Luke Jacobs is a multi award-winning British cinematographer known for his emotionally driven visual storytelling across commercials, documentary, narrative features, and long-form television.
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His cinematographer credits include feature films such as Nothing Compares, which he shot on 16mm. The film premiered at Sundance 2022 and went on to win more than a dozen international awards, including Best Documentary and Best Debut Director at the British Independent Film Awards, and the George Morrison Feature Documentary Award at the Irish Film & Television Awards. In addition, it received over 30 global nominations — among them the Grierson Awards, Critics’ Choice Documentary Awards, and the News & Documentary Emmys. Following its acclaimed festival run, the film was released in cinemas and later broadcast on TV, reaching audiences worldwide.
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Recently, Luke shot feature film King Frankie (2024), which premiered at the Dublin International Film Festival and went on to secure UK and Irish cinema distribution. The film was nominated for Best Film and Lead Actor at the Irish Film & Television Awards, further cementing its critical recognition.
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In television, Luke lensed Season 3 of Hinterland (ITV/BBC), praised for its atmospheric tone and naturalistic photography.
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Luke’s journey began with a background in documentary filmmaking from film school. His breakthrough soon came with Rudimental’s hit Not Giving In, which won five international awards, including a Cannes Young Director Award (YDA), a UK Music Video Award, and selection in the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors’ Showcase. The film also received a Q Award and was recognized by Creative Review as Best in Moving Image.
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His short films and music video work during this period were shortlisted for Best Cinematography at the UK MVAs, and nominated at both Raindance and the Berlin Music Video Awards — marking him as a rising voice in emotionally resonant visual storytelling. His short film Robot and Scarecrow, starring Jack O’Connell and Holliday Grainger, went on to win a Gold at Ciclope International Festival of Craft, and he won First Prize for Best Cinematography at the Rhode Island Film Festival in 2021.
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Building on this foundation, Luke entered the commercial world, developing a distinctive, emotion-led cinematography style for brands like Aston Martin, Mustang, Nike, Samsung, Toyota, Mini, BBC, AIB, as well as tourism spots for Egypt, Morocco, Ireland and Wales. His work is noted for its emotional warmth, soft light, and poetic framing.
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Luke is also an active voice within the cinematography community. He has been featured in 1.4’s interview series, sharing his approach to emotionally charged imagery, and appeared on the Wandering DP podcast to discuss narrative rhythm, natural light, and the craft of translating emotion into moving images.
