches me to have patience and trust with my crew. I can feel comfortable walking away from the camera to look at the monitor and talk to my director, gaffer, etc. I find that practicing this method of working has helped me to have more room for the bold handheld shots that I want to operate, it has helped me to brew up new ideas for in the moment changes or challenges.
My career as a Cinematographer has certainly not been the smoothest road. I had to work long hours, in cool and hot conditions, and meet people who have challenged me in both good and bad ways. I never expected my road to be the smoothest, but I am grateful that it has provided me with many wonderful opportunities along the way. Finding a crew who works well with you takes lots of time and experience as well and I had to be patient during my college years as I was so excited to get out into the professional world. My road has taught me many things but the most important for me was to lift up those who lift you up; to believe in those who believe in you. I always strive to work hard and to be the very best I can be on each and every set I go to, no matter the hardships that may occur.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Cinematographer (aka Director Of Photography or DP) for Feature films, short films and music videos. I love to work with the camera, lenses and lighting while telling a story. I see it as painting a picture with lenses and light. I am most known for my attention to detail with framing, lighting and camera movement. I am most proud of a student short film I had shot in my junior year at SCAD, that I mentioned previously, which had won an award and played at many film festivals. I am also very proud of the music videos I have created with my director because these videos have been deeply inspired by art and free creativity. I have a great passion for creating the moving image with those who are just as passionate and creative as I am, if not more. I can say for sure that the people I have met have helped me to shine in my own unique ways. I love that I am a young, smart female Cinematographer in such an incredibly male-dominated industry. This only pushes me more to inspire and grow with other young artists.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Having a balance in life is obviously important and I find this balance through Martial Arts. I have been a martial artist since I was three, earned my black belt when I was 15, and have recently been training in BJJ and MMA at SBG Athens for the past 4 years. I never knew how much confidence and strength I would gain from training in these sports and it has been the best experience I have given myself. I made so many lovely friends and joined such a wonderful community that I am proud to be a part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: nicolezatkowski.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolezatkowski_dp/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolezatkowski
