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

If you’ve ever found yourself glued to a film’s cinematography or endlessly scrolling through cinematic travel reels on Instagram, you might have felt that itch — the one that says, “I could do that.” Well, you absolutely can. I’m a London-based videographer, and I’ve built my career from shooting small gigs around the city to working with brands and clients across the UK and beyond. If you’re looking to start your own journey in videography, here’s exactly how to get moving.

1. Start with the Gear You Have

Let’s get this out of the way — you don’t need a £3,000 camera to make great videos. I started out shooting on a second-hand video camera and a borrowed tripod. London’s creative scene is full of people hustling with minimal gear. What matters most is your eye for storytelling, not your equipment list.

Use your phone, experiment with angles, play with light, and start learning how to tell visual stories. The gear will come later — and when it does, buy smart. A reliable camera body, a fast lens (like a 50mm f/1.4), and a sturdy microphone can take you far.

2. Learn the Fundamentals

Videography is as much about understanding light, sound, and movement as it is about creativity. Start with the basics:

• Framing and composition — how to lead the viewer’s eye.

• Lighting — natural vs. artificial, and how it changes the mood.

• Editing — pacing, rhythm, and sound design are key.

You don’t need film school for this. There are endless YouTube tutorials, free online courses, and local workshops around London. Platforms like Skillshare or even local community colleges often host affordable sessions for beginners looking to become videographers.

3. Practice Relentlessly

The best way to learn to become a top videographer is to shoot — constantly. Offer to film your friends’ band gigs in Camden, a café launch in Shoreditch, or even short documentaries about London’s hidden corners. Every project teaches you something new.

Don’t wait for paid work to come your way. Build your portfolio by creating it. Even small personal projects can show your creativity and technical ability.

4. Master Editing and Post-Production

In today’s market, being a good videographer means being a solid editor too. Learn software like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro.

Editing is where your story truly comes alive — pacing, music, transitions, and colour grading make all the difference. When you’re starting out, keep your edits clean and simple. Over time, you’ll develop your own visual style.

5. Build Your Brand and Network

London is full of talented videographers — but there’s room for you, too. What sets you apart is your personal brand and how you connect with people.

• Create an Instagram or TikTok portfolio showcasing your work.

• Build a simple website to display your reel and services.

• Reach out to local businesses, musicians, and creators — collaboration is everything here.

Attend networking events like Film London meetups, creative industry mixers, or videography workshops. Word-of-mouth in this city is gold.

6. Charge Your Worth (Eventually)

In the early days, you might do a few free or low-paid gigs to gain experience — that’s okay. But don’t stay stuck there. Once you’ve got a few solid projects in your portfolio, start charging for your time and skill.

Remember: clients aren’t just paying for the day of shooting. They’re paying for your creativity, editing time, gear, and years of learning.

7. Keep Evolving

Filmmaking tech moves fast, and so does the industry. Keep experimenting with new techniques — drone footage, 360° video, or cinematic storytelling. Stay curious and never stop learning.

London is one of the most exciting cities for videographers — from music videos in East London warehouses to short films shot along the Thames, there’s no shortage of inspiration.

Final Thoughts

Starting a career as a videographer isn’t about having all the answers or the fanciest kit — it’s about storytelling, persistence, and passion. If you keep showing up, improving your craft, and connecting with others, you’ll carve your place in this vibrant creative city.

Grab your camera (or your phone), step out into London’s streets, and start filming your story today.