By Bailey Pennick

There’s something arresting about the way Jomo Fray captures the world. The cinematographer, now best known for his unparalleled work on 2024’s Nickel Boys, has been bringing filmmakers’ visions to life through his unique framing and inventive eye for years. Even within our own Sundance Film Festival archives, Fray’s viewpoint has graced our screens through 2023’s All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt, 2019’s Selah and the Spades, and 2018’s Emergency short film.

Earlier this summer, Fray headed back to the Stanley Hotel in Estes Park, Colorado, for the 2025 Directors Lab. This marks his first time as a creative advisor, but his third as part of the dedicated and passionate crew that makes this legendary lab run.

We knew that Fray would bring his camera and we asked him to send us some photos that represented his lab experience. The result, which you can see below, is a series of textured and unique images, all taken on a half-frame 35mm camera, that speak to the feeling of the Directors Lab. The diptych-like parings create an intimate look at the 40-plus year institution.

When Fray sent the images through, he said, “I feel like I create stories in my head between the images.” We all live in the moments in between the memories captured. Let these photos inspire you to tell your story.