In this collaborative feature, we sit down with Cinematographer David Stiles along with his partner, June Lohner—a Physical Therapist with a sharpshooter’s eye—to discuss their journey from their youth to the Gaelic football fields of America to the vibrant, bustling streets of the slums of Bangkok. This isn’t just about lights, camera, action; it’s about the power of storytelling and the deep, personal connection they’ve found at the Mercy Centre. Not to mention their amazing impact on our mission.
The Filmography of David N. Stiles
Before we get into it, it is important to note that David’s body of work is a testament to his belief that life is meant to be lived and stories are meant to be told. His portfolio spans documentary, narrative shorts, music videos, and branded content, often focusing on the human connection and the “unsung hero.” Some of this writer’s most loved pieces are: Who Is Charlotte? A Gaelic Football Story in America, Brenda and Billy (and the Pothos Plant) and of course the work he has done for Mercy. Trust me, a visit to David’s portfolio is well worth it.
Charlotte who?
I mean David & June…
They come as a partnership!
David N Stiles
Cinematographer/Director of Photography
June Lohner
Photographer/Physical Therapist
The Early Days
Interviewer: David, looking at your background, you’ve got a mix of Irish sports and adventure. What fills your time when you aren’t behind a camera?
David: I’m big into Irish sports—hurling and camogie—and Gaelic football. Basically, if it’s high energy or involves a bit of adventure, I’m there. Basketball and softball are in the mix, too.
June: (Laughs) Speaking of basketball, I have to mention—back in 7th grade, I actually won the high school free throw competition. I made 98 out of 100 shots!
Interviewer: That’s incredible! So, how did the transition from sports to the arts happen? What got you both into photography and film?
David: For me, it started with a 35mm film camera in 3rd grade. I loved the escapism. There’s this beautiful validation that happens when you’re interacting with a camera; the subject wants to be seen, and the cameraman feels validated by capturing them. I used to think you had to live in LA to do this, but I realized you can tell stories from anywhere.
June: David actually bought a camera and started taking photos, and that spark just caught for me as well.
David: I’m mostly self-taught. I actually dropped out in 5th grade and didn’t go back to school until I was 23. My love for history really drove it—history is just storytelling at its core. I even traced my genealogy back to John Proctor (of The Crucible fame).
The Mercy Connection: Bangkok & Beyond
Interviewer: You’ve worked with the Mercy Centre in Bangkok several times now. How did that relationship begin?
David: A friend in Charlotte, Mark McDonald, introduced me to it. I first came in March 2024, and this is now my second time working with them. I really wanted to bring June along so she could offer her own perspective, especially since she spent time in an orphanage herself.
Interviewer: What is it about Mercy that keeps you coming back?
David: It’s the storytelling. My natural reaction is to want to tell their story. The camera acts as a bridge; it breaks down barriers. Whether we’re talking to the staff or the kids, the lens creates a space where they feel heard.
Interviewer: Aside from the work, what do you love about Thailand?
David: The foot massages! And just hanging out. Though, I have a bit of a joke with the locals—because I have such big hands, they always give me a look when I go in for a massage!
The camera acts as a bridge; it breaks down barriers. Whether we’re talking to the staff or the kids, the lens creates a space where they feel heard.
The Craft: Cinematography & AI
Interviewer: Let’s talk shop. Who are the directors that inspire you? Favorite movies?
David: Steven Soderbergh. He’s a Director of Photography (DP) who does his own cinematography. He doesn’t take himself too seriously, but he’s a master storyteller. Probably my favorite movie is the Three Amigos anything slapsticky, my movie references end at 1995!
June: I love the film Finding Forrester. It’s about a recluse writer—a real “mentee/unsung hero” story. I love films about gifted people who don’t realize their own potential yet.
While David draws inspiration from masters like Soderbergh, he’s also keeping a wary eye on the newest ‘director’ in the room: Artificial Intelligence.
Interviewer: How do you feel about the industry changing? Specifically, the rise of AI?
David: AI is the new “bottom feeder” for small corporate jobs. The top and bottom of the market have merged. While it might streamline workflows for those of us staying in the industry, there’s a lot of “AI slop” out there. Eventually, the investment will plateau when people realize the cost-benefit ratio isn’t there for high-end storytelling. You can’t fake the human element.
Interviewer: What’s been your most challenging shoot to date?
David: India. It was brutal. No air conditioning, heat, and I had the “double trouble”—diarrhea and vomiting at the same time. We were filming the Baul singers in Bengal in 2023. The people were so sweet, but I had zero backup or support. I’ve also filmed off oil rigs in Louisiana, hanging out of a chopper. It wasn’t your typical airline safety briefing. It was the same company involved in the Deepwater Horizon incident, so the risk assessment was… intense.
Interviewer: Wow, while we are on the subject of film, have you seen the Mark Wahlberg movie: Deepwater Horizon?
David: Yeah, that’s the one.
Interviewer: So, David, how do people get in contact with you?
David: Email or Phone is best.
It was brutal. No air conditioning, heat, and I had the “double trouble”—diarrhea and vomiting at the same time.
Tips for the Trade
Interviewer: For someone starting out with just a smartphone, what’s your #1 tip?
David: Turn your phone sideways. Portrait is an odd perspective for film. We see the world wide.
June: I actually disagree slightly because of how we consume media on Instagram!
David: (Laughs) See? But honestly, the “dopamine fix” of doom-scrolling diminishes brand storytelling. My advice: Film what you like, not what you think others want to see. Don’t take feedback too personally. Whether it’s a high-end production or a dog video on a Ring doorbell, stay true to the story. Look at the Ring commercial from the 2026 Super Bowl. I really didn’t like it. To me, it’s a perfect example of where things are going wrong—commercials these days don’t tell stories or make you laugh; they focus purely on the tech. Whether it’s a high-end production or a dog video on a Ring doorbell, you have to stay true to the story.
Interviewer: What about lighting? That’s usually the hardest part for beginners.
David: Even in tiny spaces, remember that lighting is about mood. My “expensive-looking” hack? Use natural light and shadows to your advantage rather than trying to overpower a room with cheap LEDs.
I really didn’t like it. To me, it’s a perfect example of where things are going wrong.
Looking Forward
Interviewer: What are your goals for the future?
David: Currently, I’m recovering from an ACL injury, so some physiotherapy is in order! But career-wise, I want to keep pushing the boundaries of how we tell humanitarian stories.
June: For me, it’s about giving back. Working with Mercy fulfills that need to challenge myself while helping others. It’s about finding those “unsung heroes” and making sure they are seen.
Interviewer: Does the story end here…?
David & June: Absolutely Not!
Sign up to get early access to David’s 2026 Mercy Centre Project Premiere
Witness the Impact David and June’s latest collaboration with the Mercy Centre is currently in production. Be the first to see the finished project and go behind the scenes of our 2026 mission.
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A Legacy Beyond the Frame
The work David and June have contributed to the Mercy Centre is truly the gift that keeps on giving. By capturing these intimate interviews and crafting high-caliber commercials, they’ve done more than just “film” our mission—they’ve given a powerful, global voice to the children of Bangkok. Their storytelling serves as a bridge that connects us to the donors and sponsors who make our work possible; because of their lens, people thousands of miles away can feel the heartbeat of our community. David and June may never know the true extent of their impact or meet every child whose life is changed by the support their films generate, but the ripples of their generosity are felt every single day. We are profoundly grateful for their talent, their time, and their immense hearts. They have helped more children than they will ever know, leaving behind a legacy that exists long after the cameras are packed away.
Beyond the Lens: Your Turn to Make an Impact
David and June show us that everyone has a unique lens through which they can help—whether it’s donating a skill, talent, product or service. At the Mercy Centre, our doors are always open to those who want to use their professional expertise for a greater purpose. Maybe you didn’t know or overlooked something that you or your company have which could benefit our cause? Until now…
How can you join the mission?
Share Your Professional Expertise: Whether your background is in training, recruitment, translation, tech, or the arts, we are looking for skilled individuals to lend their unique experience to our community. No matter your industry, your “trade” can help us build a brighter future.
Corporate & Business Partnerships: We welcome organizations looking to make a tangible social impact. From skill-based volunteering to project sponsorship, your business can play a vital role in our sustainable growth.
An Open Invitation to Bangkok: Seeing is believing. We welcome visitors and volunteers to experience the heart of our work firsthand—our doors are always open to those who want to see the impact for themselves.
Ready to offer your unique “perspective”? [Become a Volunteer or Partner]
