Meet Jordan Dowler | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Dowler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
I’m 24 and still at my infancy when it comes to my career, but something I’ve learned since becoming a Freelance Cinematographer is to always lead with your best foot forward. This means to be confident in what you do know and at the same time having humility with the things you don’t. At the beginning of my career, I almost felt as if I needed to pose like I knew what I was doing all the time just to be seen as an asset or to fit in with those around me. Quickly, I realized that that only works against me, because my flaws and my inexperience would eventually be shown to the light (usually sooner rather than later.) I realized, especially in filmmaking, that all of us are always learning and that I should be open about my knowledge and be unafraid to ask questions or to have someone show me something I didn’t previously know. In doing so, I believe I’m building myself up to be someone much greater, someone that will eventually be the one teaching the next generation of filmmakers new things. Plus, it just feels better to not have to hide behind a mask, to say “this is me, take it or leave it”, to really know that even though you don’t know everything, you still have a specific set of skills and characteristics that you can confidently put forward on every project or job you’re on.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Cinematographer that has been behind a camera since I was ten years old. It started off how it starts with a lot of people I know, just making short videos with my childhood friends. I distinctly remember taking my mom’s old point-and-shoot camera, which happened to also shoot video (novel for it’s time), and setting it up on the shelf in my room so that my friend and I could stand in front of it and talk about whatever it was we were into at the time. Soon enough, we were coming up with comedy skits and characters and different storylines. It was at this time in my life where the foundation of what a “story” is was being built. Eventually, I’d be shooting and editing these videos on a small iPod Touch I had received for Christmas one year. I didn’t know it at the time, but these short videos I was making with my friends would be the impetus of my lifelong goal to become a successful Cinematographer working on narrative films. Flashforward to now, I’m not yet at my goal but am actively working towards it. It’s not always easy, because in the real world, especially when you’re still at the beginning of your career, you’re taking on a lot of work that doesn’t totally mimic your end goal. Often times I’m working as a Grip or a Gaffer or even a PA. But it is all a part of the process of paying your dues and learning from everyone around you and eventually working your way to that ideal position. Plus, everything I learn on set and everybody I meet will get me ready for my future in this industry. One thing will always remain, my love for the image and telling a story through it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t go out too much but I would probably take my friend to see a movie at the Mayan and then go to get a burger at Cherry Cricket in Cherry Creek. Alternatively, we could see an independent movie at the Sie FilmCenter and then stop by Twist & Shout Records next door to listen to and sift through some vinyl.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout would have to go towards Colorado Film School. I spent three years there alongside so many other young and talented filmmakers that shared my same passion, and it was a period of so much growth for me not only in my personal life but also in my knowledge of the craft. The program there is extremely hands-on which, in my opinion, is really the only way to learn how to make a movie. At the start of your first semester, they throw you right into the action by having you write, direct, and produce your own short film while you collaborate with peers on their projects as well. Soon enough, you learn about all the pain, joy, hurdles, relationships, challenges, and creative fulfillment that comes along with making a film. It is really a closely-knit community of passionate people coming together to create something they all can look back on and love. I still look back on those times fondly and I will forever be grateful for the experience of being there and the confidence it gave me to then go out into the real world and kill it in my career.

Instagram: instagram.com/jordandowlerdp