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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.

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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.

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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

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Videographer tips - What is shutter speed?
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer tips - What is shutter speed?

Understanding shutter speed is key to creating great looking work as a videographer. Working in London as a videographer over the past 15 years, my understanding of shutter speed has enabled me to create imagery that really stands out in a unique way. So what is shutter speed and how can you use it to create different looks?

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What are the best hard drives for video editing?
Paul Bates Paul Bates

What are the best hard drives for video editing?

Storage for your precious video files can often be the last thing on the mind of a videographer. However, it really shouldn’t be. All that hard work you’ve done to create beautiful visuals should be protected. In this article i’ll run through the exact hard drive setup recommended by a professional London based videographer to store work post filming and to use for editing.

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What is the best drone for filming?
Paul Bates Paul Bates

What is the best drone for filming?

Drone filming can feel overwhelming for a videographer if they’ve never flown or experienced a drone before. Which drone is the best to use and where do I start? Fear not, this article discusses my top drone for videographers looking to take to the skies in London for their video productions.

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Tips for filming with a phone
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Tips for filming with a phone

Professional videographers are the experts when it comes to beautiful looking videos and films. However, we all know there are times when hiring a videographer just isn’t possible and we have to turn to self filing with a phone. This article offers fantastic tips to get your phone videos looking professional.

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How do you colour grade in Final Cut Pro?
Paul Bates Paul Bates

How do you colour grade in Final Cut Pro?

Colour grading is the final process for a videographer but also one of the most important. It can bring your visuals to life and move them to a higher level. In this blog post I break down how a professional videographer colour grades using Final Cut Pro.

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What is the best RockNRoller trolly for videographers?
Paul Bates Paul Bates

What is the best RockNRoller trolly for videographers?

By its very nature, being a videographer means owning lots of camera gear, especially if you’re a videographer in London. A portable trolly is a great way to transport your gear from vehicle to location. So which trolly is the best for videographers?

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How much do videographers charge in London?
Paul Bates Paul Bates

How much do videographers charge in London?

Finding the right videographer in London isn’t an easy task but how much should you be looking to pay when you do find the right one. Lets take a deep dive on the recommended videographer rates in London for 2025.

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Videographer tips - The best camera for event filming
Paul Bates Paul Bates

Videographer tips - The best camera for event filming

Event filming is a huge area of work for most of videographers based in London. This is the battle of the cameras to take the spot and be crowned as the number one choice for videographers filming events. So which camera will be my recommendation for a videographer working in London filming event videos.

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