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 Chicago Works with Geoffrey Baer, 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, NewportFILM 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!