Jonathan Weber
Director of PhotographyWith my images, I tell stories—sometimes real, sometimes fictional. But always true. As a cinematographer, visual storytelling is at the heart of my work. The strongest images are found in the tensions of reality. That’s why I constantly seek new perspectives and impressions.
My initial studies in media and communication science, combined with a strong desire for creative, hands-on work, laid the foundation for my freelance career as a cinematographer. Since 2015, I have realized numerous projects. After the release of my first feature film (shot in 2018), I became co-owner of eyewerk GmbH in 2021, which has since provided a professional framework for my work behind the camera. Our collaboration not only brings together creative and technical expertise but also establishes reliable structures for ambitious productions. Together, we are actively involved—both practically and politically—in the film scene of Lower Saxony to help make the region more attractive for filmmakers.
Creative ambition and technical precision are, to me, two sides of the same coin. Thorough preparation lays the groundwork for developing the ideal visual language for a project—in close dialogue with the director and all departments. This collaboration allows us to translate the vision into images that are not only creatively compelling but also hold up under real-world production conditions.
No story, no film.
Why the eye is a poor witness.Film is the sum of its many parts; and yet the underlying story is the heartbeat that breathes life into them all. A good story can captivate for hours. It can make us laugh and cry, stir anger, and offer reconciliation—all sometimes within moments. This is the potential of all films, whether short or long, narrative or corporate. At the same time, it places a responsibility on everyone involved to make decisions that not only fit within the given constraints but also serve the narrative imperative.
This is precisely why images shouldn't just be beautiful—they must work. With the endless possibilities of visual composition, every image becomes a conscious decision against a thousand others, shaped by creativity, craft, empathy, and teamwork.
Visual Voice
From Film Noir to Sunshine NoirJust as a good story lives from its conflicts, a strong image lives from its contrasts. From the interplay of light and shadow, but also from the tension between closeness and distance, openness and oppressive confinement. Creating contrasts is the foundation of my visual voice.
In terms of aesthetics, I'm often drawn to the raw and the authentic. I find inspiration in Film Noir, where deep shadows and a fatalistic mood reflect the moral ambiguity of its characters. Just as much in Sunshine Noir, where darkness hides in broad daylight and conflicts are illuminated by a glaring, almost merciless sun. Revealing what lies beneath the surface drives me toward extreme proximity—toward unflinching observation of emotion. The composed vastness of a wide shot can then give that emotion the space it needs to breathe.