We were lucky to catch up with VEDANT DAVE recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have VEDANT with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is something I attribute to both my family background and my early experiences in film. Growing up in an Indian household, I was raised with a strong emphasis on discipline, education, and perseverance. My parents instilled in me the belief that success comes from consistency, respect for one’s craft, and a willingness to put in the effort, no matter how challenging the circumstances may be. These values have been the foundation of how I approach both my personal life and my professional career.
I also started working at a young age, which gave me an early understanding of responsibility and independence. From assisting on small projects to gradually taking on more technical and creative roles, I quickly learned that reliability and dedication earn trust in this industry. Those early years taught me that preparation, punctuality, and hard work are just as important as talent, and they continue to shape the way I collaborate with directors, producers, and crews today.
My journey to Los Angeles reinforced those lessons on an even deeper level. The film industry here is highly competitive, and I knew from the beginning that I had to hold myself to the highest standards. Long production days, adapting to unexpected challenges on set, and maintaining focus under pressure have not only strengthened my technical expertise but also reinforced my reputation for professionalism.
Ultimately, my work ethic is driven by passion. Cinematography is more than a career for me, it’s a calling. Each project, no matter the scale, is an opportunity to create meaningful visual storytelling, and that purpose is what motivates me to work tirelessly, continue growing, and contribute to the filmmaking community with integrity and commitment.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a Cinematographer and Gaffer based in Los Angeles, and my work is dedicated to visual storytelling that blends technical precision with artistic vision. My journey began at a young age in India, when I first discovered how powerful images could be in shaping emotions and narratives. Growing up in India, I was always fascinated by American cinema and the possibilities of digital media. That passion led me and a friend to start making YouTube videos, experimenting with pranks, trick shots, and short skits. While simple at the time, those projects gave me my first real experience with cameras, collaboration, and creative problem-solving. That foundation not only shaped my character but also gave me the confidence to pursue film professionally, even when the path was demanding.
What excites me most about my work today is the opportunity to collaborate with different people and their unique ideas, and to translate those ideas into visuals that resonate with audiences on a deeper level. Cinematography, for me, is not just about framing a shot or setting up lighting, it is about creating an atmosphere that enhances the storytelling experience. Whether I am leading the visual language of a project as a cinematographer or working alongside directors and crews as a gaffer, I strive to bring a balance of creativity, reliability, and technical expertise.
One of the qualities I take the most pride in is adaptability. Film sets are dynamic environments where challenges are inevitable, and I enjoy finding solutions that maintain both efficiency and artistry. Over the years, this approach has helped me build trust with filmmakers who know they can depend on me to uphold high standards under pressure. Looking ahead, I am focused on expanding my work within narrative films, commercials, and music videos, while also continuing to collaborate with international filmmakers. Each new project is an opportunity to push my craft further, embrace emerging technologies, and explore diverse forms of storytelling. My long-term vision is to contribute meaningfully to the global film community by shaping stories that cross cultural boundaries and leave a lasting impact on audiences.
Ultimately, what I would like people to know about my work is that it comes from a place of both discipline and passion. My brand is defined by professionalism, creativity, and a commitment to elevating every project I am a part of, no matter its scale. For me, filmmaking is not just a career, it is a lifelong pursuit of excellence in the art of visual storytelling.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back, I believe the three most impactful qualities in my journey have been adaptability, discipline, and collaboration.
Adaptability has been essential because film sets are never predictable. No matter how much you prepare, unexpected challenges always arise. Early in my career, I learned that staying flexible and solution-oriented not only ensures the project moves forward but also earns the trust of directors and crews. For those starting out, my advice is to welcome challenges rather than fear them, see them as opportunities to problem-solve creatively. In the beginning, I also took every chance I could to simply be on set, even in unpaid or assisting roles, because observation is one of the most powerful ways to learn. Watching experienced professionals work taught me lessons I could never get in a classroom.
Discipline is another quality that has shaped my career. Growing up in an Indian household, I was taught the importance of hard work, consistency, and respect for my craft. These values gave me the perseverance to continue pursuing filmmaking even when resources were limited or the path was uncertain. For aspiring filmmakers, discipline means showing up prepared, delivering your best every time, and treating every project, big or small, with the same level of commitment.
Finally, collaboration has been the most rewarding skill I’ve developed. Cinematography and gaffing are inherently collaborative; they require listening to others’ ideas, understanding the director’s vision, and working closely with crews to bring it to life. Some of the best projects I’ve been part of such as assisting in the camera team and working as a BTS documentary photographer and videographer on Guru Randhawa & French Montana & Shanaya Kapoor: Vibe (2025), Karan Aujla x OneRepublic x Ikky: Tell Me (2025), and Diljit Dosanjh: Don (2024) were successful because of strong teamwork and shared trust on set.
My advice to those starting their journey is to build genuine relationships, stay open to feedback, and remember that filmmaking is a collective art form.
In short, adaptability, discipline, and collaboration have not only defined my journey but continue to guide me. For anyone beginning in this industry, focusing on these three qualities can create a strong foundation to grow both artistically and professionally.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been in developing a stronger balance between technical mastery and creative leadership. While I have always been deeply focused on the craft of cinematography and lighting, this year I placed a greater emphasis on leading teams, communicating a clear visual vision, and ensuring that every department feels connected to the storytelling process. This shift has allowed me to not only refine the technical side of my work but also elevate the overall quality and efficiency of the productions I have been part of.
Another area of growth has been exposure to larger, more high-profile projects. Working on music videos and films featuring internationally recognized artists such as Guru Randhawa, French Montana, Shanaya Kapoor, Karan Aujla, OneRepublic, and Diljit Dosanjh has expanded my ability to manage bigger crews, adapt to tighter schedules, and deliver under higher expectations. These experiences challenged me to grow as both a creative and a professional, reinforcing the importance of adaptability, preparation, and trust in collaboration.
Finally, I’ve grown in my ability to embrace emerging technologies and integrate them seamlessly into my workflow. From experimenting with new lighting systems to adopting more efficient on-set practices, I’ve focused on staying current with industry innovations. This ensures that I can bring cutting-edge techniques to each project while still preserving the artistry at the core of cinematography.
Overall, the past year has been transformative because it pushed me beyond being only a technician or artist, I’ve grown into a more complete filmmaker, capable of blending creativity, leadership, and innovation to serve each story at the highest level.
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