About

I’m Shuling Yong, a documentary cinematographer who specializes in nonfiction storytelling, with a passion for social impact films. Whether you’re looking for handheld observational footage, beautiful sit-down interviews, or strong scene coverage, I strive to deliver excellence with care and kindness.

Having directed my own films (Growing Roots, Unteachable), I am keenly aware of story, and how scenes may be cut together in the edit. Additionally, I’m also a working sound professional, so you can rest assured that I have the vocabulary to collaborate well with the location sound mixer, and the skills to manage sound on my own, if needed.

My work has been featured on critically-acclaimed documentary series and features that have been programmed at festivals including Tribeca, SXSW, HotDocs and distributed by POV, Frontline, PBS, Discovery among others.

Recent releases include the Lisgor Award-winning American Stories: The Outrage of Danny Sotomayor, Livingston Award-winning The Feeling of Being Watched, and Webby Award-winning Trans In America. Look out for the docs-in-progress I’ve lensed including EJ Lee: All American, Chicago Works, and Girl Island: The Sandy Stone Story.

I am a 2019 DocNYC “40 Under 40” honoree, a 2020 NewCity Film 50: Chicago Screen Gem, and an alum of the programs run by the Tribeca Film Institute, Doc Society, Kartemquin Films, and In-Docs.

A Singapore native who now lives in Chicago, IL with my wife and kid, I graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Radio/TV/Film. I look forward to collaborating with you!