Christopher Probst
Biography
Christopher Probst, ASC, is an exceptionally accomplished American cinematographer whose work has graced the screens of major feature films, critically acclaimed television series, and an astounding number of globally recognized music videos. His innovative approach to lighting, camera movement, and visual storytelling has made him a highly sought-after talent in the industry, earning him the prestigious membership in the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC).
Early Life and Artistic Influences
Probst's journey into cinematography began with a fascination for visual effects, sparked by films like the original Star Wars that captivated him at a young age. This interest evolved into a desire to tell full stories through images. He initially pursued electrical engineering at Arizona State, where he realized he could merge his affinity for technology with the art of cinematography. His formal film education came from a community college in Scottsdale and extensive self-study through issues of the American Cinematographer magazine.
He credits legendary cinematographers like Conrad L. Hall, ASC, for their constant reinvention and pushing the boundaries of the craft. Early mentors, such as Denis Lenoir, ASC, AFC, also played a crucial role in shaping his operational skills, particularly in handheld work. Probst's artistic influences are broad, encompassing history, science, technology, mechanical designs, art, and pop culture, all of which inform his problem-solving and creative vision.
A Career Defined by Visual Innovation
Christopher Probst's career is marked by a remarkable versatility and a consistent drive to push visual boundaries across various formats:
Music Video Trailblazer: Probst is perhaps most widely recognized for his extensive and groundbreaking work in music videos. He has collaborated with a who's who of global music stars, including Taylor Swift ("Bad Blood," "Blank Space," "Wildest Dreams"), Eminem ("Not Afraid," "Venom," "Houdini"), Ariana Grande ("7 Rings," "34 + 35," "Thank U, Next"), Billie Eilish ("All the Good Girls Go to Hell"), Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, SZA, DJ Khaled, and many more. His music video work is celebrated for its dynamic energy, experimental lighting, and ability to create distinct visual worlds for each song.
He has received numerous MTV Video Music Award nominations and Camerimage awards for his short-form work, and "Blank Space" by Taylor Swift has garnered over 3.3 billion views on YouTube. Probst views music videos as a unique medium where "if you can imagine it, and the director likes it, you can go for it," allowing for rapid skill development and experimentation.
Narrative Filmmaking: Probst has translated his expertise into feature films and television with significant impact. His film credits include Detention (2011), Fire with Fire (2012), and Beyond Skyline (2017).
The Atmospheric World of Mindhunter: A pivotal moment in his career was his collaboration with renowned director David Fincher on the acclaimed Netflix series Mindhunter (2017-2019). As cinematographer for key episodes, including the pilot, Probst helped define the show's dark, meticulous, and psychologically intense visual language. His work on Mindhunter, known for its precise compositions and atmospheric lighting, earned him a nomination for an American Society of Cinematographers Award for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography in 2018. He has spoken about Fincher's pursuit of "balance/symmetry in all aspects of his work," which profoundly influenced his approach.
Commercial and Technical Expertise: Probst is also a sought-after cinematographer for high-end commercials, working with brands like Apple, Nike, Google, BMW, Samsung, Audi, and Adidas. His dedication to the technical side of his craft is evident in his co-authorship of "The Cine Lens Manual," a comprehensive resource on motion picture optics. He is a strong advocate for technologies like High Dynamic Range (HDR) and is known for utilizing innovative tools like the MAX Menace Arm to achieve complex lighting setups efficiently, particularly in the evolving landscape of virtual production.
Philosophy and Impact
Christopher Probst's philosophy centers on the transformative power of the image. He believes that lenses play an increasingly crucial role in defining the look of a film in the digital age, much like film stocks and processing did in the past. He is also a passionate advocate for soft light, recognizing its effectiveness in creating flattering and naturalistic results.
His career demonstrates a constant evolution and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling. As a veteran in both traditional and emerging filmmaking techniques, Christopher Probst, ASC, continues to inspire and shape the visual landscape of contemporary media.
