Hi, I’m Alex Olsen-Smith, a camera operator and director of photography from New Zealand with extensive experience across music videos, short films, and features. I focus on strong composition, thoughtful lighting, and practical on-set workflows to bring stories to life with clarity and emotion. I enjoy collaborating closely with directors and crew to solve creative challenges and deliver visually compelling results. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m exploring new gear, editing workflows, and lighting techniques to push storytelling boundaries. I’m comfortable in fast-paced environments and pride myself on steady collaboration, reliable technical execution, and a calm on-set presence that keeps productions humming smoothly.

Alex Olsen-Smith

Hi, I’m Alex Olsen-Smith, a camera operator and director of photography from New Zealand with extensive experience across music videos, short films, and features. I focus on strong composition, thoughtful lighting, and practical on-set workflows to bring stories to life with clarity and emotion. I enjoy collaborating closely with directors and crew to solve creative challenges and deliver visually compelling results. When I’m not behind the camera, I’m exploring new gear, editing workflows, and lighting techniques to push storytelling boundaries. I’m comfortable in fast-paced environments and pride myself on steady collaboration, reliable technical execution, and a calm on-set presence that keeps productions humming smoothly.

Available to hire

Hi, I’m Alex Olsen-Smith, a camera operator and director of photography from New Zealand with extensive experience across music videos, short films, and features. I focus on strong composition, thoughtful lighting, and practical on-set workflows to bring stories to life with clarity and emotion. I enjoy collaborating closely with directors and crew to solve creative challenges and deliver visually compelling results.

When I’m not behind the camera, I’m exploring new gear, editing workflows, and lighting techniques to push storytelling boundaries. I’m comfortable in fast-paced environments and pride myself on steady collaboration, reliable technical execution, and a calm on-set presence that keeps productions humming smoothly.

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Work Experience

Director of Photography at Pickle Darling
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
DoP on the music video 'Biology' for Pickle Darling, responsible for lighting, framing, and camera operation to achieve a bright, intimate visual style.
Director of Photography at Martin Sagadin
January 1, 2017 - January 1, 2017
DoP on the music video 'Lozenge' directed by Martin Sagadin, shaping the narrative through lighting, shot composition, and camera movement.
Director of Photography at Julian Vares
January 1, 2018 - January 1, 2018
DoP on the music video 'Not Quite' directed by Julian Vares, overseeing camera operation and lighting to support the artist’s concept.
2nd Assistant Camera at Zanoso v Films
January 1, 2025 - January 1, 2025
2nd AC on the short film 'Livyatan' directed by Tamir Anshtein, assisting with focus, equipment prep, and on-set logistics.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Film) at University of Canterbury
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Victorian Teacher Registration (Working with Children Check equivalent)
January 11, 2030 - September 1, 2026
Full Victorian Driver License
January 11, 2030 - April 6, 2026
Construction Induction Training (White Card)
January 11, 2030 - April 6, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment