Cinematographer Bruce Bales adjusts a video camera on a film set.

Bruce James Bales is an award-winning cinematographer working in film, television, and commercial video production. He has served as a director of photography on more than 30 short films and three feature-length narrative films. He has also contributed his cinematography skills to the Amazon Prime documentary Chiefsaholic and Freshwater, a critically acclaimed independent documentary. 

As a freelance cinematographer, Bruce has worked with national brands like Xfinity, Pella Windows and Doors, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Bank of America. His cinematography approach is story focused, and he prides himself on good communication, planning, and preparation. Frequently on his ice skates or rollerblades while filming, Bruce’s background with hockey and rollerblading has given Bruce a unique filmmaking perspective.

Bruce is based in Des Moines, Iowa, the perfect jumping-off point for projects across the country. As a traveling videographer and director of photography, Bruce regularly works in California, Illinois, North Carolina, and all spots in between. 

AWARDS

Midwest Emmy 2024
Diversity/Equity/Inclusion – Short Form Content
Water Over Nickel
515 Productions 
Assistant Camera

2023 – 2024 American Society of Cinematographers Mentee

Iowa Independent Film Festival
Best Iowa Made Film
Knee High
2024

Interrobang Film Festival
Best of Iowa Award
Parts & Pieces 
2024

Midwest Emmy 2023
Documentary – Topical 
Freshwater 
515 Productions 
Cinematographer 

SoCal Film Awards
Best Documentary Feature
Freshwater 
2022

Good Grain Film Festival 
Best Cinematography
Knee High
2019

Alternating Currents Film Festival 
Best Cinematography
Delineation 
2019

Filmmaker Bruce Bales is on his hands and knees aiming a camera toward the action of a child riding a bicycle into frame.
A camera crew films a scene at a playground.
Videographer Bruce Bales carries a camera on his shoulders.
Director of photography Bruce Bales focuses on the video camera during a scene.
A camera crew films a nature scene outdoors with a cover protecting the camera from the weather.
A behind-the-scenes shot of a film set.
A video crew films a nature scene in the snow.
A film crew captures a roller skating scene. The videographer is on rollerblades.
Filmmaker Bruce Bales films a scene ankle-deep in a lake.
A behind-the-scenes shot of a film set.
A behind-the-scenes shot of director of photography Bruce Bales on a film set.