DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
NYC
TOM CHAVES
Tom Chaves is a NY-based cinematographer who
shoots interviews, commercials & branded content.
BIO
Tom Chaves is a Director of
Photography based in New York City
NYC Cinematographer
Based in NYC, Tom Chaves is a skilled and versatile cinematographer specializing in interviews, commercials, and documentaries. With a BA in film production from CUNY Brooklyn College, he’s worked with Fortune 500 companies and top ad agencies to create visually stunning, high-impact branded content.
Tom brings years of experience and a hands-on approach to every project, ensuring smooth communication with clients and crew, while delivering top-tier imagery that captures the story. Armed with an extensive array of camera packages, along with a fully equipped lighting and grip truck, Tom is ready to elevate your next production.
Want to collaborate? Let’s make your vision a reality. Reach out today!
BIO
Experienced in shooting video & still photography (w/ Strobe Lighting)
Fully insured (workers comp & general liability)
Vehicle: Cargo Van with commercial plates
(able to load into corporate buildings in NYC)
Citizenship: USA & Brazil
Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish
Access to 2-TON G&E Trucks
Fluent in shooting interviews, products, and commercials
Highly experienced shooting still photography
REEL
Tom Chaves is a NY-based DP who specializes in shooting interviews, commercials, & branded content.
For booking inquiries, please get in contact. To see recent examples of his work and to stay in touch,
you can find some Tom’s work on instagram: @NYCCINEMATOGRAPHER.
RECENT WORK
Gear
Tom Chaves owns & operates all of his own equipment to ensure the best visual results possible for his clients.
CAMERAS
CANON C300 MARK III
FREEFLY WAVE (SLO-MO CAMERA)
SONY FX3
SONY FX6
BLACK MAGIC 6K Pro
CANON 6D DSLR (PHOTO)
DJI MINI 4 PRO DRONE
GOPRO HERO 8
LENSES
SIGMA FF CINE PRIMES: 14MM, 35MM, 50MM, 85MM
CANON L-SERIES: 24-70, 70-200MM
CANON 100MM MACRO
LAOWA 24MM PROBE LENS
SIGMA ART: 70MM (MACRO), 18-35, 50-100MM
TAMRON 35-150MM F/2
SONY 50MM, 85MM, 70-200MM
ACCESSORIES
IPAD TELEPROMPTER
SMALLHD 17” MONITOR
ATOMOS 7" MONITOR
2X WIRELESS TRANSMITTERS (SDI & HDMI)
TILTA WIRELESS NUCLEUS M FOLLOW FOCUS
EYE-DIRECT ‘INTERATRON’ DEVICE
MEDIA
3X 512GB CFEXPRESS CARDS (CANON CAM)
3X 512 CFAST CARDS (BLACK MAGIC CAM)
3X 320GB CFEXPRESS TYPE A CARDS (SONY CAM)
SUPPORT
1X 100MM TRIPOD
2X 75MM TRIPODS
1X DANA DOLLY
1X EASY RIG
1X RONIN RSC 3 PRO GIMBAL
G&E
2-TON G&E TRUCK
1X APUTURE 1200
2X FORZA 500 LIGHTS
2X LITEMAT 4’S
4X4 QUASAR LIGHTS
1X APUTURE 300 LIGHT
SILKS & SOLIDS (4X4, 6X6, 8X8, & 12X12)
3X APPLEBOX FAMILIES
SOUND
2X SENHEISER MKE 600 SHOTGUN BOOM MICS
2X RODE WIRELESS LAVS TRANSMITTERS & RECEIVERS
1X ZOOM F6 RECORDERS
2X TENTACLE SYNC TIMECODE GENERATORS
XLR CABLES
WIRELESS XLR TRANSMITTER
TESTIMONIAL
What My Clients Say
Tom works hard to deliver polished & professional images to each production he works on. Here are what some of his clients are saying.

Tom has a massive amount of experience on set. His knowledge of all areas of production and post make him an ideal cinematographer. He is a true team player and is agile in switching gear if things get tricky.He has a great eye. Working with him is a dream.

Tess Mix

I hired Tom as my B-Cam operator on a high pressure shoot and he knocked it out of the park. I started working with Tom as a Gaffer years ago, when he was just a Gaffer, so I knew I could depend on him to deliver. His attention to detail, professionalism and artistic eye have transferred over beautifully. He is a great asset to any production, and now I have a one-stop-shop for lighting and camera needs for any corporate shoots and most commercial ones as well!

Owen Donovan

Tom does excellent work, is flexible with changing logistics and needs, and is a total pleasure to work with. Highly recommend!

Tim Young

Without fail Tom delivers a high level of beauty.
As a producer and director, I’ve worked with Tom for years and do so whenever I can because Tom exemplifies excellence, professionalism, and thoughtfulness on set. Projects I’ve hired him for range from corporate gigs for high-end clients, editorial shoots that require creative alignment, and documentaries which call for patience and finesse.
Tom is a rare package deal: prepared for all plan A to Z scenarios - he is able to scale up or down to any project - while also being a collaborative partner you want signed onto your team.
Ask anyone working in our in our NYC industry and they will say Tom is the best.

Aidan D-H

Tom was recommended to me by a director, and he’s been my go-to for cinematography ever since. His extensive knowledge in all areas of production are invaluable on set. He is always prepared with all of his equipment, right on time, professional, communicative, and a fantastic problem solver. I know I never need to worry about a single shot - he makes the day on set so much easier. All of the footage has come out beautifully and our clients have been thrilled with the results. I genuinely can’t recommend him enough.

Megan Barbour