We recently connected with Yash Bhatnagar and have shared our conversation below.
Yash, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My optimism comes from a deep-seated desire to safeguard my passion for the art that led me into this profession. It serves as an antidote to the ever-present uncertainty that characterizes the filmmaking industry. By maintaining a positive outlook, I ensure that my dedication to this craft remains sincere, allowing me to overcome obstacles and continue pursuing my dreams with enthusiasm and resilience.
In my experience, without a genuine love for what you do and a commitment to making the most of your circumstances, this line of work can quickly become overwhelming.
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?
I am a Director of Photography based in Orange County, California. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Film Production from Dodge College Of Film & Media Arts, Chapman University. My journey into cinematography is an evolution that stems from a combination of curiosity, a passion for storytelling, and a genuine fascination with the visual medium. Initially, my career path was set in a different direction into engineering, perhaps more aligned with societal expectations. However, as life unfolded, I found myself increasingly drawn to the world of filmmaking. The day I picked up my dad’s DSLR, my fascination with cameras evolved from mere curiosity to an obsession with visual arts.
Driven by this passion, I decided to pursue formal education in cinematography, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience. I spent time gaining proficiency in industry-standard equipment and actively sought opportunities to work on independent projects. Each project became a stepping stone, allowing me to refine my skills, learn from challenges, and collaborate with talented individuals who shared my passion. My background in technology brings me a unique and valuable perspective on cinematography. The industry is known for its rapid evolution, and having a strong fascination with technology inspires me to keep up with the modern filmmaking landscape. Understanding cutting-edge tools in cinematography is a skill set I strive to hone to enhance the quality of my work. I discovered that cinematography is not just a profession but a form of artistic expression that allows me to blend technical expertise with creative storytelling. The more I immersed myself in the craft, the more I felt a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being immersed in cinematography has been instrumental in helping me improve various aspects of my personal and professional growth.
Firstly, it has significantly improved my communication skills. Collaborating with diverse teams of professionals, from directors to fellow crew members, demands clear and effective communication to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards a common vision. This constant interaction has allowed me to articulate my ideas more confidently and concisely, whether on set or during pre-production meetings. Moreover, cinematography has instilled in me a strong sense of discipline in planning. From meticulously scheduling shoots to coordinating equipment and personnel, the intricate planning required in this field has sharpened my organizational skills.
Furthermore, the dynamic and fast-paced nature of filmmaking has taught me invaluable lessons in coping with pressure. Tight deadlines, unforeseen challenges, and high-stakes situations are par for the course in this industry. Learning to remain calm and focused under pressure has been essential to delivering quality work consistently. Whether troubleshooting technical issues on set or adapting to last-minute changes — all these challenges provide me with the opportunity to practice and improve my resilience and patience.
For newcomers, my suggestion is to welcome the journey ahead. The improvement I’ve witnessed in myself comes from a collection of different projects and experiences. There’s no final destination, and personally, I find that aspect most rewarding. The chance to continuously improve is a gift that every beginner should treasure.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
Throughout my life, my parents have served as my pillars of support, playing a crucial role in every endeavor I’ve undertaken. While it would be unfair for me to quantify everything into one impactful thing, I would be happy to share an instance that is very relevant to the conversation — their support in my decision to switch careers.
My parents’ acceptance and support of my decision to transition from graduating with a degree in engineering to pursuing cinematography, has been incredibly meaningful. Initially, there were understandable concerns for all of us about veering from a more traditional career path. However, as I shared my passion and vision for cinematography with them, they became increasingly supportive. Whether it’s celebrating my achievements, offering words of encouragement during challenging times, or simply being there to listen, their presence and enthusiasm have been invaluable. Knowing that they believe in me and my dreams has given me the confidence to push through obstacles and strive for excellence in my chosen path.
Contact Info:
- Website: yashvb2000.wixsite.com/yashbhatnagar
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yashbhatnagar_/?hl=en
Image Credits
All rights to me.
