Cinematographer’s Perspective: Jomo Fray’s Reflections on the 2025 Directors Lab

By bailey Pennick

Jomo fray Captures The Essence Of Storytelling. The Cinematographer, Celebrated For His Work On 2024’s Nickel Boys, Has been Shaping Filmmakers’ Visions For years.

Fray’s Unique Framing And Inventive Eye Have Graced Screens Through Projects Like 2023’s All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, 2019’s Selah and the Spades, And 2018’s Emergency Short Film.

This Summer, Fray Returned To the stanley Hotel In Estes park, Colorado, For The 2025 Directors Lab. It marks His First Time Serving As A Creative advisor.

Though, This Is Fray’s Third Time Contributing To The Dedicated Crew That Makes The Legendary Lab Run Smoothly. He Brings A Wealth Of Experience To The Table.

Fray Documented His Lab Experience Through A Series Of Textured Images. He Used A Half-Frame 35mm camera To Capture The Feeling Of The Directors Lab.

The Diptych-Like Pairings Offer An Intimate Look At The Institution, Which Has Been Nurturing Filmmaking Talent For Over 40 Years. Each Image Tells A story.

“I Feel Like I Create Stories In My Head Between The Images,” Fray Shared. These Photos Inspire Viewers To Tell Their Own Stories.

Let These Images Inspire You To Tell Your Story. The Moments Between Memories Are Where Life Truly Happens.

How did Jomo Fray‘s mentorship at the directors Lab influence his outlook on the artistic potential of virtual production technologies like LED volumes?

The Evolving Landscape of Visual Storytelling

Jomo Fray, ASC, a celebrated cinematographer known for his work on independent features and critically acclaimed television series, recently completed his mentorship at the 2025 Directors Lab. This intensive workshop, held annually, brings together emerging directors and seasoned industry professionals for a collaborative exploration of filmmaking. Fray’s insights offer a unique perspective on the current state of cinematic technique and the challenges facing filmmakers today. His focus during the lab centered on practical submission of new camera technologies and fostering a stronger visual language in narrative filmmaking.

Key Themes & technological Shifts

Several core themes emerged during the 2025 Directors Lab, reflecting broader trends in the film industry.

Virtual Production & LED Volumes: The integration of virtual production techniques, notably utilizing LED volumes, was a significant point of discussion. Fray noted a shift from simply using these technologies to understanding their artistic potential. “It’s not about replacing location shooting entirely,” he explained, “but about expanding the toolkit. The key is knowing when and how to leverage these tools for maximum impact. We spent a lot of time deconstructing how to light for in-camera VFX and the nuances of color management within a virtual surroundings.” This included detailed sessions on Unreal Engine integration and real-time rendering workflows.

Sensor Technology & Dynamic Range: Advancements in sensor technology continue to push the boundaries of image capture.The lab explored the capabilities of the latest full-frame and large-format sensors, focusing on maximizing dynamic range and minimizing noise in low-light conditions. Fray emphasized the importance of understanding the specific characteristics of each sensor and tailoring exposure and color grading accordingly. “It’s easy to get lost in the numbers,” he stated, “but ultimately, it’s about how the sensor translates to the emotional impact of the image.”

The Rise of Computational Cinematography: A growing area of interest was computational cinematography – utilizing AI and machine learning to enhance image quality, automate tasks, and even create entirely new visual effects. Discussions revolved around the ethical implications of these technologies and their potential to democratize filmmaking.

Mentorship & Collaborative Process

Fray’s mentorship approach focused on fostering a dialog between technical expertise and artistic vision. He didn’t prescribe solutions but rather guided directors to discover their own visual language.

Shot Listing & Visual Planning: A significant portion of the lab was dedicated to detailed shot listing and visual planning. Fray stressed the importance of pre-visualization, not as a rigid storyboard, but as a flexible framework for experimentation. “The goal is to have a clear understanding of the emotional arc of each scene and how the camera can contribute to that arc,” he said.

Lighting for Emotional Impact: Lighting remained a central focus. Fray led workshops on practical lighting techniques, emphasizing the use of motivated lighting and color to create mood and atmosphere. He encouraged directors to think beyond technical specifications and consider the psychological impact of light and shadow.

Camera Movement & Composition: Discussions on camera movement centered on the principles of visual storytelling.Fray advocated for purposeful camera work, avoiding gratuitous movement and prioritizing clarity and emotional resonance. He also highlighted the importance of composition, drawing on classic cinematic principles and contemporary visual trends.

Case Study: “Echo Bloom” – A Lab Project

One particularly compelling project to emerge from the lab was “Echo Bloom,” a short film directed by Anya Sharma. sharma’s film explored themes of memory and loss through a non-linear narrative. Fray’s contribution involved helping Sharma refine her visual approach to reflect the fragmented nature of memory.

Utilizing Aspect Ratio Shifts: They experimented with subtle aspect ratio shifts to visually represent shifts in time and perspective.

color Grading as a Narrative Tool: A desaturated color palette was used to evoke a sense of nostalgia and melancholy, with selective color highlights to emphasize key emotional moments.

Handheld Camera Work for Intimacy: Strategic use of handheld camera work created a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the viewer into the protagonist’s subjective experience.

Benefits of Attending the Directors Lab

Participants consistently cite several key benefits of attending the Directors Lab:

Networking Opportunities: The lab provides a unique prospect to connect with fellow filmmakers and industry professionals.

Creative Growth: The intensive workshops and mentorship sessions foster creative growth and experimentation.

Technical Skill Advancement: Participants gain hands-on experience with the latest filmmaking technologies.

* Project Development: The lab provides a supportive environment for developing and refining film projects.

Practical Tips for Emerging Cinematographers

Fray offered several pieces of advice for aspiring cinematographers:

1. Master the Fundamentals: “Don’t get caught up in the latest gadgets. A solid understanding of lighting, composition, and camera movement is essential.”
2. Develop Your Visual Voice: “Experiment with diffrent styles and techniques to find what resonates with you