Derek Frankowski is a versatile visual artist who uses the camera to navigate and interpret his environments. Guided by light, instinct, and presence, he captures moments—both moving and still—that seek connection, drawn to projects that feel essential.

An Emmy-winning cinematographer for BBC’s Planet Earth II, Derek is known for his hands-on approach and reliability as a collaborator. He works with patient determination, balancing artistic intuition and technical precision to create images that are distinctly his and resonate deeply.

Raised in the photographic world during the analog era, he developed his craft through hands-on experience, absorbing the discipline, patience, and curiosity that continue to shape his work today.

Derek’s career began in the 1990s, and he quickly became an in-demand photographer in action sports, travelling globally on editorial and commercial assignments. He was selected twice for Red Bull Illume, establishing himself as a leading photographer in the genre.

This path led him to co-create the feature documentary Life Cycles (2010), a film with a passionate global following that redefined approaches to sports filmmaking.

Since then, he has collaborated internationally on award-winning campaigns and documentaries, blending cinematic vision with photographic depth.

Some of his latest work takes shape at Transport Gallery, where they’re presenting cinematography as fine art.

Frankowski Pictures is the full-service production company he leads, producing and delivering creative projects worldwide through a combination of technical expertise, collaboration, and creative precision.