Meet Oleg Mamedov | director of photography, documentary filmmaker, music video maker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Oleg Mamedov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oleg, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Honestly, I never really made a clear decision like “I want to be a creative professional.” It just happened naturally. I’ve always been drawn to small, quiet things — light on someone’s face, the way a person moves when they’re thinking, moments of silence that say more than words.

At some point, I realized that filming helped me express things I couldn’t put into words. It wasn’t about being “artistic” — it was about trying to capture what felt real to me. I didn’t care about big effects or trends. I just wanted to create something honest.

Over time, it turned into a career. But even now, it’s still personal. Every project I do — I try to leave a piece of myself in it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My style is pretty quiet. I focus on real emotion, natural rhythm, and small details — like hands, light, or even silence. I’m not trying to follow trends. I just want every shot to feel honest and alive.

Here in the U.S., I had to start everything from scratch. No name, no contacts. It was tough at first, but it also helped me focus on what really matters — the quality of the work, the atmosphere, and the feeling behind the image.

What makes my work a bit different is that I come from a strong technical background — film school, years on federal TV — but I mix that with a very personal and poetic approach. I try to keep the image simple but meaningful.

I don’t use the camera to speak louder — I use it so others can see what really matters.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If a good friend came to visit me here in Miami, I wouldn’t do a tourist checklist.
Morning coffee at Panther or somewhere on Ocean Drive, then a walk around Wynwood — murals, people, local vibe.
Sunset at South Pointe Park — calm and cinematic.
Food? La Sandwicherie at night, Mandolin for something nice, and Lagniappe in the evening — wine, music, no rush.
One day just for the ocean. Quiet, peaceful, maybe a pipe.

I wouldn’t try to impress them — I’d just show what my real life here looks like, and why I love it.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to the people who helped me during my first steps in the U.S. When I was starting over, there were people who trusted me, gave me work, or simply supported me with honest words. That made a big difference.

Also, I’m thankful to my teachers from film school and the professionals I worked with on federal TV channels. They shaped my understanding of real production standards and taught me discipline, responsibility, and taste.

And finally — a quiet thank you to solitude. In moments when I had no answers, it helped me stay focused and hear my own voice. And behind all of this, I’m endlessly grateful to my family — my wife, my son, my parents — for their quiet strength and unwavering support through every step.

Website: https://mamedov.pro

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oleg_mamedov/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mamedovbek/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@oleg_mamedov

Image Credits
Arman Baev. Ekaterina Iudina
Yes, I confirm that I have the rights and permission to use all the images submitted in Part 8.