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. In March of 2025 she premiered her feature MAGIC HOUR (directed by Katie Aselton who also co-wrote the film with Mark Duplass, and also stars in the film alongside Daveed Diggs) at SXSW. Sarah’s work on the film received critical acclaim with The Hollywood Reporter calling Sarah’s cinematography “dazzling” and IndieWire calling the film “just gorgeous.” This was her second year in a row at the renowned festival following the premiere of her Vimeo Staff Pick feminist revenge thriller TIGHT, (directed by Jessica Barr and starring Favianne Gstottenmayr).

Sarah was selected as a 2025 Rising Star by the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). This came on the heels of taking First Place in Women in Media’s Altitude Awards competition, as decided by a jury of elite cinematographers and filmmakers.

She has also premiered the anti-romcom SWEET TALKIN' GUY (directed by Spencer Wardwell & Miss Dylan - who also stars in the film) at the Sundance Film Festival, the very short drama SAFE (directed by Alex Kaplan) at Slamdance Film Festival, and the coming-of-age story THERE'S A DEVIL INSIDE ME at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. The thriller/drama STITCHES (directed by Victoria Frings and starring Wren Schmidt & Katy Wright-Mead) had its world premiere at deadCenter Film Festival, and the comedic psychological thriller CHIPS OR CRACKERS (directed by Michael Gabriele and starring Clayton Farris & Chelsea London Lloyd) found a home at the Indy Shorts International Film Festival.

In June of ‘25 Sarah shot the independent pilot TOO ROMANTIC directed by Talia Light Rake in NYC, followed by Jessica Barr’s feature film THE PLAN, a one-take thriller with an ensemble cast shot in LA. Over the summer of ‘24 Sarah wrapped principal photography on the adventure dramedy feature, SONG OF THE BIGFOOT directed by Brent Bishop and starring Rhys Darby, Tre Hale, Baron Vaughn, Vivian Bang, & Brenda Strong. She followed this up with the coming of age romance film set in Bangor, Maine - THEIR TOWN, starring Ora Duplass & Chosen Jacobs, and marking her second collaboration with director Katie Aselton.

Sarah was nominated for best cinematography at Midwest Film Festival’s ‘Best of the Midwest 2024’ for her coming of age feature film SCREAMS FROM THE TOWER. She was also nominated two years in a row (‘23 & ‘24) for Best Cinematography at the Dark Red Film Festival for her work on the films BURY YOUR FISH and CHISPA.

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

  • Sarah clearly has a lot of experience. I doubt there is a look or image that she is not capable of providing in any collaboration she would have with her directors. She has great range. Her cinematography is confident and bold. She can provide a high key look, or soft dark moody stuff, and her compositions and camera movement are all strong and appropriate. Most importantly, I feel from her work that she understands her material first and finds the essence from the page and puts it up on the screen. I think she should be in high demand.

    ~ Alan Caso, ASC

  • Competence in all areas... lighting, framing, camera movement lens choice. Very impressed! Her writings about her craft and art were sensitive and pretty profound.

    ~ Nancy Schreiber, ASC

  • Really powerful storytelling and deep understanding of lighting,colors and camera movement to create emotions.

    ~ Johanna Coelho

DP Sarah Whelden on set of the feature film "Screams from the Tower." She is operating an Arri Alexa Mini LF on a Chapman dolly with Cooke Panchro FF+ lenses.

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