Kristian Dane Lawing SOC

Kristian Dane Lawing is an Emmy-nominated cinematographer and Society of Camera Operators member whose 28-year career behind the camera has taken him from Iraq War conflict zones to the Vatican, from National Geographic expeditions to narrative feature films. His work represents a sustained commitment to visual storytelling that illuminates important truths.

 

Before becoming a director of photography in 1999, Kristian spent eight years as an art director, including leading the creative team for the Microsoft Network 2.0 launch. When his creative directors challenged him to follow his true passion, he transitioned to cinematography, bringing his understanding of visual communication and brand storytelling to documentary, commercial, and narrative production.

 

His documentary work has earned recognition at the highest levels. “Quest for Honor,” his 2009 Oscar-shortlisted feature documentary shot during the Iraq War, examined honor killings and the empowerment of women in one of the world’s most dangerous environments. CNN’s “Pope: The Most Powerful Man in History” brought an Emmy nomination for Best Lighting Design for the six-episode historical series. His extensive work with National Geographic includes six years as cinematographer for “When Sharks Attack” and numerous episodes of National Geographic Explorer.

 

Kristian’s approach to documentary cinematography centers on projects that give something back to the world—stories that shine light on subjects people need to see and understand. This philosophy has taken him across six continents filming investigative journalism, cultural documentaries, and important social issues for Discovery, National Geographic, CNN, and independent productions.

 

His narrative feature credits include “Battlecreek,” “House of the Witch,” “Altitude,” “Seduction & Snacks,” and “Rhythm & Blood,” while commercial work spans from regional campaigns to his 2025 Emmy-nominated Kino Flo spot “Who’s the Real Star.”

 

After careers in New York and Los Angeles, Kristian relocated to Savannah, Georgia in 2023, co-founding MediaTwins Productions with producer Vanessa Nunes. The move reflected both a quality of life decision and strategic positioning within the Southeast’s growing production industry.