An award-winning cinematographer who has worked alongside some of the world's most respected filmmakers, Miguel has built a career defined by storytelling, innovation and a willingness to embrace new challenges. From film sets in Spain and Ireland to virtual production studios, video game development and now app entrepreneurship, his journey shows how creative skills can open unexpected doors.

Originally from Spain, Miguel was already working as a camera assistant on international productions before moving to Ireland. Drawn by both the opportunity to improve his English and his ambition to earn a degree abroad, he began searching for the right film school. IADT quickly stood out.

"I had always wanted to achieve a degree abroad," he recalls. "One of my favourite cinematographers, Robbie Ryan, had studied at IADT, and when I visited the campus and saw the studios, I knew it was the place for me." 

For Miguel, the studios became more than a learning environment. They became a creative playground where experimentation was encouraged and mistakes were viewed as part of the process.

"What stood out was how open everybody was to making mistakes and figuring things out together. There was no pressure. It was a space where you could try things, learn what worked and discover what didn't."

That freedom to explore had a lasting impact on his career. His thesis research examined architecture, space and lighting in cinema, topics that continue to influence his distinctive visual style today. Known for his preference for natural light, Miguel often lets a location dictate how a scene should be filmed rather than imposing a predetermined aesthetic.

After graduating, Miguel continued to develop his craft while working with some of the industry's most celebrated cinematographers, including Emmanuel "Chivo" Lubezki and Janusz Kamiński. From them, he learned two complementary approaches to filmmaking.

"Chivo taught me to trust natural light and believe in my choices. Janusz taught me that if you know why you're doing something, be confident in it. I've taken a little from both and found my own voice."

His work has since earned international recognition, but awards have never been the primary motivation.

"It's reassuring when your work is recognised, but at the end of the day we're there to support the story. If people only notice the cinematography, then you've probably gone too far.”

One project particularly close to his heart was a documentary that earned a BAFTA Student Award nomination while he was studying at IADT. He credits the support of IADT staff, particularly during the nomination process, with helping him take that significant step forward.

Miguel's career has never been confined to a single medium. Alongside documentaries, feature films and commercial work, he recently spent two and a half years working as cinematographer on Microsoft's Fable video game. The role allowed him to combine live-action filmmaking principles with virtual production, animation and motion capture techniques.

"It was like shooting Avatar in a documentary style," he explains. "I loved exploring how cinematography can exist in completely different mediums."

That willingness to explore beyond traditional boundaries also led to his latest venture: HomeCheck, an app designed to help tenants, landlords and homeowners document properties and protect themselves during rental disputes and insurance claims.

The idea emerged from personal experience after Miguel and his partner rented out their home while working in the UK. Returning months later, they found extensive damage and faced a lengthy and frustrating dispute resolution process.

"We kept thinking there has to be a better way to document a property's condition and protect both sides. That's where HomeCheck came from."

What began as a solution to a rental challenge has evolved into a broader platform with applications ranging from tenancy management to insurance documentation. Miguel is particularly enthusiastic about its potential value for students navigating Ireland's housing market.

"Students often don't know their rights or how to protect themselves. If they can easily show the condition of a property when they move in and when they move out, it can solve a lot of problems."

Despite his success across multiple industries, Miguel remains a lifelong learner. Since graduating from IADT, he has completed another honours degree, pursued postgraduate study and earned qualifications in fields far removed from filmmaking.

"I love learning. It keeps my mind active and gives me new perspectives. I think that's why I ended up creating the app. Curiosity leads you in interesting directions."

When asked what advice he would give current students, Miguel's answer reflects both his career and his outlook on life.

"You don't have to stay in one lane. The creative skills you develop can take you anywhere. Don't create barriers for yourself."

Whether behind a camera, inside a virtual production studio, developing a new technology platform or preparing his next feature film, Miguel continues to demonstrate that creativity thrives when paired with curiosity, courage and a willingness to keep learning.

Quick Fire with Miguel

Film camera or digital camera?

For photography, I still prefer my Leica M6 film camera.  I do not use as often these days though, as shooting on film has become considerably more expensive.

Favourite film of all time?

4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days by Cristian Mungiu.  He is also my favourite director and someone I would love to work with one day.

Best career advice you’ve ever received?

Be happy doing what you do.

One word that describes your time at IADT?

Fulfilling.

What are you most proud of since leaving IADT?

Developing the ability to understand how things work, staying curious and continually following my passions.   I believe it is important to keep learning, regardless of your career path or where life takes you.

If you want to find out more about Miguel's work, follow the links below and check out the gallery for some of his videos:

Miguel's website