Jacob Kelly

I’m twenty one years old. I’m a junior at John Paul the Great Catholic University in San Diego, California. My life is forever changed by such a merciful, forgiving, perpetual loving God. I’m a Catholic convert and I am not ashamed of such a beautiful family, the Catholic church. I love music. I like playing guitar and singing. I plan on becoming a film-maker and my direction in life is to glorify God in the things that I do. I love playing Frisbee, disc golf or ultimate. I like making a difference in someone else’s life. I love hearing stories about the people who have died for their faith in God. I love hearing stories about miracles that can’t be explained. I love reading. I’m in love with God and I’m trying to better show that love to others in humility and with patience.

Right now, I’m studying to become a cinematographer. In film, the director chooses what to get (the shot, framing, style, etc.); the cinematographer, simple enough, gets what the director wants. The director envisions the shot. The cinematographer produces the shot. I think cinematography is of extreme importance for all films. It has to be profound! Film is not about getting a shot for the story, but it’s about delivering the story through the shot. While being in school, I’m able to work on different projects and help bring the vision of student directors to life. It can be a very technical job, but it is highly depended upon. One of the best things about being a cinematographer is that it carries the place of a servant on set. I was weary about working the camera when I first started going to JP Catholic, my university. Already having spent my past school years working with the camera, I was more interested in being a director or writer. I thought of the cameraman as the one who just sets up the shots and never gives any input of his or her own to the film. Yet, it was not until I learned about the importance of good cinematography that I realized that I should do what I’m good at. The cinematographer is vital to the creation of a film. The cinematographer communicates the most with the director. I love helping other people bring their stories to life through film. So, I’m learning all I can about cinematography and working on projects when I can to put into practice what I’ve learned.

For now, that’s all I have. And all I can ask is that you please pray for me and the work that my school, John Paul the Great Catholic University, is trying to accomplish to impact culture for Christ. We are not trying to conquer and overtake Hollywood. We are trying to live like Christ in the world so that people will see the hope, the light, that is within us and look for God.

“Just so, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly father.”
-Matthew 5:16

God bless and may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.