From iPhone Shots to Cinematic Visuals: The Journey of a Rising Music Video Director

For many filmmakers, the path to directing music videos begins with expensive cameras and film school credentials. But for this emerging director, the journey started with nothing more than an iPhone, a strong creative vision, and a determination to learn.

Early Beginnings

The passion for visuals first sparked in high school, where a business technology class introduced him to Adobe Photoshop. Getting certified in editing software laid the foundation, but it was the Tumblr era that ignited his love for photography. Without access to professional gear, he honed his eye using just his phone. When a close friend—an aspiring rapper—asked him to shoot a music video, he embraced the opportunity. That moment of trust and encouragement pushed him to dive in.

Eight months ago, he shot his first visual. Despite having no prior experience in cinematography, he instantly fell in love with directing and has been building his craft ever since.

Discovering the Director’s Chair

“The day I shot my first visual, I knew,” he explains. “I’ve always had a love and eye for it, but that moment solidified it.” Inspired by renowned directors like Cole Bennett and Drew Filmed It, he began studying composition, lighting, and editing, creating cinematic results despite filming entirely on an iPhone 14.

Crafting a Vision With Artists

For him, collaboration is key. The process starts by sitting with the artist, listening closely to their music, and paying attention to the emotions each song evokes. “What emotions do I feel while listening? What’s the artist’s message? Could this be an outdoor or daytime visual?” These questions guide his approach.

He strikes a balance between creative control and collaboration: “The artist has just as much input as I do. We both share ideas and come up with something cinematic.” Depending on the energy of the track, he decides whether the video should be performance-driven or narrative-driven, always aiming for visuals that complement the vibe of the music.

Challenges and Lessons

Though he admits he hasn’t faced major technical challenges yet, navigating personalities can be tricky. Some artists bring strong visions that clash with his own. In these cases, he relies on professionalism, patience, and customer service skills to find common ground. “Remaining open-minded and giving artists freedom to express themselves has helped me navigate challenges.”

The biggest obstacle, he says, is balance. “Work balance is tough, but once you’re driven and passionate, nothing stops you. You learn to make time.”

Style and Growth

His visual style can be described as versatile and cinematic with a gritty edge. Over time, his craft has evolved from standard iPhone-quality clips to carefully composed, cinematic visuals that rival professional productions. The growth is evident from his very first video to his most recent work.

He emphasizes that filmmaking isn’t about the gear—it’s about vision. “One misconception people have is that you need a professional camera to get a cinematic shot. That’s not true. Once you understand composition, lighting, and editing, you’re already there.”

Looking Ahead

Currently, he’s collaborating with multiple artists, expanding his portfolio, and gaining experience. But his ambitions stretch beyond his city. “My plan for the future is to be a successful travel videographer. One day, I’d love to work with celebrities and people across different fields.”

Advice for Aspiring Directors

His advice is simple but powerful: “Never wait for the right time. Pick up your camera and practice. The only one in your way is yourself.”

Beyond the Camera

Perhaps the most rewarding part of the job isn’t just creating visuals—it’s the growth that comes with it. “I’ve always had social anxiety, but this field has helped me overcome it. I get to socialize, collaborate, and hear unreleased music before anyone else. It’s always fun to say, ‘I heard it first.’”

With a strong work ethic, a cinematic eye, and the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, this young director is carving his own lane—proving that sometimes, the only tool you need to get started is the one already in your pocket.