Check Out Soheil Goharipour’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Soheil Goharipour.

Soheil, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a child, I dreamt of standing behind powerful negative cameras, captivated by the behind-the-scenes of movies. My fascination with cinematography and lighting grew as I observed the intricate work of filmmakers. At age eight, I began experimenting with my father’s analog camera, capturing moments with my family and nature. During adolescence, I embraced the availability of early camera-equipped devices, crafting one-minute action short films using my brother’s Nokia 3230 and simple props like a bike toy and remote-controlled car. I vividly recall my efforts to mount the cell phone onto the car for dynamic action shots. My professional journey commenced in 2012, marked by my enrollment at the Tehran University of Art. Immersed in a community of like-minded individuals fueled by shared interests and passion, we collaborated on diverse projects, ranging from class assignments to low-budget short films. My exploration of cinema was comprehensive, encompassing the nuances of equipment and delving into the rich tapestry of cinematic history. 

Concurrently, I became a part of cinematography crews for feature films, requiring me to rise at 5 a.m. for projects. Despite not being a natural early riser, the joy derived from the experience was immeasurable. Each day, I brought exposure to real, professional cinema equipment and a firsthand understanding of the seamless collaboration among different departments, including camera, sound, and set design. 

As my expertise grew, I transitioned to shooting various projects independently, spanning short films, documentaries, music videos, and more. The collaborative process involving the director, writer, set designer, costume designer, and other departments became filmmaking’s most enchanting aspect. 

In 2021, I embarked on a new chapter by pursuing an MFA in cinema specializing in cinematography at Ohio University. This educational endeavor has provided me with a distinctive and creatively enriching cinematic experience. And now, at 29, my childhood dream remains fresh and invigorating, accompanying me daily on this continuing journey. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Gaining practical experience, especially when starting, was tough. I overcame obstacles to secure opportunities to work on real projects and access the necessary equipment on a tight budget. Networking is crucial in this industry, but establishing those connections was initially challenging. By studying abroad, I lost most of my network in Iran and had to make new relationships here. However, during the last two years, I have established a strong connection with many artists here who have a crucial role in my future career. Also, the freelance nature of cinematography brought its own set of challenges. Financial instability during slow periods and the struggle to balance work and personal life were aspects I had to navigate. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a Director of Photography, I specialize in crafting visual narratives that enhance storytelling. My work involves capturing a story’s essence through the lens, utilizing lighting, composition, and camera movement to evoke emotions and immerse the audience in the narrative. I believe my strength lies in the balance between creativity and technical proficiency. I approach each project with a commitment to pushing creative boundaries while ensuring a solid foundation in the technical aspects of cinematography. Adaptability is another key aspect that sets me apart—I enjoy exploring various genres and styles, tailoring my approach to suit the unique demands of each project. This versatility, combined with meticulous attention to detail, contributes to delivering visuals that not only meet but exceed the expectations of clients and collaborators. I believe patience is a fundamental aspect of effective teamwork, particularly in the fast-paced world of cinematography. I try to stay calm and maintain open communication with the team when faced with stress. I encourage a collaborative environment where ideas can be freely shared, and problem-solving becomes a collective effort. Time management and patience go hand in hand in cinematography. While adhering to deadlines is crucial, it’s equally important to approach challenges with a composed mindset. I prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance, ensuring that critical aspects are addressed first. 

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
It’s my brother’s Nokia 3230 with a groundbreaking 1.3-megapixel camera. It might sound modest now, but it felt like holding a piece of futuristic technology at that time. I vividly remember a day I experimented with capturing different shots using that camera. The process was a bit unconventional—taking various shots and snippets of moments that caught my eye. What added to the magic was the excitement of exploring a mobile app on the phone that allowed me to cut and edit those shots together. 

The simplicity of the camera, combined with the creative possibilities offered by the mobile app, made the entire experience incredibly fascinating for me. It was my first foray into the world of visual storytelling, even if it was just a series of moments strung together. 

Looking back, that experience ignited my interest in visual arts and storytelling. It’s a memory that reflects the joy of discovering creativity through the lens of a 1.3-megapixel camera—a far cry from today’s high-tech cameras but a source of endless inspiration for me. 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soheil.gp/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soheil-goharipour-34482b175/
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8890810

Image Credits
Mina Sadeghzadeh
Soheil Goharipour
Screengrabs