Representation:
- Commercial, Doc, Film & TV | Alexander Creatives
- Reuben Stauber | reuben@alexandercreatives.com
- Licensing | Micah Austin - micah@filmsupply.com
Brandon Haynes is an award-winning cinematographer based in Brooklyn, NY, renowned for his ability to craft visually stunning and emotionally resonant stories through his mastery of light, color, and shadow. He began his creative journey as a photographer in 2009, discovering his passion for cinematography at Denver's SeriesFest in 2016. A self-taught artist driven by excellence, Brandon has built a dynamic career that bridges the worlds of music, fashion, sports, TV, and cinema.
Brandon’s versatile portfolio includes collaborations with leading brands such as Hennessy, NBC, Google, SpringHill, Bumble, and BET, showcasing his adaptability across commercial and narrative projects.
In 2025, Brandon’s work on A Radical Act: Renee Montgomery earned widespread acclaim at Sundance, where the film received the BrandStorytelling Jury Award and the Producer Award. His cinematography has also been recognized with numerous accolades, including Best Cinematography, Best Cinematographer, and Best Film at prestigious festivals such as the Academy Award/BAFTA Qualifying Rhode Island International Film Festival, Austin Film Festival, San Francisco Doc Fest, Bushwick Film Festival, and Inside Out Film Festival.
Brandon is also a Webby Award and James Beard Award winner for his work on The Black Kitchen, a project celebrating cultural heritage and culinary excellence.
As an ASC Vision Scholar Member, Brandon has received mentorship from some of the industry's most accomplished cinematographers, further refining his expertise and commitment to storytelling. He has collaborated with organizations like Abel Cine to lead workshops on lighting and cinematography and remains open to sharing his expertise whenever opportunities present themselves. Additionally, he has participated in panels and talks with organizations such as The Gotham, sharing insights on technology advancements in filmmaking and their impact on modern storytelling.
Brandon’s background as an athlete informs his collaborative approach to filmmaking, viewing each project as a team effort striving toward a shared vision. This ethos extends to mentoring emerging talent, particularly filmmakers and cinematographers of color, ensuring a more inclusive future for the industry.
Dedicated to pushing boundaries, Brandon continues to tell bold, impactful stories that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Have an upcoming project? Brandon would love to collaborate with you!
Affiliations:
- Member of Free The Work
- Member of Sporas
- Brand Ambassador for Fiilex Lighting
- Member of Society of Camera Operators
- Member of Documentary Cinematographers Alliance, DCA
- Member of International Cinematographers Guild, IATSE Local 600
- Recipient of America Society of Cinematography - ASC Vision Mentorship Program
Press:
- Bushwick Film Festival: Interview - Legacy (Short Film)
- Free The Work: Filmmaker Spotlight
- Johannes Leonardo: Meet Brandon Haynes
- Able Cine: Magic Hour
- Malayalees for Black Lives Matter: Racism in Entertainment
- Brown Girl Magazine: Radical Responsibility - Becoming Antiracist
- Little Black Book: SLMBR PRTY Teams up with MiFilm for an Event Elevating New Talent
- Roast Brief: SLMBR PRTY TEAMS UP WITH MIFILM FOR AN EVENT ELEVATING NEW TALENT
Articles:
- Guerrilla Wolf: The Importance of Cinematography
- Guerrilla Wolf: Mastering The Art of Lighting Black Skin In Cinematography
- Guerrilla Wolf: Diversity and Inclusion in the Film Industry: A BIPOC Perspective
- Guerrilla Wolf: The Art of Light and Shadow: The Importance of the DP
Also moonlights as a photographer and director.