Mike McLaughlin is an award winning cinematographer who has worked internationally on numerous films, documentaries, and commercials. With a career spanning over two decades, he has built a reputation for his distinct visual style, which often blends naturalistic lighting with a cinematic flair.

Films he’s shot have screened around the world at festivals such as Berlinale, TIFF, SXSW, and Busan. In 2024, he received a Canadian Screen Award nomination for his cinematography on the feature film, HANDS THAT BIND.

Other notable credits include Evan Morgan’s THE KID DETECTIVE (TIFF 21’), Mary Nighy’s ALICE, DARLING (TIFF 22’), Christian Sparkes’ THE KING TIDE (TIFF/Busan 23’) and Carly Stone’s THE NEW ROMANTIC which won best first feature at 2018 SXSW film festival. He is based in Toronto, Canada.

Mike is a Director of Photography in the IATSE 667 union as well as an Associate Member of the CSC.

PRESS

… it helps to have a strong eye too from director Christian Sparkes and cinematographer Mike McLaughlin. Brian Tallerico on Hammer RogerEbert.com

…a gloomy fact DP Mike McLaughlin’s suddenly gray photography won’t let you overlook. Tomris Laffly on The Kid Detective Variety

it all looks good thanks to Nicole Simmons’ authentic-feeling production design and sculptural cinematography by Mike McLaughlin. Leslie Felperin on Door Mouse The Guardian

Furthermore, the film is a handsome production with strong cinematography by Mike McLaughlin. Ferdosa Abdi on Door Mouse Screen Rant

… we get to feeling Alice’s constant sense of impending doom. Mike McLaughlin’s unsentimental cinematography helps maintain the plaintive mood. Lovia Gyarkye on Alice, Darling  Hollywood Reporter

The thoughtful assembly is complemented in particular by Owen Pallett’s piano-based original score and Mike McLaughlin’s handsome but unshowy cinematography. Dennis Harvey on Alice, Darling Variety

The cinematography effectively immerses the viewer in Alice's state of mind, which allows us to sink deeper down the rabbit hole alongside her as her perceived danger grows around her. Lex Briscuso on Alice, Darling.  Slash Film

As shot by cinematographer Mike McLaughlin, there’s a steely beauty to the geography, resplendent with rocky cliffs and pounding surf that reinforce the islanders’ isolation. Joe Lipsett on The King Tide Bloody Disgusting

 It’s a very compelling yarn, graced by atmospheric Newfoundland locations that are gorgeously shot by director Christian Sparkes and his DP Mike McLaughlin. Chris Bumbray on The King Tide Joblo.com

…the crashing waves are filmed in rich darkness by cinematographer Mike McLaughlin. Sheri Linden on The King Tide  Hollywood Reporter

Gloriously, every actor and department head is making exactly the same movie, one that looks, feels and sounds simultaneously spare and lush, realistic and fable-like. Johanna Schneller on The King Tide The Globe and Mail  

 If it wasn’t clear enough from the child’s name, Mike McLaughlin’s gorgeous cinematography will clue you in. Eric Langberg on The King Tide Medium

AWARDS

  • NOMINATED - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, FEATURES - 2024 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS (HANDS THAT BIND)

  • NOMINATED - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, NARRATIVE FEATURES - 2023 CSC AWARDS (HANDS THAT BIND)

  • WINNER - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY - 2019 QUEEN PALM INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST (RUNNING WITH VIOLET)

  • NOMINATED - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, DOCUMENTARY - 2018 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS (UNARMED VERSES)

  • WINNER - OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY, FEATURES - 2016 OIL VALLEY FILM FEST (FIGURINE)

  • NOMINATED - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, FEATURES - 2016 ALBERTA FILM AWARDS (FIGURINE)

  • NOMINATED - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, DOCUMENTARY - 2013 ALBERTA FILM AWARDS (THE AUCTIONEER)

  • NOMINATED - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, DOCUMENTARY - 2013 CANADIAN SCREEN AWARDS (THE PERFECT RUNNER)

  • WINNER - BEST CINEMATOGRAPHER OVER 60 MINUTES - 2012 ALBERTA FILM AWARDS (THE PERFECT RUNNER)

  • NOMINATED - CINEMATOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR - 2010 MMVA's (ALEXISONFIRE - THE NORTHERN)

Contact

Personal : mike@mclaughlindp.com