Hola

My name is Ernesto Lomeli, and I love making pretty pictures. I want to provoke an emotion from the very first image. Whether it's narrative, commercial or documentary, I'm fascinated with using the camera, lens and light to help push the audience where we want them to go.

I grew up bi-national in San Diego , California and Tijuana, Mexico. Going back and forth between two countries has given me a unique perspective on art and culture, and what makes people who they are. This always seems to find a way into my work. To this day, travel is one of my greatest inspirations. My work has taken me to over 20 countries, giving me an abundance of tools to shoot abroad and in unique circumstances.  

I began as a rental house intern, cleaning filters.. Then loading short-ends on indie films. I studied at both the Academy of Art San Francisco and AFI in Los Angeles. As I continued working, I was lucky enough to be taken under the wing of one of my heroes, Guillermo Navarro ASC, who became not only a mentor but a great friend.

I'm fully versed with specialty camera platforms; shooting Phantom (high speed), Virtual Set, Drone, Motion Control, Macro & Tabletop. I have experience working with big VFX teams and have designed camera arrays that can travel around the globe for immersive installations.

On the opposite side of the spectrum, I use my collection of old lenses and knowledge of classical cinematography techniques to achieve some optical effects that simply cannot be captured with newer equipment.

By utilizing both cutting edge and classic technology, I am constantly motivated to find new and innovative ways to shoot.

On set, I am committed not only to my craft, but to creating an environment of collaboration and teamwork, where the day runs safely, smoothly and respectfully. All this gives us time to have fun and enjoy what are making.

You can find me currently residing in Los Angeles with my wife and our 2 little humans.
-e