Leading commercial and creative innovator Stephan Hambsch chatted to us about his career, gear, and what gives him his creative edge.
German/South African Stephan Hambsch is an award-winning cinematographer and director based in Cape Town. He shoots commercials, music videos and branded content both locally and internationally.
Stephan started his career in post-production, with his focus being the camera department. This laid a firm technical foundation for him, and in 2009, he landed his first job as a DOP (Director of Photography) shooting local commercials and online branded content.
“Filmmaking is such a collaborative effort and I feel that branching into directing and editing has really given me an understanding of what directors and editors need, thus making me a better cinematographer.”
In 2014, Stephan began directing, shooting mainly for the West African market. He then moved back into full time DOP work in 2017, taking the skills learned from editing and directing into his cinematography work. Stephan was able to bring together the perfect multidisciplinary blend of creativity and know-how, strengthening his ability to create visually rich video content with high production standards. Stephan continues to tackle technically demanding projects that are emotionally engaging, where he is able to deliver innovative and impactful content from initial concept to final outcome.
“Like a lot of DOPs of my generation, I started shooting a lot on DSLRs and owned a Canon 5D Mk II. I shot a lot on Sony and Panasonic video cameras before that, but I think the 5D was a real leap forward for me.”
While Stephan started out on DSLRs, he now shoots mainly with RED Digital Cinema and Arri cameras. “I own 2 RED Komodos and I love them,” says Stephan, “the small form factor makes them the perfect camera for handheld and gimbal work. The main reason why I like shooting on the Komodo compared to say a Sony a7s is the global shutter, which is especially useful when shooting high-speed tracking or handheld work.”
“The RED raw image is absolutely stunning, and it gives me enough latitude and colour space to really grade depth into my images that’s not possible with other cameras.”
As an adventure sports enthusiast, Stephan’s soul food in life includes getting outdoors into nature. When not busy with work, he can be found in the mountains climbing, high lining or trail running. Applying his professional skills to his personal passion, Stephan creates adventure sport content as a side project.
When we asked Stephan about his dealings with Cine Photo Tools (Sales) and Photo Hire (Rentals) he insisted: “[they] are amazing! I often have strange requests when it comes to gear and they are always able to assist me, and if they don’t have that specific piece of equipment in stock, they always make a plan. I firmly believe that we’re all one big family in the film industry and that feeling is certainly reciprocated when I walk through their doors.”
Stephan has worked on projects for Volkswagen SA, HiSense, Old Mutual, HP, Etisalat, 9Mobile, Amarula, Boiler Room, Reebok SA, Nike SA, SkySports UK.
Visit Stephan’s website here: https://stephanhambsch.com/