Chumbley is an American freelance cinematographer focused on news and documentary production and splits his time between Vermont and Quebec.

Whether he is the lead operator directing two-camera cross coverage, working solo while running sound or lighting stylized interviews on-location, Spencer maintains a balance between the pursuit of cinematic style with the needs of the story, finding the most efficient way to maximize both.

Chumbley has filmed documentaries in over 20 countries. Including Libya, Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Ukraine, South Sudan, Gaza and more. He has worked extensively with correspondents and presenters while filming hosted documentary series, but is no stranger to single camera vérité coverage.

Most recently Spencer served as the series director of photography of a forthcoming ABC News Studio’s series, The Interrogation Tapes. He has previously been the series director of photography for Keeper of the Ashes (ABC / Hulu 2022), The Prison Breaker (Investigation Discovery, 2021), The Genetic Detective (ABC, 2020), Mysteries at the Museum field specials (Travel Channel 2018-19) and Segment Director of Photography for several episodes of VICE on HBO’s awarding-winning current affairs series.

Spencer holds an FAA Part 107 Drone License, HEFAT certification, Canadian CAVCO number and maintains an active ATA carnet for his gear to facilitate working on either side of the US/Canada border.