Meet Aaron Tucker | Cinematographer, Filmmaker

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

Hi Aaron, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I spent most of my free time growing up watching tv, movies, music videos, etc. Around my mid 20s and a few years into my first job out of college, I felt pressure to think critically about my future, the things I enjoyed and why. That reflection taught me that I have some sort of inherent love for stories, how our journeys teach us about ourselves and the world, and the emotions we experience along the way. Around the same time, I had also gotten my first camera to mess around with. The more I learned about photography, light and moving images, the more I realized that they stimulated me in a way I hadn’t been before. I think it was these things that ultimately motivated me to seek a career in photography direction.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m grateful that photography direction is also my outlet for expression and understanding. I try to make images that reflect emotion and how experiences make us feel. Its therapeutic for me. I love working with directors, actors, musicians, designers, stylists, make up artists, etc. to come up with an approach, and create work that feels soulful and harmonious. Not every project affords this set up, but even when they don’t, its enjoyable to approach them with similar intentionality. Aside from that, I just try to have fun and enjoy the process.

I started out as a camera PA and worked my way up to directing photography. I went two or three years without profiting much due to re-investing what I made into equipment and school. I think my love for filmmaking and what it did for me exceeded discouragement, and that kept me going. I found it helpful to focus on adding value, making sure my department heads were successful and practicing.

I think my journey is also rooted in community. The bonds I’ve made with fellow filmmakers have become the foundation of my work and helped to build the beginning of a sustainable career. As I continue to grow, I hope to create opportunities for younger filmmakers the same way others did for me.

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.
All of my close friends either live in the DMV or grew up here. If they haven’t been home in a while, I’d take them to some old and new favorites. Weakness for Sweetness for Jamaican, 2-3 pizza spots (recently enjoyed Red Light and Emmy Squared). Jody’s Good Mood Cafe in Beltsville for happy hour. I just got hip to La Tejana for breakfast tacos and Mandu for Korean. Visit various plant stores to help me find stuff for my garden and thrift for home decor. Outside of that probably a comedy show.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents, sister and family – their support means a lot. My American U film school fam. Friends who push me on and off set – Joe Marshall, Pierre Edwards, El and Ali Arbello, Chuka Agbaragi, Sam Binutu, Othello Banaci, Walter Atta, Kennard Blackwell, Adielenah Perez.

And everyone who’s took a chance on me, mentioned my name, or been a consistent source of guidance.

Website: www.aaronmtucker.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aaronmtucker/

Image Credits
Foster White, Adielenah Perez, Walter Atta, Juan Herrera Jr., Samson Binutu