At Ultralight, we believe our gear is only as good as the underwater photographer, cinematographer, or camera assistant it supports and no one showcases that better than our Brand Ambassadors. To give you a closer look at their images, stories, and the passion behind their work, we asked each Ambassador a series of thoughtful questions about their backgrounds, favorite rigs, and what inspires their photography and filmmaking. It’s our way of sharing not just how Ultralight gear is used, but also the creativity and spirit of the people who bring it to life.
When you meet Walter van Dusen, it’s clear that cinematography isn’t simply what he
does—it’s how he experiences the world. Every conversation becomes a frame, every
observation a study in contrast, shape, and reflection. With a background that stretches from
decades of award-winning still photography to his latest adventures behind the lens at major
trade shows, van Dusen has carved a career built on precision, storytelling, and the art of
adapting light itself.
Please share a little about yourself and the journey that brought you to where you are today.
I grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and served in the U.S. Navy aboard a submarine based in Groton, Connecticut. After the military, I entered law enforcement and retired after 20 years. In addition to that career, I worked as a professional wedding photographer from 1997 to 2022 and founded Mystic Seminars, a wedding photography conference that ran from 2005 to 2019. Today, my focus is on video production and trade show interview coverage through Sights and Sounds Media.
What inspired you to get where you are today?
It seems I was born with a natural curiosity for how light shapes emotion. My journey began in still
photography, like headshots, corporate portraits, and pharmaceutical campaigns that demanded
exacting technical control and human connection in equal measure. Still, over time, I wanted to add motion to my work, which led me to where I am today.
“I realized I wanted to hear people’s stories, not just capture their expressions,” as Walter reflects.
“Cinematography became the natural evolution—an expansion of storytelling from a single
decisive moment to a moving narrative.”
Did you have any cinematography challenges early on?
The biggest challenge early on was adapting to uncontrolled environments where there are no second takes. Trade shows demand fast decisions and constant problem-solving. Some of my most memorable and effective interviews came from imperfect, last-minute setups that reinforced the value of experience, adaptability, and instinct.
Do you have a specific approach to your workflow?
As I ask Walter about his workflow, you’ll see the methodical mind of a cinematographer who
thinks like an engineer and feels like an artist. My on-set process begins with light. “I start by
reading the environment,” he says. “Lighting isn’t about overpowering; it’s about
complementing the existing story.”
How do you approach your interviews in such noisy environments?
Audio and speed are critical in noisy environments. I prioritize clean mic placement, consistent setups, and a conversational interview style. My interviews are a mix of scheduled and spontaneous conversations. If something is compelling, I approach directly, keep it simple, and focus on making the interaction feel natural.
What camera equipment do you use and why?
My go-to tools often include the Sony FX6, Sony FX3, and Sony FX30—a trio that balances
cinematic color science with compact reliability—plus the DJI Ronin 4D for dynamic movement
and stabilization. When paired with MAXIMA LED America’s fixtures or an SMDV Flip Softbox,
I can sculpt interviews that feel cinematic even on bustling convention floors.
I choose gear based on reliability and efficiency. My core setup includes Sony FX-series cameras, Atomos monitors/recorders, professional audio, and constant lighting. The one thing I can’t work without is my rolling interview cart, which functions as a mobile production base and allows me to move quickly while maintaining consistent quality.
Can you tell us more about the rolling sissor cart you use?
I use the Studio Titan America STA-01-400 Scissor Camera Stand as the foundation of my rolling trade-show interview rig. Its compact footprint and single-handed height adjustment allow me to move quickly between seated and standing interviews in tight expo booths. Designed for stability on carpeted floors, it collapses small for transport while keeping my camera, audio, and monitor setup vertically stacked and ready to roll. I’ve paired it with a Sachtler aktiv8 to enable precise micro-level adjustments on the show floor.
Do you see any industry trends?
The industry is shifting toward authenticity and real-world demonstrations. Audiences respond more to honest conversations than polished marketing.
How do you feel about social media?
Social media is essential — not just for reach, but for trust, visibility, and long-term relevance.
Do you have any advice for emerging cinematographers?
My advice to emerging cinematographers is simple: earn trust through consistency. “Gear will
change; your integrity won’t. Build your brand on reliability, curiosity, and a willingness to share
what you learn.”
How did your use of Ultralight products come about?
My connection with Ultralight began organically: through years of fine-tuning rigs for field
mobility. You eventually reach a point where every component has to earn its place. Ultralight gear does that; it’s strong, modular, and dependable. When you’re rolling a fully built camera dolly through a crowded expo as I do, every clamp, arm, and mount has to hold its ground. I rely on equipment that behaves like an extension of my instincts. That’s why precision accessories like those from Ultralight matter so much. They give me stability and control without slowing me down.
How did you become an Ultralight brand ambassador?
A couple of years back, I was ordering some parts directly from Ultralight, and Ken (the owner) was helping me out. As we talked, Ken realized the experience and knowledge I had in the Cinematography industry, as well as the value of us working together. We spoke several times, and then Ken agreed to meet me at the NAB show in Vegas, where we quickly became friends. Now I am an Ultralight brand ambassador. It's nice to support and work with a small business like Ultralight. Ken always takes the time to listen to any suggestions, good or bad, and, in fact, our time at the NAB show produced a new universal monitor part: the BA-UC-14.
What does being an Ultralight brand ambassador mean to you?
As a brand ambassador, I bring field-tested authenticity to the partnership. I don't feel I'm just promoting a product; I think that I am demonstrating how thoughtful design shapes real-world results. “Being part of Ultralight’s ambassador family means contributing feedback from the trenches,” he adds. “They listen. And that collaboration improves every piece they make.”
What are your favorite Ultralight products?
Ultralight gear supports my goal of efficiency. For my Atomos Shogun Ultra and Ninja Ultra, I rely on the Ultralight BA-UC-14 Universal Cinema Monitor Ball Mount for fast, secure positioning. I also use the AC-CSLXLSK2, AC-CSL, and AC-CSLXL clamps with 1/4”-20 threads, which give me flexible mounting options across carts and rigs. These tools reduce setup time, stay locked under pressure, and let me focus on the interview instead of the gear.
How has Cinematography changed your life?
“Cinematography gave me a lifetime of curiosity,” he says with a quiet grin. “Every project,
every frame is an opportunity to see differently. And that’s something I’ll never take for
granted.”
What do you do in your off time?
Off-set, Walter’s energy doesn’t dim. I am constantly developing new production systems for
Stills & Motion Media, testing accessories, or refining my custom Studio Titan America rolling scissor-stand dolly rig, the signature platform behind my trade-show interviews. I also enjoy spending time with my wife Angela, trading creative ideas or exploring new destinations on e-bikes through New England towns.
Lasting thoughts from Walter
Today, through my brand, Walter van Dusen Stills & Motion, whether it’s interviewing innovators at NAB Show Las Vegas, NAB NYC, Cine, Gear Expo Los Angeles, ProFusion Expo, or the B&H Bild Expo in New York, my approach remains constant: deliver authenticity through controlled creativity. “These shows are where innovation meets collaboration,” and “Every conversation on that floor—every product demo or impromptu interview—teaches me something new about how our industry moves forward.”
Thank you, Walter, for taking the time to share more about yourself and your work with us. We definitely picked up a few new things, and I’m sure our customers did too. It’s always great hearing how someone finds their way into a field they love—the wins, the lessons, and everything in between.”
For more information, you can find Walter at his Website, YouTube channel, DecentEXPOsure, and Instagram.
