James Kniest is an accomplished cinematographer with a diverse portfolio spanning feature films, television series, and commercials. Known for his striking visual style and mastery of lighting, he brings depth and atmosphere to every project he lenses.
Growing up immersed in Southern California’s vast marine environment, James developed an early passion for underwater and nature photography. This fascination led him to dive alongside legendary underwater photography pioneer Ernest Brooks II and ultimately earn a degree from the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography, specializing in both commercial cinematography and underwater photography.
While in school, James was deeply drawn to the art of lighting—embracing the philosophy of “Painting with Light.” His industry journey took him from PA to grip, camera assistant, and eventually a decade-long career as a gaffer and lighting equipment vendor. After honing his craft as a camera operator, he transitioned fully into cinematography, where his expertise in light and shadow now defines his signature aesthetic.
James has contributed his cinematographic vision to numerous high-profile projects, including:
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American Horror Stories (4 episodes) – Ryan Murphy’s chilling anthology series
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The Midnight Club (5 episodes) – Netflix’s horror drama created by Mike Flanagan
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The Haunting of Bly Manor (4 episodes) – Netflix’s acclaimed gothic horror series
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Into the Dark – Hulu and Blumhouse Productions’ horror anthology series
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Annabelle – Warner Bros.’ supernatural horror-mystery directed by John R. Leonetti
Beyond Annabelle, James has cemented his reputation in the horror genre, serving as the director of photography for films such as:
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Hush – Netflix’s suspenseful home-invasion thriller, also directed by longtime collaborator Mike Flanagan
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The Bye Bye Man (Stacy Title)
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Within (Phil Claydon)
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The Free Fall (Adam Stilwell) – Winner of FilmQuest’s 2021 Best Feature Film award
In addition to his narrative work, James has shot television promos and commercials for major brands, including Microsoft, Chevy, American Standard, Levi’s, Honda, McDonald’s, and Grubhub.
With a dynamic blend of technical expertise and artistic intuition, James Kniest continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling, crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences across genres.