Snapshot — short film production

Production on Snapshot, written and directed by John Yew, recently wrapped. I worked on the project as director of photography. Together, John and I focused on shaping a visual language that stayed close to the film’s tone and narrative.

We shot the film using the Canon C300 paired with Zeiss photo prime lenses. This setup allowed us to work with precision while keeping the images grounded and direct. Each frame was built carefully, with attention to light, texture, and rhythm.

The story

Snapshot follows a young burglar whose routine life shifts after he encounters a photographic print of an Archangel in a gallery. The image draws him toward an unfamiliar house and into a situation that unsettles his sense of reality.

Rather than relying on explanation, the film unfolds through mood and observation. The story moves gradually, allowing space for ambiguity and personal interpretation.

Working with John Yew

John approaches storytelling with a strong focus on inner states rather than external action. His script explores themes of identity, chance, and transformation. During production, we worked closely to translate these ideas into visual choices—often favoring restraint over emphasis.

Our collaboration centered on keeping the camera close to the character without directing attention away from the emotional core of the film.

The team behind the film

As with any production, Snapshot relied on a small and dedicated team. In particular, Manuel Bauer and Stuart Howe played key roles throughout the process. Their experience and consistency helped maintain focus during the shoot.

Looking ahead

The film is now moving through post-production. While the final shape will emerge in the edit, the project already reflects a shared commitment to clarity and atmosphere. I’m looking forward to seeing Snapshot completed and to sharing the result of this collaboration.