About

Michael Tebinka is a Swedish cinematographer with Polish roots and a background in photojournalism and video art. He has over a decade of experience filming commercials, narrative, documentary, music videos and art house projects. His approach to film is often described as a blend of participatory presence and embodied choreography. There exists an element in filmmaking that evokes a sense of heightened presence, both within the confines of a space and between humans and their expressions. This tactile quality is profoundly empowering and is one of the foundations to create a deeper connection to a story told through cinematography. Light also plays an important role in Michael’s work, with a preference for deep shadows and careful pockets of naturalistic illumination. Michael has always been fascinated by time, space, and human perception as the constants through which experiences occur. He pursued this interest academically, earning a bachelor’s degree in video art from Lasalle College of the Arts in Singapore and a master’s degree in stereoscopic media from Ravensbourne University in London. Initially, in Singapore, he explored moving images as an installation-based medium, often creating large-scale multi-channel audiovisual structures. Later, in London, he shifted his focus to a more technical approach to perception in moving images at the production stage. His approach to crafting images is characterised by a harmonious blend of artistic exploration and film technology. Drawing inspiration from literature and painting, Michael seamlessly integrates this with the framework of cinematography, allowing for a clear artistic vision and a strong emotional connection in storytelling. Michael is multilingual, speaking Swedish, English, Spanish, Polish and has long-term experience living abroad which enhances his adaptability in international projects and his ability to communicate effectively both on and off-set.

Skills

  • Cinematography
    7
  • Photography
    8
  • director of photography
    7

Recommendations

Vasilis Kou

 6/5/2025
10

"Working with Michael has been a great experience. He's not just talented in cinematography and photography, but also super collaborative and open to experimenting with new ideas.
As a Director of Photography, brings a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic vision. His ability to craft compelling visual narratives, manage lighting setups, and work collaboratively in a project is outstanding.
He really knows his tech—both hardware and software—and is always ahead of the curve when it comes to new tools, media, and visual design trends. His mix of creativity and deep technical knowledge makes him a standout in any project.
Beyond his technical skills, he is a great communicator, a true team player, and someone who consistently brings positive energy to any set. Highly recommended!"

Experience

Michael Tebinka

Work experience
  • [Short film] At the dawn of the new millennium a man suffers from severe insomnia. But during another sleepless night, an offer appears that simply seems too good to be true.
  • Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt19499888/

Michael Tebinka

Work experience
  • [Short film] In a small town in the Swedish countryside, a young girl develops her newfound supernatural abilities. Through her charcoal crayons we see the future revealing itself.
  • Award: ARRI Unspoken Nordic Challenge, Sweden
  • Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11629128/

Michael Tebinka

Work experience
  • [Short film] In the dawn of the Cold War, a young Soviet telegraphist makes a desperate attempt to save her American lover from being stranded in the Russian side of the Bering Strait after receiving a
  • border closure message.
  • Awards: 18 wins and 11 nominations
  • Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8799962/

Michael Tebinka

Work experience
  • September, 2017 - September, 2017
  • Freelance
  • [Short film] In-gest is a performance, a gesture between film and choreography. A branching of the mind interpreted through movement of light transposing longing and fear of the self into freedom.
  • Imdb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9348656/

Michael Tebinka

Work experience
  • September, 2015 - September, 2015
  • Freelance
  • [Short film] Dromology is derived from the Greek ‘dromos’: avenue or race course. The theory of dromology interprets the world and reality as a resultant of velocity. ‘Dromology’ is a choreographed performance filmed in the Greek mountains of Taygetus.

Related persons

Tim Ward
Haris LaDesign, Education, Adobe Photoshop
evi nakoumusic making, music education, Music Composition
Vasilis Kou
Margarita Kostoglou
Manolis Manousakis

Vasilis Kou

 6/5/2025
10

"Working with Michael has been a great experience. He's not just talented in cinematography and photography, but also super collaborative and open to experimenting with new ideas.
As a Director of Photography, brings a unique blend of technical expertise and artistic vision. His ability to craft compelling visual narratives, manage lighting setups, and work collaboratively in a project is outstanding.
He really knows his tech—both hardware and software—and is always ahead of the curve when it comes to new tools, media, and visual design trends. His mix of creativity and deep technical knowledge makes him a standout in any project.
Beyond his technical skills, he is a great communicator, a true team player, and someone who consistently brings positive energy to any set. Highly recommended!"