Meet Zehua Yang

We were lucky to catch up with Zehua Yang recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Zehua, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

Developing my confidence and self-esteem came through a mix of hands-on learning and self-reflection. Early on, I had the opportunity to work with more experienced cinematographers, as Gaffer or Camera Assistant, and I absorbed everything I could from them—how they approached lighting, framing, and storytelling. These collaborations taught me a lot, but it was really when I started leading my own projects that I grew the most. After each project, I’d reflect on what went well and where things could have been improved. For example, I might rethink how a shot could have been more dynamic and efficient or how I could have communicated my vision more clearly to the crew. That continuous cycle of learning from others and refining my own work helped me build the confidence I have today.

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?

As a cinematographer based in Los Angeles, I work across various mediums. While I’ve spent much of my career focused on narrative and documentary filmmaking, I’ve recently shifted more toward music video and conceptual work. This new direction has been creatively liberating, offering me the freedom to experiment with mood, color, and abstract visual language. One of the most exciting projects I’m working on right now involves collaborating with artists to visualize their instrumental music—translating sound into imagery without the guidance of lyrics. It’s a fresh challenge that pushes me to think differently about how to convey emotions and atmosphere purely through visuals. This shift has allowed me to grow as a cinematographer and explore new creative possibilities while staying true to my passion for storytelling.

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?

There are three key qualities have been most impactful in my journey: adaptability, collaboration, and a strong visual intuition.

Adaptability has allowed me to thrive in diverse environments, There is always unexpected situation on set. Being open to changes, thinking on my feet, and not afraid to compromise for better outcome have been crucial to growing as a cinematographer.

Collaboration is equally important—filmmaking is a team effort, and learning to communicate effectively with directors, producers, and crew members has helped me bring creative visions to life, and save me so much time and money on set.

Finally, developing a strong visual intuition—an eye for composition, lighting, and movement—has been key to telling stories in a way that resonates emotionally, which I am glad I was able to practice them during my time shooting documentary.

For those starting out, spend more time on set, meet new people, and seek out potential long-term creative partners. Embrace every learning opportunity, whether through education or hands-on experience. In terms of communication, don’t be afraid of conflict or creative differences; just ensure you approach discussions with sincerity and don’t take things personally. It’s through continuous learning and refinement that you’ll discover your unique voice as a cinematographer.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was support my pursuit of filmmaking, even though they didn’t know much about the industry or what it truly entailed. They never imposed their expectations on me, which allowed me the freedom to explore my passion without the weight of pressure. Their encouragement gave me the confidence to follow my dreams and take risks in my career.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/z_yang44?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==