Guided By Light: Gabriel Cerqueira
Gabriel Cerqueira’s, cinematography is an invitation to look closer at the beauty found in ordinary moments. Growing up in Salvador, Brazil, he learned to look closely at the world around him, allowing the character of his surroundings to inform the way he sees and captures a moment. His connection to his community continues to influence his visual language, while his experiences have taught him to approach filmmaking with curiosity and trust his own instincts. What began with a phone camera in 2012 eventually grew into a deeper practice in cinematography, shaped by years of experimentation and a desire to keep learning.
His practice is rooted in simplicity and the belief that a compelling image does not depend on elaborate equipment. Throughout his journey, Gabriel has learned to use what he has available to expand his possibilities, often allowing natural light to guide the direction of a scene. This way of working has given him the freedom to experiment without losing sight of what feels authentic. After moving through a difficult period in his personal life, he now approaches filmmaking with a renewed appreciation for the beauty and possibility within life itself.
As Gabriel continues to grow as a cinematographer, he remains interested in discovering new ways to push his perspective and connect with audiences. His work is ultimately about creating an emotional experience, inviting viewers into the stories and lives of the people he captures in Salvador, Brazil, and beyond. Through his films, he hopes to offer a glimpse into the personal worlds that shape each moment he brings to the screen. In the following conversation, he reflects on the beauty of simplicity, his relationship with natural light, and the experiences that continue to inspire his vision.
-GABRIEL CERQUERIA
“My creativity belongs to the ordinary days. And my hometown, Salvador, shows me the answers, like fresh paint on a canvas.”
— Gabriel Cerqueira
-GABRIEL CERQUERIA
WHAT IS YOUR WHY? WHAT DRIVES YOUR CREATIVITY?
My creativity belongs in the ordinary days. And my hometown, Salvador, shows me the answers, like fresh paint on a canvas.
HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND OR CULTURAL HERITAGE SHAPED THE WAY YOU SEE AND CREATE ART?
I think living in a place so rich in color and detail, surrounded by the beach and nature, has really shown me how to see and feel an atmosphere in a different way. As Gilberto Gil says, “Bahia has already given me a ruler and compass” (“Aquele Abraço”).
WHAT ROLE DOES VULNERABILITY PLAY IN YOUR WORK?
Admitting my limits as a director of photography gave me the fuel to try new things and experiment. I’ve spent years working, learning, and refining my practice until I felt fully satisfied with what I was creating.
ARE THERE ANY ROUTINES, RITUALS, OR HABITS THAT HELP GROUND YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE?
A phone and a street. The best way to practice is with a device that fits in your pocket, both in size and price. Then, you can upgrade to a camera. I started back in 2012 using a mobile phone, then switched to my first DSLR camera, a Nikon D5300.
-GABRIEL CERQUERIA
-GABRIEL CERQUERIA
WHAT DOES DISCIPLINE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU WHEN INSPIRATION DISAPPEARS?
When inspiration disappears, discipline for me means using all the knowledge I’ve gained through my time on sets and making the film in a way that I would love to see it.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU’VE HAD TO UNLEARN IN ORDER TO GROW CREATIVELY?
You don’t really need big lights, big butterflies, big grips, and a lot of equipment to make something look beautiful. Sometimes, fewer things are better, especially in daylight, when you can use the sun as a reference to guide the photography.
HOW DO YOU KNOW WHEN A PIECE IS TRULY FINISHED?
When I watch the movie as an audience member and feel that it looks great.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CURRENT CHAPTER OF YOUR CREATIVE LIFE, AND HOW IS IT REFLECTED IN THE THEMES OR EMOTIONS EMERGING IN YOUR WORK?
Actually, I’ve been through a tough year. I lost and gained weight, felt anxious, and used sleep medication. It really brought me to a very dark place. And now that I’m fully recovered, I see life in a different way, I guess. I feel so much more passionate about life and about the people I love, and that reflects in the movies I deliver to clients, to friends, or to myself.
IN AN ERA OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND CONSTANT VISIBILITY, HOW DO YOU STAY TRUE TO YOUR CREATIVE VISION WHILE ENGAGING AN AUDIENCE?
Not posting a reel or a story until it really looks good. The anxiety around Instagram can kill creativity, so planning posts that truly reflect your work is hard, but in the end, it really pays off.
-GABRIEL CERQUERIA
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT THE FUTURE OF YOUR PRACTICE, AND WHAT ARE YOU HOPING TO EXPLORE NEXT?
Actually, I’ve recently switched to a new camera with a different sensor, so shooting in Open Gate is something I’ve been exploring, and I’m sure I’ll apply it to my future work.
BASED ON YOUR OWN EXPERIENCE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE EMERGING ARTIST'S ABOUT ADVOCATING FOR FAIR COMPENSATION AND PROTECTING THE VALUE OF THEIR WORK?
First, build a strong portfolio. Then, talk with friends and people who work in the same field about their rates and what they charge. After that, set a fair value for your work. Networking and a good portfolio are the keys to getting more work and being able to charge fairly as you grow.
WHAT KIND OF IMPACT DO YOU HOPE YOUR WORK HAS ON THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE IT?
I hope they really feel the heat, the waves, the landscapes, and the people I bring into the timeline. I want them to feel comfort while watching.
-GABRIEL CERQUERIA
