From documenting 9/11 to shooting Hollywood blockbusters, Quyen Tran prioritizes story above all else.
In short: Quyen Tran is a Los Angeles-based cinematographer and director whose career spans from capturing the destruction of 9/11 as a still photographer to lensing major series like Ahsoka and Maid. She balances high-profile features with a deep commitment to mentorship, global documentary work, and charitable fundraising in Los Angeles.
Quyen Tran’s path to cinematography began with still photography, where she gained early recognition for her images documenting the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. This background in capturing raw, emotive moments informs her current approach to cinematography, where she strives to reveal the humanity and truth of a scene regardless of the subject matter. Her work has taken her across the globe, with projects filmed in locations ranging from Kenya and South Africa to Japan, China, and Vietnam.
In the film and television industry, Tran is known for her versatility across genres. Her feature credits include the 2020 Sundance Film Festival premiere Palm Springs, which set a record for the highest-selling film at the festival, as well as Life in a Year and the upcoming Brothers. Her television work is equally extensive, featuring acclaimed projects such as the Peabody Award-winning drama Unbelievable, the Netflix limited series Maid, and the Star Wars series Ahsoka. Beyond her work behind the camera as a cinematographer, Tran has expanded her creative reach into directing, with credits including episodes of Maid, Roar, and the upcoming series The Madness.
Tran’s influence extends well beyond the set. She is a dedicated mentor, serving as an official mentor for Project Involve and frequently speaking at schools and universities. Her commitment to social impact is also reflected in her documentary work, such as her trip to a Kenyan refugee camp to document girls' education for the nonprofit Girl Rising, and her ongoing DOUGH-rectors Of Photography fundraiser. Recognized for her contributions to the craft, she was named an ASC Rising Star in 2017, featured in Variety’s 10 DPs to Watch in 2019, and received the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award from UCLA.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Quyen Tran, ASC - Maine Media Workshops + College
- Also: Quyen Tran
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