Summary
Corey J Thomas is a freelance Stills Photographer/Director of Photography/Camera Operator/Assistant Camera in TV and Film for several major networks, including National Geographic, Warner Brothers, Discovery, Sundance/AMC, Magnolia, Food Network, and many others. Specializing in underwater imaging. Seeking opportunities to create new content. Passport ready.
Experience
CAMERA OPERATOR – CJ Thomas Imaging (2011 – Present)
Freelance Director of Photography, Camera Operator, Stills Photographer, Underwater Technician, Assistant Camera
Owner/Operator of Sony FX6.
Member of the Ocean Artist Society and the Society of Camera Operators
Photo exhibitions in Miami, FL, Time Square NYC, NY, and the Louvre Museum Paris, France.
CAMERA & LIGHTING SPECIALIST – The Production Hive (2017- 2021)
Assistant Camera, Camera Operator, Director Of Photography, Production Stills Photographer
Manage equipment and logistics for 60+ productions per month ensuring that each one has the necessary gear for a successful shoot.
Source equipment from nationwide vendors on an as needed basis.
Setup cameras and lighting to capture dynamic interviews.
Operate cameras to capture content.
Repair and maintain equipment between shoots.
CAMERA OPERATOR – Tennessee Smokies Baseball (2017 Season)
Hand-held, wireless operation of a JVC GY-HM790 PROHD
Capturing game action, between inning activities, and fan interactions for web broadcast and home stand highlight reels of the AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs.
STUDIO CAMERA OPERATOR – Jewelry Television (2016 – 2017)
Prepare set and organized show products for live broadcast.
Hand-held and pedestal operation of Hitachi z-hd6000 for specialty shows, such as The Morning Mix, regular sales segments, and product beauty captures.
Operation of NXIO in a playback and image capture capacity.
UNDERWATER CAMERA OPERATOR – Aqua Cat Cruises (30 cruises) (2013-2014)
Captured and created memorable 30 minute trip videos and slideshows available for purchase on DVD at the end of each week long charter. Archive and log raw images/footage and finished products.
VIDEOGRAPHER – Open Aperture Productions (2011 – 2012)
Managed and operated multi-camera (Sony handycams and Canon 7D) shoots of legal, corporate, and wedding videos.
Oversaw projects from pre-production through distribution.
Equipment Proficiencies
Camera: RED camera systems, Arri camera systems, Sony camera systems, Canon Camera systems, JVC GY-HM150U, JVC GY-HM790 PROHD, Hitachi z-hd6000, GoPro Hero camera systems, Garmin Action cameras, DJI action cameras, Nikon camera systems, Holga medium format, Minolta Maxxum, black & white film and print development, and the construction and use of pinhole cameras. Lens care and cleaning. Media Management.
Lighting: Arri tungsten fresnels, Lite Panel Astra 6x, Kinoflo Diva 400, Genaray Torpedo, Quasar tubes, Dracast 1x1 & ½ x 1, Kinoflo Celeb 200, LightMat 4+.
Drone: DJI Mavic Air 2
Gimbal: Ronin S series, Ronin M series, Zhiyun Crane 3
Education
East Carolina University - May 2011
B.S. in Communications, Media Production Minor in Art & Design
National Association of Underwater Instructors - April 2012
NAUI Scuba Instructor #54258 with specialties in underwater photo & video, nitrox, deep, and wreck diving.
Maritime Coastal Academy - April 2014
Master of Yachts 200 ton Limited and VHF Radio Operator licenses.
Cornell University/University of Queensland - August 2016
Certificate course BIOEE101x: Sharks! Global Biodiversity, Biology, and Conservation.
SOC/ Hydroflex - October 2022
Underwater Camera Operator Workshop with Pete Romano, Braden Haggerty, and Jamie Alac.
Hydroflex - July 2023
Underwater Camera Technician Workshop with Pete Romano and Matt Brown.