Steven Barry Poster, a distinguished American cinematographer and photographer, made his debut on the world stage on March 1, 1944. Throughout his illustrious career, which has spanned numerous decades, he has garnered widespread recognition for his exceptional work, particularly in his collaborations with the acclaimed filmmaker Richard Kelly.
The illustrious professional odyssey of this esteemed individual commenced with a stint as a creative assistant at 'The Film Group', a renowned commercial film production company situated in the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois. As he diligently refined his skills, he was subsequently elevated to the esteemed position of director of photography, a testament to his remarkable aptitude for lighting. This remarkable achievement led to a fruitful collaboration with the illustrious Herschell Gordon Lewis, a legendary figure in the film industry, on no less than three cinematic ventures, where he fulfilled various crew roles.
Michael Poster, a visionary filmmaker, embarked on a new creative venture by co-founding a production company with the renowned director Michael Mann. As the cinematographer, Poster brought his exceptional skills to a diverse array of projects, including industrial and educational films. His impressive portfolio further expanded with his work as the second-unit director of photography on the groundbreaking and culturally significant film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, a masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
In the year 1987, a significant milestone was reached as Poster joined the esteemed ranks of the American Society of Cinematographers, precipitating a relocation to the city of Hollywood, a hub of cinematic activity. This pivotal move marked the beginning of a new chapter in Poster's career, one that would be marked by a series of notable achievements in the world of cinematography.
Among his earliest and most notable projects was the iconic music video for Madonna's hit single "Like a Prayer", a visual masterpiece that showcased Poster's skill and artistry behind the lens. This was followed by his work on a series of commercials, directed by the acclaimed Ridley Scott and Kinka Usher, further cementing his reputation as a talented and versatile cinematographer.
In the following year, 1988, Poster's talents were recognized with a nomination for the ASC Award for Outstanding Achievement in Theatrical Releases, in recognition of his outstanding work on the film "Someone to Watch Over Me". This prestigious nomination served as a testament to Poster's dedication and hard work, and marked a significant milestone in his illustrious career as a cinematographer.
The esteemed individual, who took the helm as President of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC) from 2002 to 2003, a tenure marked by significant leadership and vision.
In 2006, their remarkable work on the production "Mrs. Harris" garnered an Emmy nomination, a testament to their exceptional skill and dedication to their craft.
That same year, they were elected to the prestigious position of National President of the International Cinematographers Guild, a role they would occupy for an impressive 13-year stretch, concluding in 2019.
