AJ Mester is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer whose work is defined by emotional fidelity and intentional, image-first storytelling. With over 15 years behind the camera — including multiple Super Bowl campaigns — his practice balances large-scale experience with a deeply personal visual sensitivity. He approaches cinematography as an act of translation: light becomes language, movement becomes emotion, and color becomes memory. Each frame is crafted not for spectacle, but for resonance — designed to hold silence, mirror character, or reveal what words cannot. AJ is drawn to collaborators who value mood over perfection, rhythm over formula. His aesthetic leans grounded, intimate, and composed — even when the canvas is ambitious. Whether working in narrative or branded spaces, his process is intuitive, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that the camera should listen before it speaks.

AJ Mester is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer whose work is defined by emotional fidelity and intentional, image-first storytelling. With over 15 years behind the camera — including multiple Super Bowl campaigns — his practice balances large-scale experience with a deeply personal visual sensitivity. He approaches cinematography as an act of translation: light becomes language, movement becomes emotion, and color becomes memory. Each frame is crafted not for spectacle, but for resonance — designed to hold silence, mirror character, or reveal what words cannot. AJ is drawn to collaborators who value mood over perfection, rhythm over formula. His aesthetic leans grounded, intimate, and composed — even when the canvas is ambitious. Whether working in narrative or branded spaces, his process is intuitive, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that the camera should listen before it speaks.

Available to hire

AJ Mester is a Los Angeles–based cinematographer whose work is defined by emotional fidelity and intentional, image-first storytelling. With over 15 years behind the camera — including multiple Super Bowl campaigns — his practice balances large-scale experience with a deeply personal visual sensitivity.

He approaches cinematography as an act of translation: light becomes language, movement becomes emotion, and color becomes memory. Each frame is crafted not for spectacle, but for resonance — designed to hold silence, mirror character, or reveal what words cannot.

AJ is drawn to collaborators who value mood over perfection, rhythm over formula. His aesthetic leans grounded, intimate, and composed — even when the canvas is ambitious. Whether working in narrative or branded spaces, his process is intuitive, collaborative, and rooted in the belief that the camera should listen before it speaks.

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Work Experience

Producer / Director / Cinematographer at Martha Stewart 'Elm Biosciences'
January 1, 2025 - Present
Produced, directed, and photographed commercials and promos for Martha Stewart's Elm Biosciences brand, coordinating cross-functional teams, lighting, framing, and on-set direction.
Director / Cinematographer at Frank Leboeuf 'Le Drame' (International - France)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Directed and photographed international short-form pieces; functioned as camera operator and creative lead on set.
Director / Cinematographer at Howie Mandel 'Stayin Alive'
January 1, 2025 - Present
Directed and shot promotional content; collaborated with talent and production teams to deliver cinematic visuals.
Director / Cinematographer at Martha Stewart 'Gliding' (SUPER BOWL 2025)
January 1, 2025 - Present
Directed and photographed high-profile commercial content for a Super Bowl campaign.
Director / Cinematographer at Harry Kane 'Anything' (International - Germany)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Directed and shot international brand content for a global audience.
Director / Cinematographer at Mr. T. 'No T. in Skechers'
January 1, 2024 - Present
Led creative and technical direction for a major brand campaign.
Director / Cinematographer at Vanessa Mai 'Uno' (International - Germany)
January 1, 2024 - Present
Directed and shot promotional content for international markets.
Cinematographer at Snoop Dogg 'Snoop Bowl'
January 1, 2023 - Present
Cinematography for a high-profile branded production.
Cinematographer at Doja Cat 'Phoenix'
January 1, 2023 - Present
Cinematography for music/brand content.
Cinematographer at Martha Stewart '10 Out of 10'
January 1, 2023 - Present
Cinematography for a Super Bowl campaign.
Director / Cinematographer at Clayton Kershaw 'Stretch'
January 1, 2022 - Present
Directed and photographed national spot; led visual storytelling and production.
Director / Cinematographer at Willie Nelson 'On The Road Again' (Super Bowl 2022)
January 1, 2022 - Present
Cinematic direction and camera work for a major event spot.
Director at Tony Romo 'To The Max' (Super Bowl 2021)
January 1, 2021 - Present
Directorial role for a high-profile Super Bowl campaign.
Cinematographer at Step-Friend (Series) – Cinematographer
January 1, 2024 - Present
Cinematography for a serialized project.
2nd Unit Cinematographer / Camera Operator at Old Dads (Netflix Union Feature)
January 1, 2022 - Present
2nd unit cinematography and camera operation.
Camera Operator / Steadicam Operator at Mack & Rita (Gravitas Union Feature)
January 1, 2021 - Present
Camera operation and Steadicam work on feature.
Executive Producer / Cinematographer at Bad Apple (Short Film)
January 1, 2020 - Present
Executive producing and cinematography for a short film.
Cinematographer at How to Survive (Series)
January 1, 2019 - Present
Cinematography for a television series.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematography at Tribeca Flashpoint Academy, Chicago, IL
November 30, 0002 - May 1, 2011
Graduated Dean’s List with Honors
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Cinematography at Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI
January 1, 2007 - January 1, 2009

Qualifications

IATSE Local 600 - International Cinematographer's Guild
January 11, 2030 - January 19, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other