About Director of Photography Sherman Johnson

About Cinematographer Sherman Johnson

Director of Photography Sherman Johnson has shot over 800 commercials, 4 feature films, and some 2 dozen-plus shorts along with the occasional music video. He has worked throughout the United States and in Mexico, Jamaica, The Bahamas, The Dominican Republic, and Costa Rica, and is based out of Miami, Florida./p>

Sherman DP

Hi, I’m Sherman. I’m a Director of Photography based out of Miami, working throughout the U.S. and internationally. Over the years, I’ve shot around 900 commercials along with a handful of films, and my work has been recognized with a number of awards, including a Cannes Lion for Cinematography.

I love being a cinematographer. There’s nothing better than creating images that not only speak to me but resonate with others and elevate a project. At its core, it’s a simple job... Serve the story, support the director, and make it all work within the realities of the production. So simple. ;) But of course, that means being flexible, adapting to different styles, and sometimes stepping outside my own instincts to find the right solution… And that’s the part I love most. There’s nothing better than working with a director who brings a fresh or unexpected vision and figuring out how to bring it to life.

That said, I certainly have an aesthetic that I tend to lean toward. These days, I find myself drawn to a beautified reality with images that feel natural, but refined, and with depth and atmosphere. I like soft contrast, smooth gradations, and a sense of honesty in the photography. While I’ll always appreciate a beautifully composed dolly shot, sometimes there’s something really special in having a camera on my shoulder. There’s something about being physically connected to the frame, dancing in space with the talent, that makes a scene feel more immediate and alive.

At the end of the day, I’m a cameraman at heart. I care deeply about where the lens is, how it moves, and how it connects to the subject. There’s something special about finding that perfect rhythm in a shot, where everything clicks, and it just feels right. That’s what I’m always chasing.

And the light. Always the light.

Sherman
Johnson
Director of Photography
Commercials
and Films