Chris Scarafile’s fascination with lenses and photography began at age fifteen, when he hijacked the family camcorder to produce modern adaptations of classic literature from English class.  After receiving a Bachelor of Science in film from Rochester Institute of Technology, Chris brought his love of cameras to New York where he was able to apply his technical skill and enthusiasm for visual storytelling to the city he loves.

Before earning the title of cinematographer, Chris rose through the ranks operating dolly for such directors as Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Oscar-winning cinematographer Janusz Kaminski.  Working under such pillars of the film industry taught him the patience, clarity of vision, and respect for the power of film that exemplify his pre-production discipline and on-set approach.

As cinematographer, Chris’s abilities cross virtually all aspects of camera work, from narrative and documentary to aerial, underwater, and time lapse photography.  Chris’s versatility through the lens has allowed him to join forces with a range of directors that have taken him across the globe to serve their vision.  Chris was director of photography for "Gowanus, Brooklyn," the Grand Jury Prize-winning short at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival, and he has won several awards for his work on the festival circuit, including Best Cinematography for the feature "Black Days," effects-driven "Cycle," and urban drama "The Tested." In 2006, Chris signed on with Getty Images to represent his extensive library of nature photography.

He lives in Brooklyn.

Works             Awards             Resume             Biography             Links             Contact