Meet Alejandro Cortes | Cinematographer

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

Hi Alejandro, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I’m not the typical filmmaker who discovered a super 8 camera as a kid and was influenced by classical cinema. It wasn’t until the end of high school that I discovered iMovie and started writing little scripts to shoot on my webcam for fun. At the time I thought I would study to become an industrial engineer because it felt like a “safe bet” for a career in Mexico. However, I knew deep down that I was going to college for something that sounded logical, but ultimately felt wrong. The idea of making movies seemed like a lot of fun, but unrealistic and potentially detrimental to my financial stability. At least that’s the way I saw at the time. Fortunately, I summoned the courage to pivot at the very last minute and I applied to a 4-week program at the New York Film Academy. Initially, I viewed it as a brief detour before college- a way to shake the idea out of my head. But the moment I was introduced to the process of shooting on 16mm film, my life changed forever. The experience was unlike anything I had ever seen or felt before, and in that moment, I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker.

Even today. the idea of making such a drastic shift (from engineer to artist) sounds improbable. What was originally meant to be a 4 week experience has expanded into a decade and counting. I remember calling my mom to tell her that I wouldn’t be going back home because I saw an opportunity to forge a long-term career in New York and craft a career out of telling stories. She gave me her blessing and I got to work. It definitely felt like a leap of faith, and the fear of failure haunted my head. But I had to give it a try and I was committed to putting in the work. Looking back, that was the single best decision I’ve ever made, and I am grateful that I get to do what I truly love.

In embracing the risks of pursuing my passion, I not only found my value as an artist, but also realized that staying within the bounds of comfort would never lead to true fulfillment. Not because of a lack of potential, but because of a lack of intention. I learned that whenever there’s risk, there’s a bigger opportunity for success. Today, I confidently affirm that stepping into the unknown is what makes the entire creative process worth the inherent risks and challenges. I can’t imagine myself doing anything else.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My artistic career is fueled by a constant need to understand and explore the intricacies of the human condition through the visual arts. I find myself constantly observing and studying the people and spaces around me.

As a photographer, I aim to capture authentic moments in life. I like to travel as much as possible to expand my perspective. I share a lot of my travel photography in my social media.

As a cinematographer, my role mainly consists in understanding the intentions of the director and bringing an idea to life- from words to images. The objective is to elicit specific emotions in the viewer through the manipulation of light and camera movement. It’s a mix of intuition and other technical abilities that begin the process of finding that truth in a subjective medium. This of course, is a collaborative effort- a dance between various departments all looking to better portray a specific moment or emotion. And that’s what I love about it. It’s a multidisciplinary art that only works when different ideas and talents merge together into a common goal: to tell a story.

I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with many talented artist throughout the years and my work has produced a number of awards, but most importantly, I get to be in the moment and learn from other perspectives. Being on set is my favorite part of the process. I love going to new places and getting to experience different lives through other people’s stories, allowing me to explore and delve into the layers of complexity that surround our existence. I only hope that through my work I’m able to immortalize and share those little moments in life that make it worth living. I am constantly looking for the next challenge and always hoping to meet collaborators along the way.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have been in New York for 10 years, and my favorite neighborhood is the East Village. I love having brunch at Veselka and then going to Washington Square Park to hang out with friends and see all kind of random things happen. During the summer time it’s always a good idea to bike/walk around Central Park or Prospect Park. I love going to the Whitney Museum and the MET. I also would recommend the Museum of Natural History, especially the planetarium. My favorite place to eat at the moment is Taquería Ramirez in Greenpoint. I love The Blue Note for a night of music and I love going to Williamsburg to see the sunset by the water.

In LA, I love renting a car and driving around the coastline. I like Santa Monica, Santa Barbara and Venice beach. I also love going to the Griffith observatory and catching a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre. For food, I love Leo’s Tacos.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without the unconditional love and support of my family. My parents and siblings are a fundamental part of my formation and I carry their teachings with me. It makes a big difference when someone believes in you and is willing to support your ideas. Also to Alonso Homs, who was the first person to introduce me to the film scene. Huge thanks to Greg Harriott and Mike Doyle who showed me the ins and outs of running a business in New York and how to make it as a freelancer. To the American Society of Cinematographers for influencing my career and recognizing my work in multiple occasions. I truly cherish my mentors Dejan Georgevich, ASC, and Jonathan Freeman, ASC for inspiring me with their craft and unique perspectives. Last but not least, life wouldn’t be the same without the teachings of my dear friend Juan Carlos Ortiz. Much love and respect to all.

Website: alejandrocortesdp.com

Instagram: @alejandrocortesdp

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6532189/

Image Credits
Michael Doyle, Alejandro Cortes