Personal info
Known for
Cinematographer
Gender
Male
Birthday
06 June
Location
Styria, Austria
Edit pagePeter Zeitlinger
Biography
Peter Zeitlinger is an Austrian-born cinematographer and director recognized for his long-standing collaboration with acclaimed filmmaker Werner Herzog. Known for his immersive visual style and commitment to authenticity, Zeitlinger has played a key role in shaping the look and tone of several influential documentary and narrative films.
Born on June 3, 1964, in Graz, Austria, Zeitlinger developed an early interest in film and photography. He studied cinematography and directing in Europe, where he cultivated a documentary-focused approach that emphasizes realism, natural lighting, and close engagement with subjects and environments.
Zeitlinger began his career working on independent European productions before forming a creative partnership with Werner Herzog in the late 1990s. He served as director of photography on major Herzog films such as Rescue Dawn (2006), Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009), and Into the Abyss (2011). His camerawork is often noted for its raw immediacy and ability to capture both physical landscapes and psychological intensity.
In addition to his work as a cinematographer, Zeitlinger has directed his own projects, including documentary films that explore cultural, political, and historical subjects. His directorial work reflects the same observational rigor and ethical curiosity that define his cinematography.
