Meet Roux Chen | cinematographer

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

Hi Roux, how do you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks is an essential part of growth, both personally and professionally. Throughout my career, taking risks has been a driving force in helping me step outside of my comfort zone and pursue opportunities that might have seemed daunting at first. Moving from Taiwan to the U.S. to study filmmaking was a huge risk – I was stepping into a completely new environment and industry. But that decision opened doors I couldn’t have imagined, allowing me to develop my skills and connect with people who have shaped my career.

Working in cinematography also comes with its own set of risks, especially when taking on freelance projects. There’s always uncertainty in terms of finding clients or handling multiple jobs at once, but those risks have taught me how to adapt quickly and find solutions in challenging situations. One of the most memorable risks I took was traveling to Nepal during the pandemic to shoot a documentary. It wasn’t easy, but that experience was incredibly rewarding and pushed me to grow as both a filmmaker and storyteller. In the end, I think taking calculated risks has helped me evolve and seize opportunities I might have otherwise missed.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is fundamentally an ongoing learning process. I focus on cinematography, and I believe that it’s a never-ending journey of exploration and growth. This is what sets me apart from others. No matter where I am in my career, I know there’s no true endpoint. Every project and every shooting experience is an opportunity to learn something new. Over time, I’ve strengthened my understanding of lighting, composition, and visual storytelling, but I also recognize that there’s always more to discover and improve upon.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to capture unique emotions and tell compelling stories through visuals. Each project presents an opportunity to deepen my craft and approach the story from a new perspective. I always strive to create visuals that resonate emotionally and serve the narrative in a meaningful way.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that filmmaking is a process with no finish line, and that’s what I love about it. Every step in my career has taught me the importance of persistence, collaboration, and maintaining a mindset of continuous learning. What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that I’m driven by a passion for visual storytelling and committed to capturing moments that deeply resonate with audiences. There’s no endpoint—just continuous growth and more stories waiting to be told.

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?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them on a journey through the city that focuses on three main elements: coffee, food, and street photography. These are, in my opinion, some of the best ways to understand a city and its people.

We’d begin by visiting a few local coffee shops. Each one has its own unique vibe, and I think coffee shops are perfect for people-watching and getting a feel for the community. Whether it’s a bustling café where students and professionals gather or a quiet spot tucked away in a neighborhood, the interactions and atmosphere in these places tell you a lot about the rhythm of the city.

Next, food is essential when exploring a new place, so I’d make sure we try a variety of local dishes. From street food vendors to more established restaurants, food reflects the culture and history of the city. Each bite offers a story, whether it’s a dish passed down through generations or a modern twist on a classic. By exploring the local food scene, we’d get a taste of the city’s essence.

As we walk through the city, I’d bring my camera along for street photography. There’s something special about capturing the small, often overlooked details—the architecture, street art, or the way light hits a building at just the right angle. Walking through neighborhoods, photographing the everyday life, and noticing the subtleties of the cityscape gives a deeper appreciation of the place.

This combination of coffee, food, and photography not only allows you to see the city but to feel and understand it in a more intimate way. It’s the small details and moments that make a place truly memorable.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, no journey is ever truly a solo one, and I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of support along the way. First, I have to give a huge shoutout to my family. Their unwavering support gave me the courage to pursue my passion, even when it meant moving halfway across the world. I also owe a lot to the incredible mentors I’ve had, both in Taiwan and in the U.S. They not only shared their knowledge but also encouraged me to push my boundaries and stay true to my vision.

Another key group is the filmmaking community I’ve had the privilege of working with. Collaborating with directors, fellow crew members, and other creatives has taught me the value of teamwork and the importance of trusting the process. Lastly, I’d like to recognize the artists I’ve worked with, like Taiwanese singer 八三夭 (831) 阿璞 (A Pu). Their creative vision and trust in my cinematography have allowed me to grow as an artist. Without these incredible people, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

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Other: https://vimeo.com/931516447