Collin Shaw is a Philadelphia based Director of Photography whose work is rooted in a strong foundation of documentary filmmaking and shooting 16mm film.

The limitations that these mediums presented him with shaped his distinct visual style-marked by a sensitivity to natural light and camera work that creates a deep empathy for story and subject. He excels at aligning with a director’s vision to craft honest, visually striking images that resonate regardless of the production scale or conditions.

His cinematography on the short film “The Village It Took”(dir. Victoria Wilcox) was awarded Best Cinematography and the inaugural Expressway Cinema Rentals Best Lighting Award at the Temple University Senior Showcase. The film also achieved an official selection at the Oscar Qualifying-Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival.

Collin’s visual work on the short documentaries “Urban Elegance: Eve” and “Urban Elegance: Eva” (dir. Sophia Jean), led to his selection as Director of Photography for “The White Coats Are Coming”, a Temple University graduate thesis feature documentary (dir. Cameron Gray). Notably, he was chosen for this project during his junior year of college, and the film is currently in principal photography.

Drawn to character driven stories that explore the complexities and beauty of the human experience, Collin gravitates towards projects that challenge and inspire empathy. His cinematography is defined by its intimacy, restraint, and a quiet emotional power that centers the subject with care and clarity.