narrative Cinematographer in Los Angeles

about

I’m Michael Gauthier (Go•tee•aye), a Los Angeles based non union DP and photographer with experience in commercials, feature films, music videos, branded content, and documentaries. My work is built on adaptability, whether that means lighting a large scale commercial set, moving quickly with a documentary crew, or creating content designed for social platforms.

After graduating from Columbia College Chicago with a degree in Cinema Arts and Science, I began my career as an in-house DP at the global ad agency FCB chicago. Since 2017, I’ve been working in Los Angeles as a freelance director of photography, collaborating with production companies, agencies, and directors who count on me for strong visuals in both motion and still photography.

One area of focus in recent years has been automotive cinematography. I’ve had the opportunity to shoot car commercials and branded automotive projects that combine technical precision with cinematic style. As someone who has always been passionate about cars, this work is a natural fit and continues to be a driving force in my career.

When I’m not on set, You can find me in my garage working on my 1974 Corvette Stingray while watching the NASCAR race. Cars have been a constant in my life, and that same enthusiasm carries over into the way I approach cinematography.