Meet Jennifer Hook

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jennifer Hook. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Jennifer, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.

My journey overcoming impostor syndrome began with embracing the “fake it till you make it” mentality early in my career. While this might sound superficial, it proved to be remarkably effective because it pushed me to take on challenges I might have otherwise avoided. But the real key was surrounding myself with talented individuals who I could rely on and learn from. Counter to what some might expect, working with highly skilled colleagues actually helped reduce impostor feelings rather than amplify them.
I found that hands-on experience was crucial in building genuine confidence. In my field of cinematography, this transformation from “faking it” to “making it” happened gradually. My eye for framing and composition had early roots in high school yearbook photography, but the technical aspects – like understanding exposure, f-stops, and the underlying math – initially felt intimidating. I approached these challenges one step at a time, and eventually, what started as complex calculations about f-stops, ND, and other factors became intuitive knowledge. Trial and error gave me my best understanding of how certain lights look, or how shutter angle affects a scene.
Now, I rarely think about the math unless I’m planning complex shots in advance. Instead, I rely on a combination of developed instinct and modern tools like waveform monitors, histograms, and false color. This evolution from uncertainty to mastery happened so naturally that I hardly noticed the transition from “faking it” to actually “making it.”
Looking back, what I thought was “faking it” was actually just the normal learning process – being willing to step outside my comfort zone, learn from others, and trust that hands-on experience would eventually turn into genuine expertise.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

For the past 16 years, I’ve worked as a cinematographer and editor in Los Angeles, though my camera has taken me far beyond the city limits. What excites me most about this work is the incredible range of experiences it creates, and the privilege of getting to document these things, along with the challenge of finding the best visual style to fit the project. I’ve filmed a feature film in Oklahoma with an amazing local crew, documented 10,000-30,000 year old cave art across Europe during a three-month documentary shoot, and captured surfers while riding alongside them on a bodyboard in the waves. I’ve even gotten to film from helicopters!

Each project brings its own unique challenges and rewards. From underwater filming to narrative storytelling, every shoot is an opportunity to capture something special. After 16 years in the industry, what keeps me passionate is how this work continues to take me to new places and put me in positions to document extraordinary moments.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Three key elements that proved most impactful in my journey:

1. Having a foundational eye for composition – This started with high school yearbook photography and developed into a deeper understanding of visual storytelling. While some of this might be innate, it can be developed by looking at films that stand out visually to you and studying what qualities set them apart.

2. Hands-on experience – I’ve always learned best by doing. Theory is important, but nothing beats practical experience. Early in my career, I embraced the “fake it till you make it” mentality while surrounding myself with talented individuals I could learn from. This combination helped me grow much faster than trying to learn everything in advance.

3. Technical mastery through persistence – Things like exposure mathematics and camera techniques seemed intimidating at first, but by taking it one step at time and continually practicing, these skills eventually became second nature. Now I can rely on both intuition and technical tools like waveforms and false color to achieve the results I want.

Advice for those starting out: Find a mentor who can guide your development. Don’t let technical aspects intimidate you. Start with what you’re naturally good at, surround yourself with talented people you can learn from, and tackle the challenging parts one step at a time. There’s no substitute for hands-on experience – the more you shoot, the more you’ll learn.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was simply supporting my path into filmmaking. During my high school years, when I was struggling with college decisions, my mom casually mentioned “UNCW has a film studies program.” She had noticed me making short films with friends and documenting drama club plays, and with that one simple comment, she opened up a whole world of possibilities I hadn’t even considered. It was mind-blowing to me at the time.

That moment was transformative – it was the first time I realized I could actually major in film and make a career of it. The fact that she not only suggested it but supported this path was crucial. Many parents might push their kids toward what they consider a more “real” or stable job, but my parents saw my passion and encouraged it, and I’m so grateful to them for that. Looking back, that single conversation might have changed the entire trajectory of my life. Who knows where I’d be if she hadn’t made that one simple – almost off-handed – comment?

So Mom, if you’re reading this – Thanks.

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