DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Working with Foley has taken me from the vineyards of Napa to the agave fields of Mexico, glacial rivers in New Zealand, and even the cowboy capital of America: Stephenville, TX.
We’ve crafted broadcast spots and cinematic brand pieces that tell the story behind every bottle. I’ve filmed while riding ATVs behind cowboys, walked grain fields that become Highground Vodka, and trekked deep into the Awatere Valley chasing light through vineyards and riverbeds. It’s been about capturing the spirit behind the spirits, bringing Foley’s bold, global vision to life one frame at a time.
CHARLES GOODNIGHT BOURBON
Agency: Electric Pearl
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Director: Sally O’Grady
Producer: Jannell Lewis
HIGHGROUND VODKA
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Producer/Director: Brett Marty
This one was a vibe! Loved crafting that warm, cozy sunlight — nothing like chasing golden hour indoors. We brought in the Fisher dolly for some buttery push-ins. The whole shoot was chill... probably because we were all sipping tea between takes. Had fun building a little chaos into the story before landing in that mellow, grounded calm.
Agency: Guru
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Producer/Director: Brett Marty
Gaffer: Luke Seerveld
Location Sound: Stephen Thorpe
Not gonna lie, I kinda freaked out when I got the call to shoot Aubrey Plaza for Bumble. I mean, she’s the best. And turns out, she’s even more fun in person. I spent the day following her around while she riffed hilarious answers to Bumble’s questions.
From chatting witchcraft to hanging with farm animals to climbing trees like a pro, she fully went for it. Dream shoot.
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Agency: Team Whistle
I was more than excited when Clover Sonoma’s agency, Guru, asked me to film these documentary-style stories. Got to hang with some seriously beautiful cows and the farmers who care for them like family. From tromping through mud to lying in the grass with my lens pointed skyward, while curious cows checked me out.
We captured big skies, green hills, and honest moments with the people behind the milk. Telling their stories, surrounded by those gorgeous farm views, reminded me why I love this work.
Agency: Guru
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Producer/Director: Brett Marty
I’ve been working with Joel Gott since 2010. He’s smart, driven, funny, and totally friends with the camera. Shoots with Joel are always a good time, and they bring out the best in me creatively. He inspires that.
When we work together, I get to make fast, intuitive choices and roll with his energy. It’s a great flow. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that his wines are amazing.
JOEL GOTT WINES STORY
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Director: Rachid Dahnoun
JOEL GOTT SAUVIGNON BLANC
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Editor: Kesten Migdal
Filmed one of Trader Joe’s most popular recipes on YouTube: their potsticker soup. It’s a simple, satisfying video that’s now racked up over 12 million views (and counting). It’s proof that good lighting, clean visuals, and a great recipe go a long way.
Also shot their Thanksgiving turkey video and more tasty content for the channel. Easygoing shoots, solid food, big audience, and a ton of fun.
Director of Photography: Kesten Migdal
Agency: Culinary Institute of America
One of the most popular Trader Joe’s videos with 12 million views and counting on YouTube.
I’ve spent years filming documentaries, often working with small crews or solo to stay flexible and close to the story. I love the process of earning people’s trust, listening carefully, and capturing real moments as they unfold. Whether it’s a quiet conversation or an unpredictable scene on the move, I try to stay present, curious, and respectful. For me, the heart of documentary work is connection and translating that into honest, beautiful visuals that feel lived-in and true.
Shawn Hayes leads a life of devotion. For him, falconry is more than a deep partnership with raptors: it’s his life’s work. As an American falconry ambassador, he’s carved a space for himself where people of color haven’t always been welcome. It's taken him across the globe, into strongholds of tradition and conservation. This film is about more than what humans can train birds to do—it’s about what those birds can teach us about living in partnership with wild creatures and wild places.
BY MY SIDE tells a story of hope and possibility in an intimate portrait of three veterans suffering with the invisible wound PTSD, the most prevalent and unhealed wound experienced by veterans. BY MY SIDE has been selected in over 40 film festivals and has won over 10 awards.
To Sum Up Happiness is a short documentary I directed, filmed, and edited that follows Brett Sheerin, founder of the not-for-profit Adaptive Maui, as he helps redefine what’s possible for people with disabilities through ocean sports. At the heart of the film is Josh Bogle, a double amputee confronting addiction and trauma while learning to surf and kitesurf adaptively. Set against the backdrop of Maui’s powerful coastline, the film is a story of resilience, community, and the healing force of water. An exploration of what it really means to find happiness through purpose and connection.
I’ve had the privilege of filming for a range of not for profits, helping tell stories that spotlight impact, resilience, and the people at the heart of meaningful change. Whether capturing community programs, personal journeys, or fundraising campaigns, I focus on creating emotionally honest, visually engaging content that helps organizations connect with their audience and inspire action.
This brand film that brings to life the mission and impact of KIPP Northern California public charter schools.
Filmed across multiple campuses, the piece weaves together real moments in classrooms, hallways, and homes to tell a story of opportunity in action. At its heart, the film celebrates how KIPP empowers students to pursue their full potential, preparing them not just for college, but for choice-filled lives.
I had the privilege of filming a brand video for the American Music Abroad program, a U.S. State Department initiative that connects global audiences with American musicians through cultural diplomacy. This vibrant program sends artists on international tours to foster cross-cultural dialogue and artistic exchange.
Through my lens, I captured the spirit of the program: the rhythm of collaboration, the joy of cultural connection, and the shared human language of music. The resulting video highlights not only the artists' talents but also the power of music to transcend borders and bring people together.
I created a series of emotionally-driven videos for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area gala, highlighting life-changing mentor-mentee relationships to inspire audiences and drive powerful calls to action to support and donate.
I filmed a short piece in conjunction with Connected Health Solutions and Northwell Scholars titled The Talk (Your Future, Your Choice, Your Self)—a powerful, student-written and directed film exploring first-generation perfectionism: the deep pressure to succeed on behalf of those who came before you, to honor their sacrifices, and to carry forward their hopes without faltering. Told through the voices of high school students, the film offers an honest and moving reflection on identity, ambition, and self-worth.
