Meet Victor Ponce

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Victor Ponce a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Victor, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.

I’m not entirely sure where my optimism comes from, but it’s something I’ve always tried to practice. I do my best to stay positive in every situation, though moving to Los Angeles has definitely tested that mindset. It’s challenging to establish yourself as a cinematographer in a city filled with so much talent, but I’m determined to keep pushing forward and achieve the goals I’ve set for myself here.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Victor Ponce. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Audiovisual Languages from UANL and a Master’s in Cinematography from TAI Film School in Madrid. I’ve always been committed to educating myself and growing in my craft. My involvement with cameras began when I was a teenager, and since then, I’ve made a constant effort to surround myself with people who excel at what they do so I can learn from their experience and knowledge.

I’ve also learned a great deal from individuals who may not have formal training but possess a natural talent and strong creative instincts. Being around such a wide range of people has helped me mature as a cinematographer and stay humble. I’m deeply curious and always eager to explore new ideas, tools, and technologies that can push my work further.

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

After graduating from college, I began working on real commercial projects in my hometown, Monterrey. That’s where I realized how important it is to build relationships within the industry. I started out as a production assistant on set, and later joined the camera crew, the role I had always aimed for. Working alongside successful professionals made me understand that the more you know about lighting and cameras, the stronger cinematographer you become. Beyond that, traveling and experiencing different cultures also expand your subconscious visual library, which ultimately enriches your work.

I’ve always admired the respect that a Director of Photography earns on set. From them, I learned that film school isn’t where you learn everything, real-life situations teach you just as much, if not more. Like in any business, people start recommending you not just for your skills, but for being respectful, reliable, and a good collaborator.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I want to travel the world and eventually create a feature film that leaves a mark, a story that reflects something deeply personal yet resonates universally. My goal is to craft an artistic film that connects with people on an emotional level, allowing them to feel a part of what I feel.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://victorponcedp.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/victorponce__