Behind the Lens.

Kirk Hanselmann is an Emmy Award–winning Director of Photography and Sports Cinematographer, specializing in capturing moments that become memories. Based in Kentucky, Kirk has built a career defined by precision, passion, and storytelling that endures. With over a decade of experience and eight Emmy Awards, his work continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling across sports, commercial, and branded content.

From the quiet intensity before the whistle to the euphoria of a championship moment, Kirk’s lens finds the emotion behind the action. His unique blend of technical mastery and human insight transforms fleeting moments into lasting cinematic experiences. Every project reflects his philosophy: craft the story, capture the feeling, and create images that last forever.

Over the years, Kirk has partnered with national networks, creative agencies, and production companies across the country. His diverse portfolio includes sports cinematography, commercial campaigns, and documentary work. Each approached with the same commitment to authenticity and visual impact. As both a Director of Photography and producer, he balances artistry with purpose, ensuring that every shot, edit, and frame supports the heart of the story.

Known for his leadership and creative precision, Kirk is as skilled behind the camera as he is in post production. His attention to light, movement, and emotion brings a cinematic edge to every production, while his collaborative approach fosters trust and excellence on set.

For Kirk, cinematography is more than capturing images, it’s about preserving the essence of a moment. Whether documenting the thrill of victory, a brand’s vision, or a powerful human story, his goal remains the same: to create visuals that resonate long after the screen fades.

Kirk Hanselmann’s work stands as a testament to enduring storytelling and timeless imagery. Proof that when passion meets precision, the result is truly images that last forever.

A smiling man with short dark hair, wearing a green zip-up jacket over a dark blue shirt, standing in front of a plain, light-colored background.

Our Services

Pre Production

  • Develop story-driven concepts that align with your brand and engage your audience

  • Plan and organize all pre-production elements, including brainstorming, storyboarding, locations, and scheduling

  • Ensure every detail is ready before cameras roll

Production

  • Bring the vision to life with coordinated production

  • Capture high-impact visuals through camera setups, lighting, direction, and on-set adjustments

  • Maintain efficiency and creativity to ensure every shot aligns with the pre-production concept

Post Production

  • Bring your story to its polished, final form, creating images that last forever

  • Enhance narrative and visual impact through editing, color grading, and sound design

  • Deliver a finished product that engages your audience, reflects your brand, and leaves a lasting impression

While working at the University of Kentucky, Kirk had the incredible opportunity to capture some of the school’s most iconic football and basketball moments. He’ll never forget when his boss once told him, “You’re going to see that shot for a long time.” That comment stuck with him—it made him realize how meaningful it is to create something that lasts. Knowing that people could be watching his footage decades from now really shaped how he approached his work. He started telling others that they were capturing “images that will last forever,” and that phrase eventually became the inspiration behind the name itself.

Why Eterna Films?