Meet Paloma Ronquilllo | Director of Photography

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

Hi Paloma, why did you pursue a creative career?
I chose an artistic and creative career because it’s something that makes me the happiest. I was actually discouraged from choosing a similar career like mine because “you won’t make very much money and it’s better to keep it a hobby.” I do not regret choosing the path I chose, I love being creative and making artistic projects. Being a cinematographer is truly a rewarding job. I am passionated and proud to continue to grow, learn and tell visual stories.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The true lessons I’ve learned so far in my career as a cinematographer are having overall patience, taking a quick 5–6 minute walk at lunch, being okay with lighting being only 75% done at times, and realizing that sometimes the crazy, extravagant, and sometimes that cool shot isn’t what the story wants or needs.

Cinematography is the core of my creative life. I’m drawn to visuals that feel immersive and emotionally driven—light, color, and movement that help the audience feel something. I love experimenting with lenses, lighting shifts, or subtle changes in frame size to match the emotional arcs of a story. In a recent short, I used specific lighting choices to make the audience feel immersed in the character’s experimental world. On another project, I leaned into lighting that had bold reds, some handheld chaos, tilt-shift lenses, and a glass prism in front of the lens to create a gritty, surreal mood. Every project teaches me something new and I carry those lessons with me.

What excites me most, though, is collaboration. My favorite creative moments are—sitting with the director and production designer, talking about texture, space, and color, building a world together. That kind of partnership—the push and pull of visual language across departments—is where I feel most alive on a project. I believe the best cinematography is a shared, built piece by piece with others who care just as deeply. Every set I’ve been on has reinforced how much I love the rhythm of production and the trust it takes to build a story together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spots in Los Angeles all depend on the vibe we’re going for.
I’m usually more on the chill, laid-back side—but still into doing fun things! I like to keep the itinerary loose because vacation is also a time to relax, even when friends or family are visiting. Breaking the days down it would be:

Day 1
Dinner in Culver City at my favorite place: Pasta Sisters!

Day 2
Picnic at the Baldwin Hills steps with a view of the Westwood/Culver City skyline (I know a cute spot!).
Dinner at Good Day Cafe in Palms—ugh, the BEST pho—and then walking next door to grab drinks at Madre’s.

Day 3
Morning hike at the Griffith Observatory, followed by lunch at the café there.
(Or lunch at Daikokuya Ramen, then dessert at Millet Crepe!)
Finish the night at Good Time at Davey Wayne’s.

Day 4
Visit the Getty Museum and the Hammer Museum, with lunch at one of their cafés.
Then take a stroll through Downtown LA’s Arts District—there’s a cool little park there!

Day 5
Morning walk on Santa Monica Beach (past the pier—it’s much more chill and not as crowded).
Grab coffee and breakfast at SoCal Coffee—ugh, I LOVE their coffee!
Dinner and drinks at Cabo Cantina in Santa Monica, then walk the promenade and catch some live music.

Day 6
Breakfast at Lazy Daisy Café in Santa Monica—their Huevos Rancheros are my favorite.
Take a stroll on the Venice Boardwalk.
Grab tacos at Cousin’s Taco Truck, then end the night at Zebulon.

Day 7
Take Pongo to the dog park at The Boneyard in Culver City.
Grab lunch at Ike’s, then walk up the Paw Path to the top of the hill and hang at the park.
A restful and chill last day.

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?
I’d love to shout out The Cinematography Podcast by Cinepod. When I was in college pursuing my first filmmaking degree and working 5 a.m. shifts at HomeGoods, this podcast was the one that inspired and motivated me the most. I also want to give a special shoutout to David Mullen, ASC, and Quyen Tran, ASC, whose work has deeply influenced the way I view cinematography and approach my own craft.

Website: https://palomaronquillo.com

Instagram: dove_is_my_name

Image Credits
Cortney Colvig
Derek Roche
Dexter Fletcher
Suveda Ramakrishna