
Damon Hennessey
Chicago, Illinois
About Me
Chicago based DP/Cameraman with 15 plus years shooting experience. Many satisfied clients in the US and globally have found me here on Production Hub. Docs, cable and broadcast, branding, educational, sports... truly a little bit of everything!
I offer complete HD 4K camera kits and a van package of lighting/grip gear. I've been using rapid COVID testing on a regular basis to be safe and healthy and I keep my van well stocked with PPE. Since the pandemic I have been offering SDI connectivity through the Zoom platform allowing the producing team to direct remotely. This workflow requires producers to place a increased amount of trust in my decisions in the field, and so far every pandemic remote shoot I've done has been seamless. This is where having someone with years of experience in the field really pays off.
And hey...95% of my work is DP'ing, but if you are coming to town with your own DP and need a van lighting package and a gaffer drop me a line.
Though I am Chicago based I travel throughout the Midwest and the world for my work. Take a look at my website www.amanaplanacamera.com to learn more about me and view examples of my work.
I have been in the industry since 1990.
Photo Galleries

Damon on location
5 photosCredits
DP – Mountain Dew NBA All Star promo
B Camera Operator – "Judgement with Ashleigh Banfield"
DP – "If We Built it Today"
DP – "Web of Lies"
DP – "Locked Up Abroad"
DP – Frontline
DP – Jaguar Auto Show 2020
DP – Sneaker Customizers
DP – Jack Daniels Honey ATL
DP – Footaction
DP – "Live To Tell"
DP 2nd unit – Smarter Football Rogersville
DP – "Nova"
DP – "To Catch a Killer"
DP – "The Nature of Things"
DP – "Art in the 21st Century"
DP – "Through the Wormhole"
DP – online educational shorts
DP – "Way to Andina"
Additional camera – "The Hunting Ground"
DP – "American Pickers"
Recommendations
Damon has shot two ID projects for me in late 2020 both under Covid protocols with remote direction and production from London. As well as crafting exquisite cinematography he has a keen eye for additional coverage and alternative approaches not immediately obvious when blocking and directing remotely. He has an innate grasp of the requirements of each scene and a decisive yet empathetic approach with cast and contributors, which I found especially beneficial when working from 4000 miles away. His ability to propel the shoot was extremely productive not least when on certain locations our 4g connection went down and I knew that in the next hour the scene would be completed and still defy my expectations when I saw the rushes. I highly recommend Damon as a creative compassionate and consummate professional.
I worked with Damon recently on a shoot for Jaguar and cannot recommend him highly enough. I am based in the UK, so the idea of arranging and overseeing a shoot in Chicago was intimidating, until I brought Damon onboard. He hired all the crew, provided all the kit and his creative input and enthusiastic, positive demeanour made him an absolute pleasure to work with. The shoot was reasonably complicated, with lots of moving parts and sudden changes in creative approach, but Damon took these bumps in the road in his stride and he and his team worked long hours with no fuss whatsoever. If I ever need to shoot in the area again, he would be the first person I call.
I recently needed to scramble to find a DP in the Chicago area for a stills/video shoot and thankfully found Damon here on ProductionHub. I could tell from his well thought-out profile and website that he'd be perfect for the job. He had all the gear needed, as well as being able to bring in an AC (and a still photo assistant recommendation!). Damon is super knowledgeable and good at what he does. Plus he was very flexible, as it was a crazy shoot day. He adapted to the situation and made it work. And most importantly, Damon has a great sense of humor and was fun to be around... even in the heat of the moment. I'll definitely be calling on him if I ever need a DP in the Chicago area again!
As a producer/director traveling to Chicago from out-of-state, finding a production crew that meets your creative expectations can be a risky business. Thankfully I found a great DP. Damon was excellent. He was creative and hardworking, continually offering ideas that made for a better final product. I will use him on all of my future shoots in the Chicago area.