Hello, my name is Jack Kaufmann. I started Kaufmann Freelance when I was a sophomore at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. I’m now based in Chicago, Illinois, but I grew up in Rockford, where I’ve pretty much always had a camera in my hand. My journey with filmmaking began in 8th grade when my mom and I spent a month in Italy. She was there as an artist-in-residence, and I tagged along with my GoPro Hero and a blue iPhone 5c. I made daily vlogs documenting my experience as a 15-year-old wandering the ancient streets of Italian villages — and that’s really where my love for visual storytelling began.
A few years later, I found myself at the University of New Mexico studying Film and Digital Media Production. Honestly, I never expected to go to film school — but when UNM offered me a scholarship I couldn’t refuse, I packed my life into my Volkswagen Passat and set out on a four-year adventure in the Land of Enchantment. At UNM, I took courses in photography, cinematography, lighting, special effects, post-production, audio, and business. With those skills, I launched Kaufmann Freelance to document both my own life and the fascinating people I meet along the way. During my time in school, I worked on two documentary films — CONTACT the Band and Anchored in Recovery. Those projects gave me the chance to step into communities I might never have otherwise entered. Having a camera allowed me to connect deeply, documenting both the struggles and the joy shared within those spaces. Through my films, I aim to inspire, preserve, and educate.
Now based in Little Village, Chicago, I continue to document my journey through photography and video. I’ve been filming weddings, creating corporate videos, and capturing personal photographs for a book I hope to publish someday — a visual archive of the outskirts and alleyways of Chicago. I’m excited to see where this path takes me, the people I’ll meet, and the stories still waiting to be told.
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
I’m a Chicago-based filmmaker and photographer eager to collaborate with small businesses, organizations, and creators on any kind of project—documentary, content creation, or photojournalism. I’m passionate about capturing real stories and genuine moments that reflect the heart of a community. Whether it’s documenting local events or creating visual content that helps a business grow, I aim to make honest, human-centered work that connects with people.
I’m currently available for work—if you’re looking for someone dedicated to telling real stories and supporting local businesses, feel free to reach out!
HERE IS MY CONTACT INFORMATION
Kaufmann.Freelance@gmail.com
EQUIPMENT LIST
CAMERA: Canon 5d Mark iii, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6k Pro, Canon Rebel SL2
LENS: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8, Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8, Carl Zeiss Planar 50mm f/1.2
AUDIO: Sennheiser MKE 600, Rode Video Mic Pro +, Rode Wireless Pro
LIGHTING: GVM 80W Video Light, Lume Cube RGB Tubelight x2
EXTRA: DJI RS3 Pro Gimbal, Yuneec Q500 Drone, DJI Mini 2 Drone
PREVIOUS CLIENTS
Stateline Bounce House Rentals, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Natural Land Institute of Northern Illinois, Angelic Organics Farm, University of New Mexico Men's Hockey Team, Anchora Cafe and Bakery, Kerry Group, Southside Blooms