Sarah Whelden’s approach to cinematography always puts the story first. It starts with asking “why” before ever considering “how.”
Sarah is drawn to narratives that highlight the often overlooked complexities of the human experience and to characters trapped between worlds. She is energized by working with directors to develop a visual language driven by emotional intention and composed of motifs that form the foundation of a cohesive narrative.
Sarah’s award-winning cinematography portfolio spans 15 years and comprises commercials, music videos, documentaries, and narratives. She was named a 2025 Rising Star of Cinematography by American Cinematographer and the ASC , took First Place at Women in Media’s Altitude Awards competition at Cinegear the same year, and in 2026 received Best Cinematography honors for her film THERE'S A DEVIL INSIDE ME by MiraLA Film Festival.
In 2026 Sarah premiered three projects at SXSW including THEIR TOWN, a coming of age feature directed by Katie Aselton, written by Mark Duplass, and starring their daughter Ora Duplass. Her first collaboration with Aselton, MAGIC HOUR (which premiered at SXSW in 2025) will be released theatrically in May. She also saw the premiere of her 75 minute one-take black-comedy thriller THE PLAN, directed by Jessica Barr, at Slamdance Film Festival in LA. The indie pilot TOO ROMANTIC, directed by Talia Light Rake, began its run at Miami Film Festival, and the psychological horror MINE, directed by Jaclyn Moore, premiered at Cleveland Film Festival in April.
In 2025 Sarah premiered the anti-romcom SWEET TALKIN' GUY (directed by Spencer Wardwell & Miss Dylan) at the Sundance Film Festival, the premiere of the very short drama SAFE (directed by Alex Kaplan) at Slamdance Film Festival, the thriller/drama STITCHES (directed by Victoria Frings) had its world premiere at deadCenter Film Festival, and the comedic psychological thriller CHIPS OR CRACKERS (directed by Michael Gabriele) found a home at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.
In ‘21 she was selected for the ASC’s Vision Mentorship, working under the tutelage of Polly Morgan, ASC, BSC. And in ’23 she was among eight DP’s chosen for Netflix & WIF’s inaugural Cinematography Fellowship, which provides guidance from cinematographers Alison Kelly & Sandra Valde-Hansen, ASC.
Aside from her versatile visual language, showcased in her varied portfolio, Sarah is also known for her collaborative nature, leadership skills, and an infectious enthusiasm for the craft. When she’s not on set she enjoys sharing her knowledge through workshops, podcasts, and industry panels. She has been invited to share her knowledge on industry panels at the ASC Clubhouse, Sundance Film Festival, NAB NY, and more.
Sarah is a proud member of the International Cinematographer’s Guild, Local 600. She calls Los Angeles home and is represented by Neer Motion.
American Cinematographer’s 2025
Rising Stars of Cinematography
Affiliations
Women in Media
2025 Altitude Awards
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Photo by Jon Runnfeldt
As a trans and queer woman, Sarah has a special place in her heart for those in the shadows. She is drawn to narratives that highlight the often chaotic reality between humans and their surroundings, and to characters that are eager to find themselves but may not know where to start.
Her commercial work aims to ground brands in reality. Whether it’s finding those impossible to re-create moments in between takes, or pulling out all the stops to create the reality we all long for, Sarah is always excited by the challenges of the day.
Brand Partners
