Kayla Windsor

Cinematographer and Filmmaker

Kayla Windsor is a seasoned cinematographer and filmmaker based in Phoenix, Arizona, with over 15 years of experience in the film industry. Kayla developed an early interest in photography and film. Fueled by a desire to create and share stories, her journey into cinematography began at the age of 14 when she started photographing wildlife and music festivals. This passion evolved into filming festivals professionally during high school, following artists on tours around the world. After graduating from Northern Arizona University in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Electronic Media & Film Production, along with minors in Photography and Spanish, she expanded her passion for capturing the essence of human emotion and the beauty of the world to include music videos, short films, corporate events, and commercial campaigns.

In 2015, Windsor founded Emaginariumm Productions, a full service media and film production company that has since ventured into feature films, documentaries, podcasts, and television. Her notable cinematography credits include the feature film The Sky's Forest, the one-take feature Cargo Van, and the TV series The Chip Person . She has also contributed to high-profile television productions such as The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, Great Escapes with Morgan Freeman, and Joe Rogan Comedy Specials . In 2023, Kayla also co-produced her first feature film, a western thriller, called The Vast Lonesome set to release in 2026. You can find her camera work on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney, HBO, Peacock, and the list goes on. She’s been a member of the Association of Camera Operators in the UK since 2020 and holds a Part 107 drone pilot’s license with the Federal Aviation Administration.

Windsor’s work has been recognized with awards from Independent Film Phoenix, including Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and Best Picture in 2015 . Her collaboration with award-winning directors has garnered critical acclaim, and her work has been showcased at numerous film festivals around the world.

Over the past 15 years, Kayla Windsor has cultivated a distinctive cinematic voice, balancing technical precision with artistic depth. Her work is marked by rich color palettes, dynamic compositions, and immersive handheld camera movement—each frame thoughtfully crafted to serve the emotional core of the story. With a sharp eye for detail and a deep understanding of narrative, she approaches every project with curiosity, openness, and an eagerness to push creative boundaries.

Empathy is the foundation of Kayla’s approach to storytelling. Her emotional intelligence allows her to form meaningful connections with both subjects and collaborators, helping her capture moments that feel deeply authentic. A vocal advocate for inclusivity, she is committed to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering equitable, respectful working environments.

Kayla is known for her adaptability, resourcefulness, and calm under pressure—qualities that make her a steady presence on set. Her collaborative spirit and respect for each department’s craft foster an atmosphere of trust and camaraderie, making her sets not only productive, but genuinely enjoyable.

Outside of production, Kayla draws inspiration from nature, travel, art, and culture. She’s an explorer at heart—both in life and in her work—and brings this spirit into every frame she captures. Her adventurous mindset fuels her creativity, while her commitment to community and mentorship ensures she’s lifting others as she grows.

In addition to her work on set, Kayla is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity within the industry. She actively participates in hosting workshops and mentorship programs aimed at supporting aspiring filmmakers and works to elevate underrepresented voices in cinema.

Despite facing challenges as a female cinematographer in a predominantly male industry, Kayla has persevered and continues to advocate for greater representation and support for women in the camera department and the industry as a whole.

She founded Women On Set AZ (@womenonsetaz)—a dynamic social media group and active group chat designed to empower, connect, and uplift women working in Arizona’s film industry. Created as a judgment-free space for collaboration and support, Women On Set AZ fosters real opportunities: from hiring and networking to sharing resources, asking questions, and celebrating each other's wins—no matter your age or experience level. Since its launch, the group has grown to a thriving community of over 230 women and continues to expand. One of its highlights is an annual networking event that brings members together in person to strengthen bonds, build new connections, and nurture a culture of inclusion and encouragement for women in film.

In 2023, Kayla was elected by her peers to serve on the board of the Arizona Production Association (APA) (azproduction.com), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and showcasing Arizona’s professional film workforce. The APA maintains a trusted online directory of thoroughly vetted local crew—ensuring that every individual listed is highly qualified and experienced in their craft. The organization also hosts free monthly networking events, offering newcomers the chance to connect with established professionals and break into the industry.

As Chair of the Content Creation Committee, Kayla leads initiatives to produce educational videos and develop quarterly hands-on workshops that train the next generation of film professionals—upholding high standards across every department in Arizona’s production scene.

Kayla also serves as a Community Educator with Arizona Filmmakers (AZF), where she focuses on expanding job opportunities for local creatives, developing workshops for emerging talent, and organizing events like networking mixers, film challenges, and fundraisers—all designed to grow and strengthen the state’s filmmaking community. With a mantra of “Community Over Competition,” AZF prioritizes mental health, inclusivity, and fun—creating safe, supportive spaces where filmmakers can express themselves, collaborate, and thrive.

Beyond her community roles, Kayla partners with the Arizona State Film Office as an instructor in their 5-Day Production Assistant Crew Ready Initiative, which aims to launch 2,000 certified production assistants into the Arizona job market over the next five years. She has taught camera department workshops across major Arizona colleges, including Scottsdale Community College, Arizona State University, and even returned to her alma mater, Northern Arizona University, as a guest speaker.

Currently, Kayla is working closely with the Arizona Film and Digital Media Coalition, the Arizona Commerce Authority, and the Arizona State Film Office to streamline the application process for the state’s new film tax incentive. Using her feature film, The Vast Lonesome, as a case study, she’s helping identify and resolve early challenges in the program’s rollout.

She also collaborates with the Phoenix Film Office, attending annual strategy meetings with city leadership—including the Governor, Mayor of Phoenix, ADOT, and the Phoenix Police Department—to help build the infrastructure needed to attract and support larger productions throughout Arizona.

In addition to her cinematography, producing her own feature films, and fostering a beautiful film community through her mentorship programs, Kayla recently ventured into the podcast space. Creating two podcasts at the same time is no surprise with Kayla’s incredible work ethic at play. The first podcast, The Close-Up is where Arizona’s film industry steps into the spotlight. Each episode brings you face-to-face with the most talented and tenacious filmmakers from across the state—from indie directors and cinematographers to editors, set designers, and production pros. Through candid conversations, guests share their unique journeys through one of the toughest industries out there, revealing the passion, grit, and creativity that fuel their path to success.

This isn’t just a podcast—it’s a platform. The Close-Up is on a mission to showcase the powerhouse talent living and working in Arizona, and to prove to the world that the Grand Canyon State isn’t just a pretty backdrop—it’s home to the crews, artists, and storytellers who are ready to deliver world-class productions.

Whether you’re a filmmaker looking for inspiration, a studio scouting your next production hub, or a listener who loves the behind-the-scenes magic of the movies—The Close-Up is your front-row seat to Arizona’s film revolution.

The second podcast, Therapy Session is a raw and deeply human podcast that gives voice to those living with mental health challenges—not from the perspective of doctors or textbooks, but straight from the hearts of those who’ve lived it.

Each episode features unfiltered, personal stories from individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, PTSD, and more. These are the conversations they couldn’t have before. The ones they were too scared, too ashamed, or too silenced to say out loud—until now. No gloss. No clinical jargon. Just real people telling the truth about what it’s like to carry something invisible and heavy every day. Therapy Session is a safe space to feel seen, to break the silence, and to find connection in the shared chaos, confusion, and resilience of being human. If you've ever felt alone in your struggle, this podcast is a reminder: your story matters, and you are not alone.

With a growing portfolio and a reputation for excellence, Kayla Windsor continues to make her mark as one of the industry's most promising cinematographers, captivating audiences with her unique vision and storytelling prowess. But Kayla’s impact goes far beyond the lens.

A passionate mentor and advocate for community-building, she actively uplifts the next generation of filmmakers—sharing her knowledge, offering guidance, and encouraging others to find their own creative voice. Her warmth, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the craft have made her not only a respected professional, but also a trusted leader and beloved friend within the film community.

In addition to her work behind the camera, Kayla hosts two powerful podcasts: one that shines a spotlight on Arizona’s vibrant film industry and the creative voices within it, and another that dives deep into raw, unfiltered mental health stories, offering space for honest conversations and healing. Both platforms reflect her core values—amplifying underrepresented voices, building meaningful connections, and creating safe, supportive spaces for growth.

Her love for storytelling, both on and off set, paired with her collaborative spirit, positions her as a rising star and a true force for good in the world of film.