Justin Knodel is a narrative feature cinematographer working between Los Angeles and Abu Dhabi, specializing in visually driven storytelling for feature films and prestige television.

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His work is rooted in character — crafting images that serve performance, atmosphere, and emotional tension rather than spectacle alone. Whether photographing intimate drama, psychological thrillers, or large-scale international productions, Justin approaches each project with a disciplined cinematic language shaped by tone, rhythm, and narrative intention.

 

He served as Director of Photography on the international feature Al Ittihad, leading a 100+ crew across a 25-day schedule, and has lensed multiple narrative features currently streaming on Amazon Prime. His television work includes Prisoner of Earth and the award-winning series The Rich Kid Rules.

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Working across U.S. and MENA markets, Justin brings experience navigating international co-productions, diverse crews, and complex production environments. He is comfortable operating at scale while maintaining a collaborative, director-focused process that prioritizes clarity, efficiency, and visual cohesion.

His visual style favors grounded realism with controlled atmosphere — expressive use of shadow, motivated light, and camera movement that supports performance rather than overwhelms it. Each project begins with tone conversations, visual research, and a clear understanding of the story’s emotional architecture.