41. Starting a Videography Business: Equipment, Getting Clients, and Developing a Style https://i0.wp.com/nachesnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/S78041-pin.jpg?fit=740%2C900&ssl=1 740 900 Naché Snow Naché Snow https://i0.wp.com/nachesnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/S78041-pin.jpg?fit=740%2C900&ssl=1 December 17, 2017 August 26, 2026

41. Starting a Videography Business: Equipment, Getting Clients, and Developing a Style

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As we take a quick holiday break during the second season of the Studio 78 Podcast, I thought it would be nice to explore an often overlooked but super important creative medium: videography. In today’s digital world, we rely heavily on photos and videos to connect and share the stories of our lives, and my guest today, Amelia Diaplo, is known for helping her clients do just that.

Amelia is an L.A.-based videographer who is drawn to illuminating the passions and processes of creatives and makers through videos. I was drawn to the authenticity and quality of Amelia’s videos, and she explains her process in today’s episode. She also provides advice on choosing a videographer and tools to consider if you or someone in your life is turning your hobby into a full-time gig.

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Amelia is originally from Boston and has a background in fine arts; she studied sculpture, printmaking, and videography
She worked in a few museums with an emphasis on museum education and new media
She has a love and appreciation for things that are handmade
Her fiancé got a job in San Diego, and they took off to California
Amelia began her videography journey by doing a project for a yoga studio and a special project for a museum
Once in San Diego, she partnered with a nonprofit; she started as a volunteer
Initial video equipment
- In 2010, she purchased a Canon T2i (1 kit lens and 30mm lens); she used this until 2015
- Tripod
- Final Cut Pro and iMovie
Current video equipment
- Sony A7R2 with Ziess 35mm lens
- Amelia made her own shoulder rig; she also uses a follow focus
- Adobe Premiere Pro [editing software]
- White balance card
- Air blower for lens
- Large SD cards
- RODE VideoMic Pro (shotgun mic) or Sennheiser wireless mic (lavalier/lapel mic)
Amelia ended up moving to LA with her husband, and while working several part-time jobs, she decided it was the perfect time to do the freelance jobs
During this time, she took yoga teacher training, and she currently teaches yoga while doing her videography practice
Although she had a slow start building clientele and a relationship with the community, she’s glad she stuck with it
To get going, initially she first connected with YouTubers and bloggers
Next, Amelia built her website; she stresses that it’s important to put yourself out there and just do it
Amelia typically tries to use natural light for videos versus using artificial light; she does a little color correction and color grading
Video tips:
- If you want things to feel steady, use a tripod or hold the camera nice and still
- If using a phone, tap on the brightest part of your frame to make sure you have the right exposure
- Remember, you want the exposure and white balance to be accurate
Hiring a videographer:
- Ask your photographer friends if they know of any videographers
- If you see a video you like for a local company, ask them who their videographer is
Most of her clients are through referrals