American cinematographer Erin Haynes is making her way in an industry that she believes has a long way to go to increase diversity among its crews. Erin was born in New Orleans in 1999—one of two daughters to Denise and Joe Haynes. She grew up in the 7th Ward of a complex city as a young Black woman mindful of the challenges facing minorities. Erin attended Cabrini High School in the shadow of New Orleans Museum of Art where she was drawn to English Literature, writing, art and film. She developed a talent as a sketch artist and at Loyola University she studied Mass Communications; Journalism and French.  Erin describes herself as a ‘shy, nerdy kid’ who surprised everyone by leaving the Big Easy for the Big Apple in pursuit of modeling opportunities; something she is still open to today alongside her day job. Her immersion in fashion modeling led to an interest in the photography and filmmaking. She prefers film that makes you think like psychological thrillers and horror. Her early inspiration in filmmaking came when she discovered Greta Gerwig’s work in the 2017 Comedy Romance Lady Bird, and Christopher Nolan’s 2014 SciFi/Adventure Interstellar, which captured her imagination for its visuals and soundtrack. Erin’s career path has so far led to being a Second Camera Assistant, FAA Drone Pilot and an emerging Steadicam and Underwater Camera Operator at the age of 24. She says: ‘I want to be a complete master of the camera.’  Erin’s ambitions align with her mission to champion the need for diversity, visibility and possibilities for women of color in the film industry.   Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinhaynesofficial/ Some Female Visual Artists Erin admires: Supermodel Coco Rocha Supermodel Naomi Campbell Cinematographer, Camera Operator, and Founder of 600 Black Women, Chris Wairegi Cinematographer, Camera Operator, and Founder of @ladycameraguy on Instagram, Gretchen Warthen Cinematographer and Steadicam Operator, Megan Masur Actress Zendaya Director and Cinematographer Chloe Weaver Cinematographer Mandy Walker Fashion Model and Activist Bethann Hardison (whose film Invisible Beauty was shot by Cinematographer Mia Cioffi Henry) Photographer Nadia Lee Cohen Fashion and Beauty Influencer: Karen Blanchard (@karenbritchick on Instagram and YouTube) Singer, songwriter, entertainer, performer and business woman Beyoncé Knowles Carter Filmmaker Ava DuVernay Filmmaker Shonda Rhimes Fashion Designer Donatella Versace Visual Artist and Painter Hill Spriggins Photographer Kris Davidson Actress, Filmmaker, Fashion Icon, and Founder of PATTERN Beauty Tracee Ellis Ross Director, Writer, and Actress Greta Gerwig Actress, Writer, and Producer Meryl Streep  Host: Chris Stafford Produced by Hollowell Studios Follow @theaartpodcast on Instagram AART on Facebook Email: [email protected] Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/aart--5814675/support.