We recently connected with Dipen Patel and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dipen , so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
For me, self-care is all about balancing physical strength and mental health. As a cinematographer and video content creator, I frequently deal with heavy camera setups and lighting equipment, long working days on shoots, and extended hours that require physical resilience and mental stamina. Each commercial I work on presents a unique challenge, pushing me to think creatively and bring visuals to life. That’s why caring for my psychological and physical well-being is crucial.
I find mindfulness driving around Los Angeles, stopping at scenic overlooks and beautiful parks like Hollywood Park to enjoy solitary moments, spending alone time at beautiful beachside during sunset and at a coffee shop, and planning on work securely. These quiet times allow me to reflect on my thoughts, plan my shots, and strategize my work-life balance. This practice helps me reduce stress, improve focus, and boost emotional well-being. By being mindful, I can make better decisions and increase productivity.
Consistency is one of my strongest traits, especially regarding exercise. I make it a point to hit the gym regularly and go for runs. Staying active boosts my energy and lifts my mood, enhancing my cognitive function and making my work sharper. Nutrition plays a vital role in my self-care routine as well. I usually cook for myself because food is fuel; I focus on preparing healthy meals and avoid highly processed foods while eating out. Balanced nutrition is a priority, helping me maintain my concentration and stamina throughout the day.
I also keep track of my sleep patterns, as my busy schedule often disrupts rest. On days off, I take the opportunity to catch up on sleep, recognizing its importance for mental clarity and overall health. Since I spend much time looking at screens as an editor, I take breaks to rest my eyes.
Social connections are meaningful—they influence my focus and can impact my career trajectory. Surrounding myself with the right people is essential, as the wrong groups can lead to distractions and a lack of motivation. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and pickleball and swimming. These activities help me relax physically and mentally and provide a necessary mental break, reducing stress and reigniting my passion for work.
With the industry’s demands, I’ve learned the importance of saying no and managing my time wisely. This approach helps prevent burnout and keeps me focused on my responsibilities. I aim to maintain strong connections, even with challenging personalities, and I find that reflecting on my experiences and jotting down my thoughts can clarify my goals and reduce anxiety. Staying consistent in my content creation process is key for me. Whether it’s brand work or freelancing, creating content helps keep my anxiety at bay. All of these self-care practices are interconnected, supporting my overall well-being. In a competitive world, self-care isn’t just a luxury but a vital asset to long-term success.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Hello! I’m Dipen Patel, a cinematographer passionate about crafting dynamic and innovative visual stories. My work primarily spans commercials, fashion, and short films, where I aim to blend traditional cinematography techniques with contemporary visual trends. Currently, I call Los Angeles home, and I’m always eager to push the boundaries of visual storytelling.
My journey has taken me from Bollywood to Hollywood, and it’s been an incredible experience that has allowed me to showcase my versatility in visual narratives. I’ve enjoyed collaborating with various brands on their commercial projects, including well-known fashion houses like Boohoo Man, Prada, Milarri, Monaco Colombia, Jolly Couture, The Frankie Shop, and QVA. Additionally, I’ve partnered with lifestyle brands such as Fresh Beauty, Skin Tight, Upper Case, Dico Beauty, Olipop, and Dion Specs.
One of my proudest achievements is the award-winning short film “Not in This World,” which has received recognition at several film festivals, including the Rohip International Film Festival and the Kodaikanal International Film Festival. I’m also thrilled to have my work featured at notable events like the 14th Pune Short Film Festival, GIFFI 4th Season, the Alibag Short Film Festival 2024, and the Himachal Short Film Festival 2024. My short film “First Light” won Best Picture at the Everest International Film Festival and was officially selected for India’s Global Independent Film Festival and the 11th Goa Short Film Festival 2024. These achievements reflect my commitment to my craft.
In addition to my film projects, I produced a music video titled “Don’t Change,” which reached a global audience and showcased my adaptability. My experience extends to major fashion events like New York Fashion Week, Los Angeles Fashion Week, and Indie Fashion Week. I’ve been a cinematographer and director for leading brands, applying my unique visual storytelling style.
Interestingly, I’ve also ventured in front of the camera, acting in various short films, commercials, and TV series. My enthusiasm for the visual storytelling industry drives me to work behind and in front of the camera. As a cinematographer, commercial creator, and fashion film director, I’m fortunate to collaborate with talented designers and artists. I focus on creating trendy short content for social media platforms, assisting brands in building a vibrant online presence.
I also bring my editing and color grading skills to the table, which enhance the final visual narrative. I’m excited about the future and all the stories yet to be told. My journey began as an actor and model in the entertainment industry, and I have embraced every facet of filmmaking. The art of working both in front of and behind the camera is my passion and my life.
Follow my journey on Instagram: actdipen
Explore my work on IMDB: [Dipen Patel II]
Visit my website: www.dipenpatelcinema.com
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
When I think about my journey so far, three important qualities that have shaped my path come to mind: resilience, curiosity, and the ability to work well with others.
Being able to bounce back from setbacks has been crucial for me. Everyone faces challenges, and how we respond defines our journey. I’ve dealt with failures and obstacles but learned that each setback is a chance to learn. There have been times when work has been scarce, and I found myself at home with time to think. During these moments, I realized I could either feel sorry for myself or use that time to grow and be creative. My advice is to embrace failures as part of your journey. Build a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities. Keep pushing forward, no matter how tough things get.
A real desire to learn and explore has fueled my passion. I’ve always been excited to dive into new subjects and understand different viewpoints. This curiosity has helped me find new ideas and solutions. Sometimes, asking questions can make you feel silly, but it often brings positive energy to projects and helps connect with others. In my work as a cinematographer, staying curious about technology and techniques is important. For those just starting, don’t stop asking questions. Read a lot, talk to others, and seek experiences that broaden your understanding.
Working well with others has opened many doors for me. Building connections and collaborating are essential in today’s world. My advice for those starting their careers is to focus on creating good relationships. Engage with others, share your ideas, and learn from different perspectives. Working together often leads to more creativity and innovation. I’ve enjoyed working with various brands, especially helping startups with my skills and equipment. This kind of teamwork benefits current projects and creates opportunities for the future. To my fellow cinematographers, I encourage you to keep creating, even if it’s unpaid. Collaborating on independent projects can be very rewarding.
In short, embracing resilience to overcome challenges, nurturing curiosity to keep learning, and fostering collaboration to increase your impact are important qualities for your journey. By developing these traits, you can navigate your path with confidence and creativity.
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?
Growing up, I strongly desired to work in the entertainment industry, especially acting. Coming from a middle-class family without connections in this field made things tough. However, my parents supported my dreams and encouraged me to follow my passion. Today, I’m a cinematographer, which means I get to work both in front of and behind the camera. Many people were surprised when I decided to focus more on filmmaking and commercials.
I love playing with the camera, experimenting with lighting, and capturing the characters’ emotions on screen. The camera is a powerful tool that helps tell stories. My parents have always believed in me, which has fueled my determination to keep moving forward.
I also went to boarding school at a young age, which taught me a lot about managing my feelings while away from my family. I understand how it feels to be apart from loved ones while chasing your dreams, but it’s an integral part of the journey. I encourage everyone to stay close to their family; they are the ones who keep you grounded in life. My parents provided me with a strong foundation, and I’m thankful for their support, especially when they had limited resources initially.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dipenpatelcinema.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actdipen?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@actdipen5478?si=tyAG4UItmnrwBUoZ
Image Credits
Poster for my film First Light, a winning short film
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
