Do you work as a DP for agencies and other production companies?

Yes. A large part of my work is partnering with advertising agencies, marketing teams, and production companies as their Director of Photography — either bringing my own package or shooting on a provided one. I'm used to slotting into an existing crew and creative, protecting the client relationship, and delivering on brief and on schedule.

What camera and gear do you shoot on?

I own a Canon cinema package with cinema prime lenses, support, lighting, and a drone, and I can scale the kit up with rentals to match the production. You can see a full breakdown on the Gear page.

Director of Photography in Calgary | Cinematographer for Agencies & Brands

Calgary Director of Photography Dave Copithorne operating a cinema camera on an LED volume virtual production stage

What a DP brings

The look is the message

As your Director of Photography, my job is to turn the creative into images that actually move people — and to do it without drama on set. That means the right camera, lens, and lighting choices for the story, a steady hand when the schedule tightens, and footage that grades beautifully and cuts together clean.

I've shot for Discovery Channel, Wealthsimple, TSN, the Toronto Blue Jays, Travel Alberta, and PayPal, across commercial, documentary, and branded work. Whether you bring a full creative or a one-line brief, I help shape it into something with real production value.

Creative eye

Lensing, lighting, and movement in service of the story — not in spite of it. A look that fits the brand and holds up frame by frame.

Technical command

Proper exposure, colour, and data management so the edit and grade go smoothly. No surprises in post, no unusable footage.

On-set reliability

Calm, prepared, and easy to work with under pressure. I protect the schedule and the client relationship as much as the image.

For agencies & marketing teams

A cinematographer your team can rely on

Most of my favourite work comes through agencies and marketing companies that need a cinematographer they can trust on commercials and branded content. I'm comfortable joining your crew, working to your creative, and keeping the client confident from prep through delivery.

I can come with a complete Canon cinema package and lighting, or shoot on yours — whatever the production calls for.

Why agencies partner with an independent DP →

Dave Copithorne operating a Canon cinema camera on an Easyrig

Cinematographer Dave Copithorne on location in the Alberta mountains with a cinema camera

Trusted By — Brands & broadcasters

Who I've Shot For

FAQ — Working with a DP

Common questions

What does a Director of Photography do?

A Director of Photography (DP, or cinematographer) owns the look of a production — translating the director's and client's vision into images through camera, lensing, lighting, and movement. On smaller shoots the DP often operates the camera and leads the camera and lighting team. It's creative storytelling backed by the technical command to deliver footage that grades and cuts together cleanly. More on the role → On many shoots the DP also produces and hires the crew: why a DP is also a producer →

Do you work as a DP for agencies and production companies?

Yes — a large part of my work is partnering with agencies, marketing teams, and production companies as their DP, either with my own package or on a provided one. I'm used to slotting into an existing crew and creative, protecting the client relationship, and delivering on brief and on schedule.

What areas do you cover?

I'm based in Calgary, Alberta and work throughout the province and across Canada, with international experience as well. Travel for productions is routine.

What do you shoot on?

A Canon cinema package with cinema primes, support, lighting, and a drone — scalable with rentals to match the job. See the full Gear list.

★★★★★

"I have had the pleasure of working with David on a number of occasions. He is always professional, proficient at solving problems, creative, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Film work is demanding, high stress, with fast turnarounds and I would take David to battle any day of the week. He is a talented guy with a creative eye for images all while being a great communicator."

Kristoff Duxbury · Partner & Executive Producer, BOLDLY

Director of Photography in Calgary