David Arabia

ABOUT

In 1993, I began my career as a camera operator covering the NFL and other professional sports. I had the privilege of capturing the stories of some of the world's greatest athletes, but what impacted me most wasn't simply their talent. It was the discipline, sacrifice, perseverance, and relentless pursuit of excellence behind it.

Those experiences changed the direction of my life. My connection with the people I was filming ultimately led me back to school, where I earned a BA in Cinema from San Francisco State University. After graduating, I worked with several small production companies, gaining experience in nearly every area of production, both in the field and in post. Working alongside talented filmmakers and mentors gave me a deeper understanding of the craft—and of the unique contribution every person brings to a production.

Over the years, I found my home behind the camera.

I've spent more than 30 years working as a Director of Photography, Camera Operator, and Field Producer, creating television, documentary, commercial, corporate, and digital content for networks including National Geographic, Discovery, History Channel, FOX, Animal Planet, NOVA, and HGTV. I've worked on productions ranging from intimate interviews to large-scale, demanding field shoots, always looking for the same thing: the image that serves the story.

THE WORK

I believe great cinematography is about far more than beautiful images.

It's about people, story, and collaboration.

On set, I value a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a willingness to serve the story above personal ego. A cinematographer needs a practiced eye and a deep understanding of light, composition, movement, lenses, cameras, and the tools of the craft. But those things only become truly valuable when they are used in collaboration with the Director and the entire production team.

Film is a collaborative art form. Every department brings a unique set of talents, challenges, and perspectives. I believe the best work happens when people trust one another, communicate openly, and understand that everyone is working toward the same vision.

After three decades in this business, I've had the opportunity to work with an extraordinary range of cameras, lenses, lighting systems, stabilization platforms, and production technology. But technology is always changing. The fundamentals aren't.

Light. Composition. Movement. Timing. Performance. Story.

Those are the things I continue to pursue.

Whether I'm working on a national television series, a feature film, a commercial, a corporate production, or a small independent project, I approach every assignment with the same goal: create powerful, memorable images that serve the story and connect with people.

That's what drew me to cinematography in the first place.

The athletes I filmed early in my career showed me what can happen when talent is combined with discipline, purpose, and perseverance. Their stories helped change the direction of my own life.

Today, I hope to do something similar through the stories I help tell.

To make images that don't simply look good—but make people feel something, think differently, and remember the story long after the screen goes dark.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” -Colossians 3:23

Recent Productions    
    Client                 Title                               Year        Job Title          Product

Nat Geo Women of the Wild 2026 DP TV Series
Discovery The Last Woodmen 2025 DP TV Series History Ch. Mountain Men S 1-12 2012-24 DP/Field Prod TV Series
Fox Duck Family Treasure 2022-23 DP TV Series Nat Geo Wild Going Fur Gold 2023 DP TV Series Fox Business How America Works 2021-22 DP TV Series Nat Geo Wild Hatcher Family Dairy 2020 DP TV Series NOVA Pluto & Beyond 2019 DP TV Show
Fox Laura Logan Has No Agenda 2019 DP TV Show
HGTV Beach Hunters 2018 DP TV Series
History Ch. The Cars That Made America 2017 DP TV Series
NOVA Death Dive to Saturn 2017 DP TV Show
Fox Legends & Lies Season 1-3 2014-17 DP TV Series
Treasure Island     Treasure Island Casino       2016         DP                   Commercial
Discovery Ch.       Billy Bob’s Gag’s to Riches   2014         Camera Op       TV Series
History Ch.           Mountain Men: Season 3     2014         DP                   TV Series
Animal Planet        American River Renegade   2013         DP                   TV Series
Firekeepers           Bar Grand Opening            2013          DP                   Commercial
David Drake          Few Have Seen                  2013          DP                   Music Video
Sportsman Ch.      The Hunt                            2013          DP/FP              TV Series
Travel Ch.             Making Monsters: S2           2012          DP                   TV Series
Travel Ch.             Making Monsters: S1            2011          DP                   TV Series
Sportsman Ch.      Brotherhood                        2011          DP/FP              TV Series

Experience    
FAA Licensed Drone Pilot- Part 107
Music Video Nominated for VMA, 2 Super Bowl Ads
Producer & DP on many TV shows, national commercials, music videos, documentaries, short films, and corporate videos.
Education
San Francisco State University, B.A. in Cinema (1997)

References
Chris Petiprin – Executive Producer (858) 220-2892
Ajax Broome – Executive Producer (406) 830-312
Bryan Bahari- Director (805) 207-8274