Behind the Lens: A Day in the Life of Director of Photography Adriana LaCorte
Posted on: May 27, 2025
Photo Credit: guruXOOX / iStockAt Staff Me Up, we love lifting the curtain on what it takes to succeed in the entertainment industry, and our “A Day in the Life” webinar series does just that. In our latest session, we sat down with Adriana LaCorte, an accomplished Director of Photography (DP) and camera operator with over 20 years of experience across reality television, documentaries and scripted content.
Some of her key credits include Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Seven Little Johnstons and Ms. & Mrs. She joined us to talk about the art and hustle behind the camera — and how she’s navigated a male-dominated industry with resilience, creativity and perseverance.
What Is a DP, Anyway?
Adriana put it simply: “A Director of Photography is in charge of lights and camera. We create the mood and bring the director’s vision to life — at least through the lens.”
But there’s more to it than aesthetics. Her work involves finding the best visual narrative, whether she’s using a massive network camera setup or a compact Osmo for quick filming. That means picking the right gear, knowing how light and shadows work, and even using cloudy days to her benefit. “Overcast is like having the most gorgeous silk draped over the sun,” she explained. “It’s perfect.”
A Childhood Behind the Camera
Adriana started her journey early, before she even knew what a DP was. With a Fisher-Price camera and her parents’ camcorder, she made scary movies every summer and learned the ropes of storytelling. But it wasn’t a straight shot into cinematography. “I started in producing,” she said. “Then one day I just woke up and said, no—I need to be behind the camera.”
Tools of the Trade—and the Art of Adaptability
In an industry full of options, the right gear depends entirely on the project. “Nowadays, we have so many choices,” she said. “You don’t need a huge camera anymore. I’ve shot a ton on the Pocket Osmo—and even that’s being used by people who’ve shot the Olympics.”
She also praised the better quality of iPhone videos and told creators to experiment. “We’re artists,” she said. “We should take risks. If shooting on your iPhone gets your story told, go for it.”
Developing Visual Style—and Navigating Set Dynamics
Adriana’s a team player, whether it’s a short film or a reality show. “In scripted, you go line by line through the script with the director, building a visual style from references and inspiration. In reality, it’s more about adapting to what’s already been established—and still making it your own.”
She also shared a personal challenge: people’s assumptions. “I’ve walked onto a set and the first thing someone said to me was, ‘Oh, I didn’t realize you were short,’” she recalled. “I’m five feet tall, and yeah, that can be a surprise in the camera world. But as another operator told me, just zoom in from farther away. No one can tell how tall you are.”
Mentorship Matters
One of the most powerful parts of Adriana’s story is that she’s truly grateful for her mentors. “Most of my mentors don’t even know they’re my mentors,” she laughed. “I just asked questions. I followed them around. I wanted to learn.”
Her advice? Don’t be afraid to reach out. “People want to help. I want to help. You don’t have to have all the answers, but you can find people who’ve been there.”
A Favorite Project — and a Lasting Impact
Among her many credits, one stands out: Born This Way, an Emmy-winning docu-series following young adults with Down syndrome. “That project was special,” she said. “I shot a wedding, told personal stories and worked with an incredible team. It challenged me technically and emotionally, and I got to do a lot of creative B-roll.”
Adriana’s Final Words of Wisdom
The main takeaway? Stay curious! Try everything. And don’t let anyone box you in.
“I’ve done casting, producing, coordinating — almost everything but post,” Adriana shared. “It all taught me something. You can carve your own path.”
Don’t Miss the Next One
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