From one of John Wollaston’s Foundation students to one of the world’s most respected cinematographers, Denson Baker’s career has taken him to film sets across the globe and behind the camera on acclaimed feature films and television productions.

Denson began at John Wollaston in 1988 as part of the School’s inaugural intake, graduating with the Class of 1993. Reflecting on those early years, he remembers a school filled with possibility.

“We were the oldest students in the School from Year 8 until graduating in Year 12. It was a very exciting period. The School was still under construction and there was a feeling of so much potential.”

His passion for filmmaking began long before graduation.

“I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker by the time I was 12 years old.”

At John Wollaston, subjects such as Graphic Design, Media Studies, English and Art allowed that passion to flourish. Denson credits several teachers with encouraging his creativity, particularly English teacher Yvonne Wilcox, who gave him the opportunity to produce a documentary instead of delivering a traditional class presentation.

“It allowed me to work in a format that excited me. I learned more because I was discovering the subject and presenting it in a way that I loved.”

After graduating, Denson studied Film and Television at the Central Institute of Technology before completing a Graduate Diploma in Cinematography at the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), where he was named Cinematographer of the Year.

Today, Denson is recognised internationally as one of the industry’s leading cinematographers. His work spans feature films, television dramas, documentaries, music videos and commercials, taking him across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

Recent credits include Mountain Boy, The Colour Room, Grace, Domina, Ophelia, Measure of a Man, The Luminaries and Victoria. He also served as Director of Photography for the reshoots on Jordan Peele’s Academy Award-winning film Get Out, including its memorable opening sequence. Most recently, Denson completed work on the upcoming feature film The Butler, continuing a career that has taken him to productions across the globe.

Throughout his career, Denson has worked alongside Academy Award-winning and nominated actors including Donald Sutherland, Naomi Watts, Toni Collette, Emily Watson, Edward James Olmos and Greg Kinnear.

A cinematographer of New Zealand Māori descent, Denson holds accreditation with both the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS) and the New Zealand Cinematographers Society (NZCS), an honour reflected in the professional letters he proudly carries after his name. He is also a member of BAFTA and the International Cinematographers Guild (ICG Local 600).

His work has earned some of the industry’s highest honours, including New Zealand Cinematographer of the Year (2019) and Australian Cinematographer of the Year (2021), alongside multiple Golden Tripod Awards and numerous Australian and international accolades recognising excellence in cinematography across film and television.

Despite his remarkable success, Denson remains grateful for the foundation his school years provided.

“John Wollaston provided a broad foundation for learning as well as the general skills and knowledge that I have used throughout my adult life.”

His advice to today’s students is as relevant now as it was when he first shared it.

“Enjoy learning. School is more than just passing exams and getting the best grades. Learning is exciting and you will continue to learn for the rest of your life.”

More than three decades after graduating, Denson continues to build an extraordinary international career while remaining connected to the School where his journey began.