Behind the Lens with Paul Sanders: A Rising Star in Cinematography

On a recent episode of The Day With Trae, Paul Sanders joined guest host Omari Salisbury to talk about his career in cinematography and production, and his strong relationship with Converge Media and the TV show Back2Besa. A seasoned professional who wears many hats, including videographer, cinematographer, editor, director, and producer, Sanders shared his journey from his roots in photography to his current work in creative direction and video production.

Sanders currently serves as a creative director for Northwest Credible Messenger, where he handles media and graphics, alongside running youth programming within juvenile institutions. It was this work that first caught the eye of Converge Media, Salisbury recalled.  

"We were seeing all this great content coming out from the Northwest Credible Messenger. And then at the same time, we were doing stories around organizations in South King County that are like uplifting young people,” Salisbury said, emphasizing the natural connection between Sanders’ storytelling and Converge’s mission. 

Though he has successfully migrated to video, Sanders shared that he will never stop doing photography, viewing the craft as foundational to his video work. 

"I feel like photography really informs the way I see video, because if I could take one picture and tell a thousand words. If I got however many frames in a video to do that, I can kill it every time,” he said. Sanders specializes in portraits but also covers events and directs creative shoots.

On his professional relationship with Converge Media. Sanders recalled being ecstatic when he was first called upon to fill in for one of Converge’s videographers. 

"I was in my house jumping around. I was hyped,” he said. “That was my first time up to bat in the big leagues.” 

Seeing his work on broadcast TV shortly after was equally impactful, especially the reaction from his mother, who "will cry every time I do anything." Sanders also guest-hosted Back2Besa on FOX SOUL on the national platform, another monumental experience demonstrating his intense bond with Converge. 

Sanders has taken the initiative to bring stories to Converge, often working on projects regardless of pay to hone his skills. "If I got some time off…and I got my camera with me, I'm going to pull up... I'm going to get my reps in. That's how I'm going to get better,” he said. 

Contact Sanders on Instagram @psphotographyandfilm, on LinkedIn, or via email at p.sanders@gravityproofmedia.com.

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