Meet Steph Copp: Owner/Videographer, Steph M Copp Videography

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steph Copp and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steph, why did you pursue a creative career?
What I love about videography is how multi-faceted it is. Sure, it’s a creative career but there is also so much technical savvy involved, as well as a good amount of working with clients and other vendors. I love talking with clients and helping them to get comfortable with what it means to hire a videographer and what to expect during the whole process. Most people haven’t hired one unless it pertains to their job and will probably never hire one again, so I think it can be intimidating and that’s not how I want my clients to feel. I want them to feel comfortable and excited and most importantly feel like they can trust me to translate their day into a video that does it justice. I love shooting because it’s a thrill to work within the timeline and the weather and create beautiful shots out of a location you may not have seen until the day of. I love editing because with each edit I can try something new and different. I also feel very connected to the work I do. The uploading, culling and organizing of footage is my least favorite part because it’s so monotonous, but once I get the clips to the music I find myself getting emotional and that’s when I know I’m on the right track. Videography allows me to tap into my intuition and it’s always exciting and surprising to see what comes through me. Always something new to discover.

What should our readers know about your business?
I found my way to videography in a very wayward way. In a sense, it found me. Through meeting my friend, Kyle, I was able to explore videography. I was bored as a server at a local and wonderful restaurant, I had already tested the waters as a KonMari tidying professional and Acro Yoga teacher as well as graduated with a BA in Environmental Science and City Planning which led me to a 3.5 year stint working in Railroad Safety Education. I’ve done a myriad of jobs but Videography is the first one that feels a part of me. It is something that when I give my whole heart to it, it gives back tenfold. I didn’t intend to become a videographer but now that I am, I can’t imagine a more perfect business/creative endeavor for me. It’s well suited to my love of going novel places and meeting new people and it allows me the balance of being at home in my element, where I am free to get into my creative zone as I finish out each project. The hardest part for me along this road has been choosing to believe in myself and my ability to grow and learn and excel. Before you can book clients you have to really believe in yourself and say yes to your own products. This has been such a healing process honestly. As I have built my business I have built a better relationship with myself and the kind of work/life balance that I’ve always wanted.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The place I have taken friends to the most is The Getty Center. It is a world unto it self. I would get us there early to be able to take full advantage of the day. We’d start with a coffee and a pastry and sit near one of the many fountain sculptures, then we’d explore the exhibits until our architectural tour where we’d really get to know this beautiful place through learning the process of how it was designed and built. After this we would picnic in the whimsical Alice in Wonderland garden as we took in the views of the city and nearby coastline. On another day we would explore the Echo Park area. Perusing shops and cafes and either watching or riding the paddle boats in the lagoon, depending on if we needed a nap in the grass or not. For a day of culinary delights I’d start at Republique in the morning, Pho Saigan Pearl for Bahn Mis at lunch and then Happy Hour at Petty Cash (I’m getting hungry now – haha). Then if we just can’t bear for the day to end, a tropical night cap at Tiki-Ti. We’d also definitely have to see what’s playing at the Cinerama Dome and try to catch a show at Largo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
It’s funny because I think I was contacted to be interviewed because Kyle Doohan at Studio Arcady shouted me out as someone who he felt has been influential to him in his business, but I wouldn’t be in this role with my own business if it weren’t for him. He has been the best friend and mentor I could ask for. When I started assisting him in his business in early 2019 he started to see some potential in me and was so generous to help me book my first wedding and fully support me once I started building a business of my own. From lending me gear to proofing my videos and sharing his savvy marketing tips, I honestly owe my who career to him and I am so thankful for everything has he done and continues to do as a champion for my business and my creative vision. I’d also like to give a shout out to Kim Martin. Kim has been a close friend of mine since we were in kindergarten and when she started her own Photography business right out of college and succeeded in every sense of the word it was such an inspiration to me. It took me ten years to get into my own business, meanwhile, she’s already moved on to new entrepreneurial endeavors training to be a nutritionist and wellness coach. I’m so excited to see what she creates next!

Website: www.stephmcopp.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephmcopp

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephmcopp

Other: www.vimeo.com/stephmcopp

Image Credits
Kyle Doohan of Studio Arcady and Emily Jenks of Emily Jenks Photography