Meet Patil Khakhamian | Cinematographer & Photographer

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

Hi Patil, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued an artistic and creative career because my artistic inclinations have been ingrained in me since childhood, and I couldn’t ignore this part of myself. Although I briefly considered becoming a biologist, the thought of abandoning my artistic side worried me deeply. In college, I found myself unsure of what to do with an art degree, so I opted for a degree in anthropology. However, I couldn’t suppress my passion for art, so I ended up double majoring in anthropology and filmmaking, aiming to merge my artistic interests with an exploration of human cultures.

The decision to pursue an artistic career was driven by my desire to make knowledge and stories accessible to others. I recognized that conveying information through art, such as creating documentaries about social issues, can reach a broader audience and be more engaging than traditional academic research papers. Art provides me with the most profound means of self-expression and allows me to share my unique perspective on the world. It’s during these moments of creative flow that I feel the happiest and most fulfilled.

Choosing a creative career was also a way for me to harmoniously blend my passion with my professional path without risking burnout. I knew that if I pursued a career solely driven by financial motives or societal expectations, I might lose touch with the core of who I am. Art and creativity give me the freedom to be myself and remain connected to what truly matters to me.

Moreover, I believe that art has the power to alleviate some of the difficulties people face in life. Immersing themselves in different worlds and possibilities through art allows individuals to escape their momentary issues and find solace and inspiration. Art has the potential to spark new perspectives, encourage change, and inspire individuals to follow their own paths in life. By pursuing an artistic and creative career, I hope to contribute to this transformative power of art and make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I graduated high school, my parents gifted me a DSLR camera, which I took with me to Brazil, where I lived for a year before college. It was during that time that I began experimenting with the camera and honing my photography skills. Intrigued by the power of visual storytelling, I organized an exhibition featuring portraits and stories of people from the island I was living on. Witnessing the emotional reactions and connections people had with the portraits fueled my desire to pursue a career in audiovisual storytelling.

In college, I got a job as a photographer in the communications department, allowing me to pursue photography professionally and receive valuable feedback. The encouragement I received inspired me to keep capturing moments, no matter how challenging or uncertain the situations were.

After completing my college education with degrees in anthropology and film, I decided to translate my photography skills into videography and filmmaking. My background in anthropology, with its focus on understanding human cultures and stories, proved to be an asset in connecting with people and conducting meaningful interviews. This knowledge allowed me to create an authentic space where subjects felt comfortable sharing their stories genuinely.

As an artist myself, I found joy in bringing other people’s art to life, particularly through music videos. Collaborating with talented musicians to visually complement their vocals was a fantastic experience, aligning my passion for art and storytelling.

In my work, I pay close attention to details, molding light and shadow to evoke emotions, and considering every aspect, from location and time of day to clothing, objects, and backgrounds, to tell a compelling story through visuals.

While the technical skills are important, I’ve learned that the most challenging aspect of being an artist and filmmaker is effectively collaborating with others and creating a pleasant and enjoyable process for everyone involved. Being open to creative input and allowing subjects to express themselves authentically in front of the camera are crucial elements in my storytelling approach.

Overall, my journey as an artist and filmmaker has been shaped by passion, dedication, and a willingness to learn and collaborate. I strive to continue bringing people’s visions and ideas to life, while remaining true to my unique perspective and storytelling style.

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.
The first thing I encourage everyone to do when visiting Los Angeles for the first time is to go to the beach. One of my favorite places is Santa Monica because it’s brimming with vibrant colors and lively people. From street performances to rollerbladers, there’s always something fun to do and see around the beach and the greater area of Santa Monica.

I personally love thrift stores, and my absolute favorite is Crossroads Trading. Not only do they offer super stylish clothes, but you can also find really cool and sometimes barely worn shoes.

As a vegan, I urge people to explore the city’s ample vegan restaurants. My top picks are Veggie Grill, Crossroads Kitchen, Pura Vita, Green Leaves Vegan, as well as some hybrid restaurants like Tocaya, True Food Kitchen, and DTLA Ramen, which offer a wide array of delicious vegan and vegetarian options.

For fantastic live music experiences, I recommend checking out Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood. This hidden gem offers captivating performances, especially on Saturdays when they host a jazz band called “Funky Mama Allstars.” The engaging musicians and intimate atmosphere create an unforgettable experience that is truly worth it.

A must-do activity is going on a relaxing picnic at Echo Park Lake, especially on pleasant days when the sun isn’t too strong and the wind is gentle. The picturesque sunsets add to the beauty of the experience.

Another great place to enjoy sunsets is Point Dume in Malibu. Take a short hike to witness an elevated view of the coast, and if you’re lucky, you might be greeted by stunning yellow flowers blooming all around the terrain.

When visiting Beverly Hills, don’t miss The Grove, where you can indulge in delicious food at the Farmer’s Market, explore various shops, and perhaps lose yourself in the offerings at Barnes and Noble. Additionally, catch a film at the AMC, featuring movies that were shot in LA. Rodeo Drive is another cool spot for street photography or sightseeing with its vibrant and captivating storefronts.

Downtown LA offers a wealth of cultural experiences, with must-visit museums like The Broad, which is both free and a must-see!

More cool museums that are admission-free include The Getty Villa and The Getty Museum, both worth the visit.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a special shoutout to FAMU in Prague, one of the best film schools in Europe, where I had the opportunity to do an exchange semester. It was during this time that I realized my calling to pursue a career in film, with a specific focus on cinematography. The mentors at FAMU were incredibly honest and raw in their feedback, which was instrumental in pushing me to grow as an artist and remain humble. Learning how to embrace and incorporate others’ feedback helped me become a better artist.

I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to my family and friends who have consistently supported and encouraged me throughout my artistic journey. Their unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of inspiration and motivation.

Website: https://patilkhakhamian.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patil_kha/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patilkhakhamian/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/patiil.khakhamiian