Atlanta Film Festival 2025 (Day 8) - Creative Conference - The Art of Cinematography and Light

From the venue:

The Art of Cinematography and Light

Cinematographers discuss shooting and lighting films on a budget, how natural light can be a friend and an enemy, and how to harness light and camera movement intentionally to set the mood and tone of your film.

Moderator: Trisha Solyn

Trisha Solyn, an award winning Cinematographer, believes that Cinematography should serve the story above all else. She has shot for all mediums, including television, theatrical, dvd, internet, and publishing. She believes that good pre-production and scheduling, as well as a happy and efficient crew, can make any budget look big, but her core belief that “You can’t light a Buick to look like a Porche” leads her to seek out strong, unique stories and filmmakers.

Panelists:

Alexxiss S. Jackson

Alexxiss Jackson, SOC is a Director of Photography and Adjunct Cinematography Professor at Spelman College. She has served as Director of Photography on narrative features, commercials, docuseries, branded content, music videos, and more; including work for entities such as Vogue Magazine, Sony Pictures, MSNBC, Google, Uber, BET+/Tyler Perry Studios, VH1, and Kroger. She has worked as a Camera Operator on projects for Hulu and Vice News, including the Emmy®-awarded series, “The 1619 Project”.

Hilda Mercado

Hilda is a Mexican born Cinematographer, her credits include award winning documentaries, feature films and TV shows.

Marques Moses

Marques Tanner is an ATL-based Director of Photography and Director, working on commercials, narrative, and music videos as well as multi-day festivals and high-profile interviews. Marques has collaborated with clients Durham Law, Johnquel Neal Firm, Black Coffee Atlanta, and Desi Banks, and Directed for the viral hit show Tonight’s Conversation. He is also the lead Director/Cinematographer for Budding Media Moguls. Known for his versatility and storytelling skill, Marques brings a refined, adaptable approach to every project.

Chance White

Chance White is an award-winning Atlanta-based filmmaker known for his commanding visual style, versatility, and ability to craft powerful story-driven visuals. With expertise in directing, cinematography, editing, and VFX, he brings striking, emotionally resonant imagery to a wide range of work—from major commercial campaigns to feature documentaries and indie films—always with a bold, cinematic edge.