Blog

How to film a property walkthrough  video - A guide for videographers
Paul Bates Paul Bates

How to film a property walkthrough  video - A guide for videographers

Discover how a professional London videographer approaches filming properties. From camera movement and lighting to editing strategy, this guide reveals exactly how to make your property videos look polished and cinematic.

If you want your next walkthrough to stand out then this is a must-read.

Read More
Filming a Vlog in London - a videographers guide
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Filming a Vlog in London - a videographers guide

Think filming a vlog in London is all red buses, golden hour by the Thames, and effortless cinematic walk-and-talks?

Not quite.

Behind every clean shot around Tower Bridge or smooth intro filmed near the London Eye is a quiet battle with unpredictable weather, relentless background noise, security restrictions, and lighting that changes its mind every five minutes.

Here’s what it’s really like to vlog in one of the busiest cities in the world — from a videographer who does it for a living.

Read More
How Much Does a Videographer Cost in London? (2026 guide)
Paul Bates Paul Bates

How Much Does a Videographer Cost in London? (2026 guide)

Understanding the cost of hiring a videographer in London can feel confusing, especially with prices ranging from budget day rates to full-scale productions. The reality is that videography costs in London depend on far more than just how long someone turns up with a camera.

In this guide, we break down what a professional videographer in London typically charges, what influences pricing, and how to budget realistically for high-quality video content. Whether you’re commissioning a corporate film, branded content, or event coverage, this article will help you understand where your money goes — and how to get the best value from your investment.

Read More
A Year Behind the Scenes with a London-Based Videographer
Paul Bates Paul Bates

A Year Behind the Scenes with a London-Based Videographer

From corporate interviews to football promo shoots, this year has been packed with variety. Go behind the scenes of life as a London-based videographer, covering 98 video shoots across the UK — from London to Scotland — and working with clients, agencies, and production companies on everything from documentaries to TV commercials.

Read More
Understanding Aspect Ratios for Social Video: A London Videographer’s Guide
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Understanding Aspect Ratios for Social Video: A London Videographer’s Guide

🎬 Not all videos are made the same — especially when it comes to size!
Whether you’re a videographer based in London creating content for TikTok, YouTube, or Instagram, choosing the right aspect ratio can make or break your visuals. In this post, I break down the most common video ratios — 16:9, 1:1, 4:5, and 9:16 — and explain how to make each one work for your brand.

💡 A must-read for creators, videographers, filmmakers, brands, and marketers who want their videos to look sharp across every platform.

Read More
Top 5 Storytelling Mistakes Videographers Make (And How to Fix Them)
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Top 5 Storytelling Mistakes Videographers Make (And How to Fix Them)

Think great visuals are enough? Think again. Discover the Top 5 Storytelling Mistakes Videographers Make—and learn how to fix them to create films that actually move your audience. Written from the perspective of a London-based videographer who’s seen it all behind the lens.

Read More
How to Start a Career as a Videographer: Advice from a London-Based Videographer
Paul Bates Paul Bates

How to Start a Career as a Videographer: Advice from a London-Based Videographer

🎬 Dreaming of turning your passion for video into a career?
In this blog, a London-based videographer shares real-world advice on how to break into the industry — from starting with the gear you’ve got to building your brand and landing clients. Whether you’re filming in your bedroom or on the streets of Shoreditch, this guide will help you take your first steps toward a career behind the lens. as a videographer

Read More
Videographer tips - How to Approach a Video Shoot
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer tips - How to Approach a Video Shoot

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the lens of a professional video shoot in London? From concept to final cut, a videographer’s job is more than pressing record — it’s storytelling, planning, and creative problem-solving. So where do you start?

Read More
Videographer Tips - What Makes a Great Tripod for Video Work in London
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer Tips - What Makes a Great Tripod for Video Work in London

🎥 Finding the Perfect Tripod for London Videographers
From balancing kit weight on the Tube to battling wind on the South Bank, London challenges every videographer’s gear. The right tripod isn’t just about stability — it’s about surviving the city. In this post, I break down what really matters when choosing a tripod for video work in London: from fluid heads and quick leg locks to carbon-fibre durability and portability. I also share the tripods I’ve tested (and trusted) across the capital — from budget picks to pro-level rigs. Whether you’re shooting corporate content in Canary Wharf or cinematic b-roll by the Thames, this guide will help you find the perfect tripod for the city that never stays still.

Read More
Videographer Tips - Mirrorless vs Cinema Cameras for Video Production
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer Tips - Mirrorless vs Cinema Cameras for Video Production

As a London-based videographer, I’m often asked what camera I prefer for video work — a mirrorless camera or a cinema camera. The truth is, both have their strengths, and the right choice often depends on the type of project, the crew, and the client’s expectations. Let’s break down the main differences and where each camera system really shines.

Read More
Videographer tips - Picking the right gimbal for your kit
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer tips - Picking the right gimbal for your kit

🎥 London never stands still — and neither should your footage.


From misty night shots on the South Bank to fast-paced weddings in town halls, a gimbal can make or break your visuals. As a London-based videographer, I’ve tested the latest stabilisers for mirrorless cameras in real-world shoots across the city. Which models actually deliver smooth, cinematic results without weighing you down?

👉 Discover the best gimbals for 2025, my top picks for different setups, and insider tips from the streets of London.

Read More
Videographer tips - building a basic sound kit
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer tips - building a basic sound kit

Clear audio is everything. Start with a shotgun and lav mic, add a recorder, headphones, and accessories—your video instantly feels professional. Every professional videographer in London takes sound seriously and this post explores building a basic sound kit for videographers starting out.

Read More
Videographer tips - what makes a great lighting kit
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer tips - what makes a great lighting kit

Lighting is the cornerstone of the work of any great London based videographer. It determines feel, the look and drama of the imagery being captured. This article explores the lighting kit of a top London based videographer and gives recommendations for those videographers looking ot build their own kit.

Read More
Videographer tips - understanding frame rates
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer tips - understanding frame rates

Frame rates choice is essential for any experienced videographer working in London or anywhere else for that matter. Choosing the correct frame rate can feel overwhelming when you dont understand the principals. this article will arm you with the essential knowledge to ensure you choose the right frame for your videography project.

Read More