Derek Frankowski is a versatile artist who uses the camera to explore and interpret visual stories. Guided by light, instinct, and presence, he captures moments, both moving and still, that create 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.

A Canadian prairie boy who moved to the mountains, Derek began his career in the 1990s and quickly became an in-demand action sports photographer, traveling 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 filmmaking, and reshaped the sports film genre.

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

Some of his most recent creations at Transport Gallery, explore cinematography as fine art.

Frankowski Pictures is a production company that brings creative projects to life worldwide through technical expertise, collaboration, and passion.