Meet Imani Gleaton | Cinematographer & Director

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

Hi Imani, what inspires you?
I experimented with a lot of different forms of capturing my friends, family and what or who I saw around me. Living in Los Angeles there were a lot of unique places I could draw inspiration from. The beach, inner city streets, ethnic enclaves and those who occupied them all collectively cultivated this for me. I was able to apply what I had learned technically toward capturing what surrounded me in Los Angeles. Being an Angeleno, the things I observed as I grew into understanding the world around me, my cultures, environment, activism, and those closest to me, I was now drawing from to put in front of my lens. Sponsoring my own shoots, with money I saved up from part time jobs and gathering my own community of like minded creatives. I was fortunate to be able to grow into this passion with creatives alongside me, learning at different rates and paces all of which I could lean on at one time or another. I now view a lens as an extension of my eyes to be formatted into visual concepts, influencing my draw to short form digital and commercial content. Now being based in NYC I continue to take parts of the same bits and pieces of inspiration I cultivated throughout my years at home, applying them to the multitude of authentic and unique voices New York has to offer. My influence rests in what resonates with me at my core for the time and as ever changing as it is, just like short form content; the potential for an opportunity to strike in front of my lens is never ending. I seek to tell the stories of those I experience knowing that what I share is visually true, authentic and that whomever is viewing can see that too.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a director of photography and director with a passion for storytelling and content creation, I am eager to contribute my skills, creativity, and strong work ethic to the industry. During my academic journey and personal projects, I have learned to thrive in fast paced environments that challenge me. I strive to take the perspectives I’ve collected as I continue to grow to see and think differently about how I approach to my work. What really sets me apart is that I didn’t go into my field with just an understanding of camera, I worked to learn (and still am) as many aspects of production as I could before concentrating on directing and cinematography. This helped me to be a better communicator with my team and troubleshoot when necessary. Extensive communication with my team, a solutions oriented approach and fast thinking has allowed me to end the day with a product I’m proud of. In creating compelling lifestyle, visual narratives, branded content, and social media content I can merge my technical skills with the unique seat I take entering any creative room.

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 am a beach girl through and through so if it was while wether was nice Id take them down the coast on the PCH, or down to Manhattan beach. Following that I also think LA has some really great museums and view points, some of my favorites are the Getty Villa, MOLAA (which they offer free dance classes), and the Griffith observatory (great views). For food and drink theres a couple spots I always hit when I go back, Bacari is great for drinks and sharable, Leo’s taco truck after a night out, and maple block for some good bbq.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to shoutout all the creative voices I’ve had to opportunity to work with and continue to collaborate with as I grow as an artist. All my family and friends who have been outstandingly supportive in my journey in college and into pursuing a career as a cinematographer and director.

Instagram: @imanis.mp4

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imani-gleaton

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@imanigleaton6063

Image Credits
3rd Image- Still from Umoja directed by Taurean Houston shot by me
4th Image- Black Dye directed by Noah Gravillis shot by me
5th Image- Wrapped directed by Michelle Andia shot by me