Jesse Aragon — Cinematographer & Director of Photography

Jesse Aragon is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer and Director of Photography originally from San Diego, California. His work spans narrative feature films, commercials, documentaries, television, and music videos, with productions across the United States and internationally.

A graduate of San Diego State University’s television and film program, Jesse has built a diverse body of work encompassing independent cinema, commercial storytelling, and documentary filmmaking. His approach is rooted in collaboration, visual storytelling, and a commitment to creating images that serve the emotional and narrative intentions of each project.

Selected Filmography

Jesse’s cinematography credits include Wild Faith, Can You Take My Picture, The Ballad of a Coyote, 40 Nights, The Jester’s Song, Ugly Ducklings, Lost Heart, Bigfoot, UFOs and Jesus, and Worst Date, Best Date.

His recent projects include Zero Limits, 29 Palms, and the music video Milli. Additional work includes Gimme My Money, Salome: A Love Story, and Waiting for the End.

His career also includes camera department work on television productions such as Overhaulin’, reflecting a background across both narrative and unscripted production environments.

Awards & Recognition

Jesse’s cinematography has received recognition at film festivals in the United States and internationally.

Selected honors include:

• Best Cinematography — Miniature, New Jersey Horror Con and Film Festival, 2021.
• Best Cinematography — Can You Take My Picture, Culver City Film Festival.
• Best Cinematography — Patitos Feos, Bucharest Film Festival.
• Best Cinematography — Wild Faith, Wild Bunch Film Festival.
• Best Cinematography Nomination — Our Barrio, San Diego Film Awards.

He was selected for the 2023 ASC Vision Mentorship Program. His associated film projects have also received broader festival recognition, including the Ariel Award nomination for the short film La Ramona.

Visual Philosophy

Jesse draws inspiration from everyday life, the visual arts, travel, and encounters with different cultures and environments. He is particularly interested in imagery that communicates emotion, atmosphere, and the complexities of human experience without relying entirely on dialogue.

Whether working on an intimate narrative film, a documentary, or a commercial production, his goal is to find a distinctive visual language that grows naturally from the story. He approaches each collaboration with curiosity, technical discipline, and an openness to experimentation.

Cinematography & Production

Based in Los Angeles, Jesse is available for productions throughout Southern California, across the United States, and internationally.

His work encompasses narrative cinematography, commercial production, documentary filmmaking, and music videos.

Professional profiles

IMDb — Filmography & Awards | Vimeo — Cinematography Work | Instagram