About

Filmmaker, Photography, and Adventurer

Peter Knode is a born and raised Maryland native, who is dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Peter creates powerful and emotional stories, by using evocative lighting techniques. He strives to capture moments that are true to life, while keeping things creative.

Peters’ photography includes portraits, studio, landscape, and event services. He guarantees that storytelling is the heart and soul of every shoot (whether that is film or photography). Peter ensures that you will receive the highest quality film or photos that beautifully showcase your vision.

Peter’s film The Clown was featured in the Marshall University Student Film Festival and received accolades, and his photography was accepted into the 2024 Annual Student Juried Exhibition (i.e. Buy Me A Drink First).

Thank you for checking out my work! If you’re interested in collaborating or wanting to book, just click on the contact button in the services page at the bottom-I’d be most interested in hearing from you!

Statement

My passion lies in photography and filmmaking, and at the heart of it all is a deep-seated desire to tell powerful, emotional stories. I truly believe that stories connect us, help us understand each other better, and preserve moments that genuinely matter. That's why, for me, the real substance and soul of any shoot – whether it involves capturing still photos or creating moving images – is found within the narrative we can uncover together. My focus is always on capturing moments that feel undeniably real and authentic. I look for those genuine expressions, the unposed interactions, and even those quiet 'in-between' seconds that truly reflect life as it unfolds naturally.

To truly bring these stories and authentic moments forward, the way I use light is absolutely crucial. I pay very close attention to lighting, thinking carefully about how it shapes the scene and guides the viewer's eye. I use it intentionally – perhaps playing with shadow and highlight, leveraging soft natural light, or crafting specific setups – to sculpt a specific mood, create a distinct feeling, and draw attention to the emotions playing out within the frame or on someone's face. While capturing that raw authenticity is always my top priority, I also deeply enjoy the challenge of finding creative angles and thoughtful compositions. The goal isn't just to passively document what's there, but to make the final images visually engaging, offering a unique perspective that enhances the story without sacrificing its fundamental truth.

My work takes me across a variety of settings – from creating intimate portraits and working in controlled studio environments, to capturing the energy of live events and exploring the character of different landscapes. But no matter the specific subject or location, that common thread remains consistent: the constant search for genuine human connection and the underlying story waiting to be told within each context. I find endless inspiration in the work of other creatives, particularly filmmakers and photographers known for their distinctive visual styles and their impressive mastery of narrative depth. Seeing their bold choices, their intimate portrayals, or their atmospheric scenes encourages me to constantly push my own creative boundaries and continue to refine my unique vision.

Ultimately, my commitment extends beyond just achieving technical quality, although that's certainly important. More profoundly, I strive to create truly meaningful images and films that resonate on an emotional level with the viewer. My aim is to produce visuals that don't just look good superficially, but that genuinely capture the unique essence – the specific feeling, the distinct personality, the intangible spirit – of a particular person, place, or moment in time, leaving a lasting impression.