For any Swiftie, being part of Taylor Swift’s close circle is an almost unattainable dream. However, for Mexican cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, that closeness is not only real, but also profoundly creative.
The cinematographer not only maintains a close professional relationship with the singer, but has collaborated with her on two of her music videos, establishing himself as one of the key figures behind her recent visual universe.
The first collaboration came in 2024 with Fortnight, and they later joined forces again on Opalite, an ambitious project that brought together a high-profile cast including Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith and Lewis Capaldi.
In both works, Rodrigo Prieto’s name is credited as responsible for the photography, an achievement that represents a turning point in his career and an international showcase for his talent.
Taylor Swift and Rodrigo Prieto: VMAs recognition and a creative partnership
While her name may go unnoticed by some, her work did not. During the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, Taylor Swift received the Video of the Year award for Fortnight. That night, Rodrigo Prieto took the stage with the singer and Post Malone, starring in one of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony.
During her acceptance speech, Swift did not hesitate to publicly acknowledge the Mexican’s talent. “He goes out of his way to work with female directors and he is a genius. I can’t believe I got to work with him,” the singer expressed, making clear the respect and admiration she feels for his work. That moment confirmed the obvious: the creative chemistry between the two was so solid that a new collaboration was only a matter of time.
Opalite: eighties aesthetics and visual narrative
While Taylor Swift was preparing to shoot Opalite, she decided to call Rodrigo Prieto again to repeat the formula. The result was a video loaded with visual references to the eighties, with markedly retro costumes, nods to other songs in her discography and carefully constructed photography that elevates the narrative of the song.
Once again, Swift took the time to thank the entire team involved, but dedicated special words to the Mexican cinematographer, reinforcing the idea of a professional relationship based on trust and mutual admiration. “I got to work with one of my favorite people in the world, Rodrigo Prieto, again!” the singer wrote. “I had more fun than I ever imagined. It was an absolute thrill to create this story and these characters. Shot on film.”
Taylor Swift’s recognition comes on top of a particularly important year for Rodrigo Prieto. In 2024, the cinematographer received an Oscar nomination in the Best Cinematography category for his work in Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by Martin Scorsese. In addition, his visual stamp was also present in the long-awaited film adaptation of Pedro Páramo.
With each project, Rodrigo Prieto reaffirms his place as one of the most influential Mexican talents in film and music internationally, demonstrating that his lens not only tells stories, but connects creative worlds.
Here you can watch the video for Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’.
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