Photo by Kim Simms
Lon Stratton | biography
Since 1984, I have been actively involved in cinematography. Based in Detroit, Michigan my projects as a Cinematographer include television commercials, feature films and narratives, aerial photography and documentaries. Each project has given me the opportunity to grow as a cinematographer and to gain a deeper understanding and respect for my craft.
Between l975 and l984, I was a service technician for Victor Duncan, Inc. (later known as Panavision) in Chicago and Detroit, where I gained considerable knowledge and experience with all camera equipment used in the motion picture industry. In l984, I opened my own rental and service business, Stratton Camera Inc. Through the years, my company has achieved a widely respected reputation for providing high quality film and digital equipment and impeccable service. Stratton Camera continues to service the Midwest with the same high standards that helped establish our reputation.
Some of my credits as a feature/narrative cinematographer include: Standing in the Shadows of Motown, feature, Ocean of Pearls, feature/documentary, Corrupted Minds, feature, TimeQuest, feature, Life Goes On, feature, Ya Done Good, PBS documentary, One of Us, short drama and 21carbs, short satire.
Commercial clients include Little Caesars Pizza, GMC, Aerobed, AM General Hummer (National spots). Beaumont Hospital, Comerica Bank, Health Alliance Plan Michigan, Marathon Oil Corporation, Sport's Authority, Hardy's, KFC, Country Crock, OfficeMax, Pizza Hut, FTD and Subway. Second Unit DP on national Ford running packages and Chevrolet TV spots.
Political campaigns include: Kwame Kilpatrick Detroit mayoral campaign, Dennis Archer Detroit mayoral campaign (Pollie and Telly Awards), Richard J. Daley Chicago mayoral campaign (Pollie Award), Comptroller Carl McCall New York, Atty. General Lee Fisher Ohio (Pollie Award), U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy Rhode Island.