A visionary Director of Photography with over three decades of experience crafting powerful, emotionally resonant visuals for film, television, and commercial productions. Born in the colorful city of Caracas, trained in London, and based in New York since 1995, Hernán Toro’s work bridges the cinematic traditions of Latin America, Europe, and Hollywood.
With over 20 feature films, 850+ commercials, and numerous award-winning feature films, shorts, documentaries, and music videos to his credit, Toro brings precision, passion, and a painter’s eye to every frame. His unique voice as a visual artist has been recognized internationally, from the streets of Caracas to the screens of Cannes.
In addition to his film work, Hernán is an accomplished still photographer and mentor, committed to educating the next generation of filmmakers at the New York Film Academy. He is currently serving (2023-26) as President of the Society of Venezuelan Cinematography (SVC).
- Director of Photography and Camera Operator on 20 Feature Films, including Brooklyn Guns, Mob Town, Hamlet/Horatio, I Love Us, Spiked, Blackjack:The Jackie Ryan Story… list in IMDb
- 2nd Unit Director of Photography and Camera Operator on The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, A Good Marriage, Mécaniques Célestes…
- Extensive experience with narrative, shorts and music videos.
- Director of Photography and Camera Operator on 17 Feature Films, list in IMDb
- 2nd Unit Director of Photography and Camera Operator on 3 more feature films
- DoP/Cam Op on over a dozen short films
- DoP/Cam Op on tens of Music Videos
The War of The Worlds The New Generation (Shot Mr. Liam Neeson for the large screens, including his Hologram interacting with actors on stage)
- Shot over 850 commercials as Director of Photography/Camera Operator.
- Partial list of clients include: Apple, Amstel, BellSouth, Brita, Bohemia Beer, Camay, Carib Beer, Claro, Coca-Cola, Coppertone, Colgate, DHL, DisneyWorld, Electricidad de Caracas, Empresas Polar, Final Net, Ford, Garnier, Good Year, HBO, Heinz, Helene Curtis, IBM, Johnnie Walker Black, KFC, Kraft, Lipton, L’Oreal, Maggi, Mastercard, McDonalds, Mennen, Metro de Caracas, Metro de Santo Domingo, Nabisco, Nescafe, Nestea, Nestlé, NYNEX, Olay, Orange, Pacific Bell, Pantene, PEPSI, Philip Morris, Polar Beer, Presidente Beer, P&G, Reebok, Revlon, Rolex, Samsung, Savoy, 7up, Showtime, Smirnoff, Sony, Sprite, Toyota, Verizon, VISA, Wrangler. And 100+ global brands.
- FFTG Awards. Hamlet/Horatio, Best Cinematography, Fall 2020
- Casablanca International Film Festival. Morocco. Best Photography. (Roraima) 1995
- 3 Noches, Little Thieves…, Voice…, Roraima, Zoológico, A Dream…, Mrs. Bolero. All earned Multiple National Best Cinematography in Venezuela (1990-2001)
- 1st Latin American Cinema Festival of New York. Best Opera Prima, (3 Nights) 2002
- 1st Latin American Cinema Festival of New York. Audience Award, (3 Nights) 2002
- Gold Addy. Kinney Drugs “Barber Shop” 2007
- Healthcare Adv. Awards Gold: Kinney Drugs “Drive In,” “Your Very Own” 2011
- Communicator Awards (Silver): Kinney Drugs Campaign 2011
- Procter & Gamble. World Class Copy Program. Best Cinematography Award. (Camay) 1994-95
- III Award Producción & Distribución Mag. Best Photography/Central America. (Derby) 1993
- III Award Producción & Distribución Mag. Best Photography/South America. (Wrangler) 1993
(Full awards list available upon request or at hernantoro)
- Published & exhibited in 11+ international galleries
- Over 2,000 images used in fashion, editorial, and commercial campaigns
- Architectural photography featured in 3 published books
- Author/Photographer of Dear Santa… (2016)
- Contemporary digital portfolio: popsoli.com
- Cinematography Instructor (since 2017)
- Co-developer of industry-aligned curricula and student outcomes
- Dear Santa…, Short Illustrated Book (Amazon, Nook)
- Translator: Life? A Vaudeville! (English-Spanish)
- Signature Style: “Painting with light” — cinematic realism with emotional texture \
- Formats: Film, 35 & 16mm (analog); Digital, ALEXA, RED, Blue/Green Screen
- Skilled Camera Operation & Color Grading Supervision
- Fluent in English & Spanish
- Calm under pressure; collaborative, adaptive, detail-obsessed
Short Films
1980-2003
Documentaries & several Music Videos
1980-2003
Photographic Exhibitions
1981-86
Architectural Books
(Still Photography / Shared Credits) 1982-86
Moren Than Printed Photographs for Fashion & Advertising
1982-93