Rasa Partin Cinematographer American Film Institute AFI After Film School #28 - DP Kemba
# Through the Lens: A Deep Dive with Cinematographer Rasa Partin
In the dynamic world of cinematography, few artists capture the essence of storytelling through visuals quite like Rasa Partin. From indie features to high-profile commercials, Rasa's work demonstrates the perfect blend of technical expertise and creative vision.
## Recent Projects Making Waves
Rasa's talent shines through in recent collaborations with director Kelley Kali, including:
- "Kemba" - featuring an impressive cast including Nesta Cooper, Sean Patrick Thomas, and Michelle Hurd
- "Jagged Mind" - starring Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Shannon Woodward
Their filmography extends to other notable projects:
- "The Immaculate Room" - directed by Mukunda Dewil
- "Saviors" - a unique single-shot thriller by Christopher Greenslate
- "Kappa Kappa Die" - a Warner Bros series directed by Zelda Williams
- "Los Wanabis" - directed by Santiago Paladines
## Commercial Success
Beyond narrative filmmaking, Rasa has established themselves as a go-to cinematographer for major brands. Their commercial portfolio includes work for:
- Tech giants: Google, Apple, Spotify
- Luxury brands: Cartier, Chanel
- Sports industry leaders: Nike
## The Journey Through Film School
As an MFA graduate from the American Film Institute (AFI), Rasa's journey offers valuable insights for aspiring cinematographers:
### Balancing Life and Education
One of the most compelling aspects of Rasa's story is how they managed to complete film school while raising a child, demonstrating extraordinary dedication to both family and craft.
### Technical Excellence
Today, Rasa works with top-tier equipment including:
- ARRI Alexa 35
- Alexa Mini LF
As a proud member of IATSE Local 600 and listed on the DP Western Region Roster, they maintain the highest professional standards in the industry.
## Advice for Emerging Cinematographers
Drawing from their experience, Rasa shares several key insights:
1. Learn to Communicate with Directors
- Understanding how to give constructive notes while respecting creative vision
- Building collaborative relationships that last beyond single projects
2. Career Development
- Making the most of film school connections
- Transitioning from student work to professional projects
- Building a sustainable career in the industry
3. Technical Expertise
- The importance of mastering both digital and film formats
- Staying current with evolving technology while maintaining core cinematography principles
## Looking Forward
Rasa continues to push boundaries in visual storytelling, combining technical expertise with artistic vision. Their work demonstrates that success in cinematography comes from a combination of technical proficiency, artistic sensitivity, and professional relationship building.
## Connect with Rasa
To follow Rasa's latest projects and insights:
- Visit their portfolio: [rasapartin.com](https://rasapartin.com)
- Follow on Instagram: [@rasa.partin](https://www.instagram.com/rasa.partin)
---
*This article is based on our in-depth interview with Rasa Partin. For the full conversation, including detailed discussions about the industry's current state and specific advice for young DPs, watch the complete episode on our [YouTube channel](https://youtu.be/ggj1MUwh3os).*
