Cinematic Portfolio Journal

Ryder Thomas

16-year-old cinematographer, filmmaker & photographer

Crafting emotionally rich visuals through color, rhythm, and light. I shape stories with After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve — blending color grading with intimate storytelling to make every frame feel alive.

Color Grading Visual Storytelling Experimental Editing

Color-led storytelling

I see every project as a chance to experiment with palettes, motion, and emotion. From shooting on the run to carefully compositing in post, I build immersive worlds that feel handcrafted and personal.

"Color is not just a grade. It’s the voice of the scene, the echo of the moment."

  • Editing Suite After Effects · Premiere Pro · DaVinci Resolve
  • Focus Color grading · Cinematic pacing · Visual poetry
  • On set Lighting design · Camera choreography · Texture hunting

Shot notebooks

I keep a rolling archive of lighting diagrams, LUT experiments, and soundscapes that anchor each project. Every detail is tuned to make the story resonate deeper.

Current experiments

  • Layering film grain with chromatic drift
  • Handwritten captions that animate on cue
  • Split-tone grading for nocturnal cityscapes

Sound & rhythm

Every cut is choreographed to rhythm. I weave ambient textures with subtle percussive beats to keep viewers engaged frame by frame.