Who is Max Polley?
I am a Director of Photography specialising in premium documentary and cinematic factual storytelling for global audiences.
My career began in Australia’s remote Outback, where I developed a visual style shaped by scale, isolation and authenticity while working across regions from the Kimberley to Cape York under demanding real-world conditions.
I later spent several formative years based in London, shooting internationally in more than 50 countries. During this period I worked across fast-turnaround global stories and long-form documentary productions, refining a cinematic approach grounded in narrative.
Over the past decade my work has focused on high-end long-form productions for premium platforms, including Limitless with Chris Hemsworth, Journeys to the Ends of the Earth, Atlas: Australia Revealed, Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, and Who Do You Think You Are? I also served as Director of Photography on six seasons of Love It or List It Australia, recipient of a Gold AACTA Award.
My work has been recognised with multiple Australian Cinematographers Society awards. I work fluently across contemporary production and post-production workflows, including Final Cut Pro, and operate under CASA ReOC certification for aerial cinematography. I focus on visually authored films and character-driven stories with a strong sense of place and global resonance.
What does a freelance cameraman cost in Australia?
Freelance cameraman rates depend on shoot duration, camera package, lighting requirements and crew size. Most productions request a customised quote based on the project scope and deliverables.
Do you work in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney?
Yes. Max Polley works across Brisbane, Gold Coast and Sydney and regularly travels world-wide for television, documentary and corporate productions.
Do you provide drone filming?
Yes. Max Digital provides licensed drone cinematography under CASA ReOC certification for television and commercial productions.
What camera gear do you use?
Max Digital primarily shoots on Sony cinema camera systems including FX6, A7, and FX3. Cameras include a selection of fast primes and zoom lenses, gimbal stabilisation and lighting/ sound packages.
Director of Photography | Cameraman | Cinematographer 