We recently connected with Amelia Jáuregui and have shared our conversation below.

Amelia, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

While I think there is a part of me who wished I knew exactly what I wanted to do as little girl, I think I figured it out at the exact right time (as cliche as it sounds).

When I was a kid, I was drawn to photography as a hobby. I asked Santa for a little digital camera when I was just three years old and got my first DSLR when I was in middle school. I used to force my friends to model for me while I did random photoshoots. These photoshoots soon turned into random video projects, where I would make mini documentaries and recap videos of trips or events going on around me. I was constantly surrounding myself with creative endeavors, however I never saw it as a career choice, just a passion project. That was until I found myself at a conference where a speaker said “your passions can become your profession if you’re willing to work hard,” and that is when I had an epiphany. Though at the time I was interested in pursing a degree in medicine, I realized that my heart wasn’t in that the same way it was in the arts. From there, it still took me some time to realize specifically it was that I wanted to do, as I pursued dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Multimedia Journalism and Strategic Communications. Through these degrees, I learned that I loved telling humanistic stories and documentaries. But where I found most of my interest in this was learning the technicalities behind the camera. That is when I truly did my deep dive into what cinematography actually was, and realized that is the career path I not just wanted to pursue, but what I feel I need to do.

Since this realization, I have dedicated the past two years of my life to learning more about the craft, as I pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree at Chapman University in the Film Production, Cinematography program. These two years have taught me a lot, and I am excited to get into my thesis year as a student, and eventually move on to cinematography as my full-time career. Though the path hasn’t been linear, I don’t believe I would be the filmmaker and creative I am today without these experiences that have shaped me to who I am.

Amelia, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a queer, female cinematographer who gravitates toward slice of life and coming of age stories that showcase the human experience. I strive to elicit raw and authentic emotion through visual and technical storytelling. Whether a project be a narrative, documentary, or commercial one, I value collaboration, creativity and the pursuit of common goals in each and every project I do.

I believe that everyone has a voice, and my goal as a cinematographer is to provide for each director, producer, or creatives goals visually, through unique lighting, composition, or camera movement. Cinematography has the ability to enhance a story, and I hope to be a person people can come to for new and unique ideas, knowing they have a collaborator ready to accomplish their goals as their own!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Years ago, I came across a quote from Jennifer Lee that says “be relentless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” This quote has been the guiding light for me as I have begun to navigate an ever-changing industry. There will be times when work is plentiful and consistent, and there will be times of trial and uncertainty. This quote reminds me of my North Star, knowing that if I am following my dreams and goals of being a working cinematographer, I am doing what my heart calls me to.
Of course, I have some other goals for myself, of getting to shoot narrative features and travel the world, while hopefully getting to work with some directors I have admired for years, but of course I am happy to even have the ability to pursue a career in the arts.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Although I do not necessarily feel like I should’ve known earlier, I do want to stress the impact different organizations and communities have on your journey as a creative. I have met some amazing people through female filmmaking groups and other networking opportunities, that have led me to projects I wouldn’t have predicted. Though going to events like these can be intimidating and sometimes nerve-wracking, especially if going alone, it has made a huge impact in my creative journey. And if you are someone living in the general LA area, there are so many creatives you can surround yourself with!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ameliajauregui.com
• Instagram: AmeliaJauregui_
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amelia-jáuregui-837332191

Image Credits

Erika Dunn
Margot Moore