Julie Nhem is a cinematographer based between Portland and Los Angeles, working primarily in narrative while also shooting commercial and documentary projects.
She is drawn to stories that explore identity, connection, grief, resilience, and belonging, and approaches cinematography as a way to help audiences connect more deeply with the people and stories on screen. Her work is rooted in emotional authenticity, collaboration, and a belief that the strongest images are those that reveal something true about a character's experience.
Before pursuing cinematography, Julie lived abroad, worked in higher education, and is currently raising two children as a single mother. Coming to filmmaking later in life has given her a deep appreciation for human complexity and connection, shaping both the stories she is drawn to and the way she collaborates with directors, actors, and crew.
A member of IATSE Local 600, she brings a grounded and collaborative approach to visual storytelling. Her background in still photography, combined with years in the camera department on productions including Pig, Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio, and The Rehearsal, helped shape both her technical foundation and her belief that great cinematography begins with trust, curiosity, and human connection.
Julie was selected for the Local 600 DP Mentorship Program in 2025 and the AFI Cinematography Intensive Workshop in 2026, where she studied with Stephen Lighthill, ASC, Autumn Durald Arkapaw, ASC, Amy Vincent, ASC, and Dan Sasaki of Panavision. She is also a member of the 2026 Cohort of Deep-Light, the cinematography mentorship program founded by Natasha Braier, ASC.
Julie is available for union and non-union work in the Pacific Northwest, Los Angeles, and beyond.
