Biography

Jingtong "Charlie" Zhao is a cinematographer, photographer, and gaffer based in San Antonio, Texas. His work spans independent films, commercial campaigns, reality television, web series, and still photography, with a visual style focused on dramatic storytelling, thoughtful composition, and carefully crafted lighting. Charlie has collaborated with a range of brands and organizations including Nike, the San Antonio Spurs, Visit San Antonio, San Antonio River Walk, SeaLife, and Mad Dogs British Pub, creating cinematic imagery for both narrative and commercial projects. He studied cinematography through college coursework, professional workshops, and continuous independent study, developing a strong foundation in classical film language and visual storytelling. Deeply inspired by classic cinema, Charlie places great importance on artistic taste, lighting design, and visual atmosphere in his work. In addition to his work behind the camera, Charlie also works as an on-set Mandarin interpreter, helping bridge communication between international crews and productions. He is currently developing new narrative film projects while continuing to expand his cinematography work.
- IMDb mini biography by: Da Vinci Studio