Behind the Scenes at Amplify HER (Day 2)
What filming a transformational retreat in the Yarra Valley taught me about courage, creativity, and community.
As a photographer and videographer, people often ask what it's like filming events.
The truth is...
I don't just remember the keynote speakers.
I remember the moments in between.
The conversations over coffee.
The nervous smiles before someone steps onto the stage.
The quiet encouragement between strangers who, only a few hours earlier, had never met.
By the second day of Amplify HER, hosted by My Mummy Australia, the retreat had shifted from introductions to genuine connection. Designed as a three-day transformational experience for women in business, the event focuses on helping women reconnect with themselves through coaching, personal development, community, and immersive experiences.
Being trusted to document those moments is one of my favourite parts of event videography.
Learning From Women Who Have Walked the Path
One of the speakers I had the opportunity to film was Lee Li, founder and Creative Director of LeeLi & Co.
With an extensive background in branding, product design, creative strategy and entrepreneurship, Lee shared her perspective on building brands with purpose while staying authentic to yourself. Her experience spans more than two decades of helping businesses create products and brands that genuinely connect with people.
Naturally...
I found myself listening just as much as I was filming.
As another Creative Director, it's always inspiring hearing how other creatives approach branding, storytelling and business.
Different industries.
Different businesses.
But ultimately we're all asking the same question:
How do we create something that people genuinely remember?
Those conversations are often the ones that continue playing in my head long after I've packed my camera away.
The Ice Bath I Was More Than Happy to Film
One thing I definitely wasn't expecting...
An ice bath.
As part of the retreat experience, everyone had the opportunity to challenge themselves by stepping into freezing water before warming up together afterwards with a cup of hot chocolate. It perfectly reflected one of the retreat's core messages, growth often happens just outside your comfort zone.
Me?
I proudly accepted the role of... Professional spectator.
To be fair I do cold showers now and then and everyday I wake myself up with cold face washes.
Someone had to film everyone else's brave decisions.
Watching everyone mentally prepare themselves before stepping into the water was almost as entertaining as the reactions afterwards.
There were shocked faces.
Laughing.
A few very colourful facial expressions.
And that shared feeling of accomplishment once it was all over.
Honestly, I think I was most excited about the hot chocolate afterwards.
Maybe one day I'll join in.
Today wasn't that day.
Why Community Matters
One thing I noticed throughout the retreat was how quickly complete strangers became friends.
There wasn't that awkward feeling you sometimes get at networking events.
Nobody was trying to "sell" themselves.
People were simply sharing their stories.
Listening.
Encouraging one another.
Cheering each other on.
As someone who's naturally observant, I loved watching those moments unfold.
They're rarely scheduled into an event itinerary.
But somehow, they're always the moments people remember.
My First Silent Disco
After another incredible dinner together, the evening ended with something I'd somehow never experienced before.
A silent disco.
And I absolutely get the hype now.
If you've never seen one, imagine a room full of people dancing like they're at the biggest party of the year...
Except the room is almost completely silent.
Take your headphones off and suddenly all you hear are footsteps, bursts of laughter, and the occasional person passionately singing completely out of tune.
It was hilarious.
It was wholesome.
And honestly...
It was one of the most memorable parts of the weekend.
Sometimes the simplest experiences are the ones that bring people together the fastest.
More Than Event Videography
Whenever I film an event, people assume my job is simply to record what happened.
But I see it differently.
I'm documenting emotion.
Connection.
Transformation.
The atmosphere that can't quite be explained in words.
By the end of the three days, I'd captured keynote speakers, workshops, conversations, celebrations, quiet reflections, and countless little moments that made the retreat feel so special.
But I also left with something myself.
Fresh ideas.
New creative inspiration.
Meaningful conversations.
And a reminder that surrounding yourself with ambitious, generous people is one of the best investments you can make in your own growth.
Sometimes I walk away from an event with hundreds of gigabytes of footage.
Other times...
I walk away with a completely new perspective.
This retreat gave me both.
Planning an event worth remembering?
Every event has a story and the best moments are often the ones happening between the schedule.
Whether you're planning a retreat, conference, networking event, brand launch, or community experience, I'd love to help capture the atmosphere, connections, and moments that make your event unforgettable.
