Jonny Noakes Videography - Services In Liverpool

Tel- 07852252034
Email- contactjonnyn@gmail.com

Liverpool Videography & Photography

Hey I'm Jonny!

Liverpool isn't just where I work - it's my home and where I get my creative spark. There's something special about this city that connects with me as a filmmaker - maybe it's the mix of sea history, rich culture, and that unique Liverpool spirit that makes every project here feel different.

I've been telling stories through my camera for over 14 years - though if you ask Jess (my golden retriever and unofficial studio manager), my main job is throwing tennis balls at the park! Throughout my career, I've worked on all sorts of projects, from making Christmas ads for Sky TV to joining the behind-the-scenes team for Salvable, a short film with Shia LaBeouf. These different experiences shape how I approach every project, no matter how big or small.

As a Liverpool-based videographer and photographer, I bring both local knowledge and wider experience to my work, whether I'm capturing the city's famous landmarks or telling personal stories of the people who make this place so special.

What Makes This Place Special Through My Lens

Liverpool isn't just another spot in my portfolio - it's a place where film magic seems to happen naturally. The first time I filmed at the Royal Albert Dock, I got there before sunrise and watched in wonder as the morning light slowly lit up those famous red brick buildings and reflected on the water. That shoot taught me that Liverpool rewards those who wait and watch.

During a tough corporate shoot at St. George's Hall, we had unexpected problems that left us with just 45 minutes to capture what was planned as a half-day session. Instead of freaking out, we made the most of it. The footage we got had an energy and realness that wouldn't have come from our original, more careful plan. The client later told me it was exactly that unplanned rush that made their brand feel so dynamic and responsive.

The Beatles Story gave me another unique filming experience. I was capturing content for a tourism client and found myself almost alone in the exhibition during a rare quiet time. The respect I felt in that space, combined with its cultural importance, created footage that felt personal yet historically meaningful - something you can only get in a city where global culture icons stand alongside everyday life.

The City's Visual Magic

What makes Liverpool so special for filmmaking is its amazing range. In a single day, I can capture footage of world-class architecture at Liverpool Cathedral, urban creativity in the Baltic Triangle's street art, sea history at the Pier Head, and the clear sporting passion at Anfield.

I remember filming a day in the life of a local business owner. We started with sunrise at the Pier Head (where a curious seal popped up to photobomb us!), moved to a business meeting in the modern spaces of Liverpool ONE, captured lunch at the busy Baltic Market, and ended with evening reflections at Princes Dock. The journey told a story that was purely Liverpool - diverse, energetic, and full of character.

What Makes This Place Special Through My Lens

What makes Liverpool so distinctive for filmmaking is its remarkable visual range. Within a single day, I can capture footage of world-class architecture at Liverpool Cathedral, urban creativity in the Baltic Triangle's street art, maritime history at the Pier Head, and the unmistakable sporting passion at Anfield.

I remember filming a sequence that followed a day in the life of a local entrepreneur. We began with sunrise at the Pier Head (where a curious seal popped up to photobomb us!), moved to a business meeting in the contemporary spaces of Liverpool ONE, captured lunch at the vibrant Baltic Market, and ended with evening reflections at Princes Dock. The resulting visual journey told a story that was uniquely Liverpool - diverse, dynamic, and full of character.

How I Really Work (No Fancy Talk)

When you get in touch, the first thing we'll do is have a real conversation. This might be over coffee at one of Liverpool's great independent cafés (I love Bold Street Coffee's cortado), or a chat in your space to get a feel for where we'll be working. I'm truly interested in what drives your business and what story you're looking to tell - the better I understand this, the more authentic the final result will be.

Before filming, I often spend time just wandering your location, looking for those unexpected angles and natural light patterns that make spaces come alive on camera. My clients sometimes laugh finding me staring at seemingly random corners or watching how light moves across a room - but it's this prep work that leads to those "how did you see that?" moments in the final edit.

On shoot days, I've developed what one client called a "calm in the chaos" approach. Years of experience have taught me that something always changes from the plan - whether it's weather, timing, or unexpected chances - and embracing these moments often leads to the most compelling content.

When it comes to editing, I turn into a slightly different person. My family knows this is when snacks will be quietly accepted but conversations might get delayed responses. There's something about the rhythm of cutting footage that puts me in a zone where hours fly by like minutes. It's during these deep editing sessions that the story really comes together - finding that perfect music that enhances an emotional moment, or discovering a transition that smoothly connects two seemingly unrelated scenes.

Professional Filming Tips from 14 Years Behind the Camera

Working across Liverpool's diverse locations has taught me some valuable lessons that I love sharing with fellow filmmakers and clients who want to understand the craft better.

Camera Choice for Liverpool's Conditions After years of filming in this city's unpredictable weather, I've learned that Canon's DGO sensor technology in my C300 Mark III and C70 cameras is perfect for Liverpool's challenging lighting conditions. The sensor captures both highlights and shadows simultaneously - essential when you're dealing with Liverpool's dramatic skies or shooting inside those beautiful Victorian buildings with their extreme light contrasts. When filming at places like Liverpool Cathedral, this dynamic range lets me capture the stunning stained glass detail while keeping the darker architectural elements properly exposed.

Lens Selection for Different Liverpool Scenarios Each location in Liverpool demands different glass. For intimate interviews in cozy Cavern Quarter venues, my vintage Canon FD 55mm f/1.4 creates that warm, authentic feel that modern autofocus lenses often miss. When covering events at the ACC or filming wide establishing shots of the Three Graces, I reach for my Canon 100mm EF IS - the image stabilization is crucial when you're handheld filming Liverpool's waterfront winds! For dynamic content that needs energy (perfect for Baltic Triangle projects), my DZO Pictor 20-55mm zoom allows those dramatic "crash zooms" that give footage real punch.

Audio Solutions for Liverpool's Urban Environment Liverpool's bustling atmosphere means audio requires careful planning. My go-to setup is the Sennheiser MKE 600 shotgun mic on an extendable boom - positioned just right to capture rich, natural tones while avoiding those harsh "p" sounds that can ruin dialogue. For busy locations like Liverpool ONE or during live events at venues across the city, wireless lavalier systems become essential, allowing talent to move freely while maintaining broadcast-quality audio even in challenging acoustic environments.

Color Grading for Liverpool's Unique Light I always shoot in Canon's C-LOG 2 profile, which gives me maximum flexibility when grading Liverpool's ever-changing light conditions. Whether I'm capturing the golden hour reflections off the Mersey or the moody industrial atmosphere of the Baltic Triangle, shooting in log format means I can push and pull the image in DaVinci Resolve to really make Liverpool's character shine through. I typically expose at 50-60 IRE using false color monitoring - basically as bright as possible before clipping - which gives me those rich files full of usable information.

Stabilization Techniques for Liverpool's Varied Terrain My preferred approach is handheld filming - it gives that organic, authentic feel that works perfectly with Liverpool's energetic character. But achieving smooth footage on Liverpool's cobbled streets and waterfront areas requires technique. An EasyRig system takes the weight off during long shooting days around the Albert Dock, while heavier camera rigs naturally dampen those unwanted micro-shakes. For specific shots like smooth interior dollies through Liverpool's stunning buildings or establishing movements around the Pier Head, my DJI Ronin 4D Pro delivers that cinematic quality clients expect.

These technical choices aren't just about having the latest gear - they're about understanding how to capture Liverpool's unique spirit in every frame, whether that's the intimate warmth of a local business story or the grand scale of this city's architectural heritage.

My Favorite Filming Spots

Over my years of filming in Liverpool, I've found some locations that reliably deliver visual magic:

The Pier Head and Three Graces offer that classic Liverpool waterfront view. I've found the best time to film here is just after rain when the wet ground creates mirror-like reflections of these architectural icons. Pro tip - bring lens cloths as the river breeze often carries a fine mist!

Liverpool Cathedral isn't just impressive for its size - it's the quality of light that makes it exceptional for filming. The way sunlight filters through the stained glass creates natural spotlighting that you just can't fake. I once captured a business leader's profile against this backdrop of colored light, creating an almost renaissance-like portrait that became their signature brand image.

The Baltic Triangle has grown into a filmmaker's playground of textures and colors. Beyond the well-known street art, I've found that the mix of renovated industrial spaces and modern additions creates fascinating depth on camera. This area constantly reinvents itself, making each visit a new visual experience.

Sefton Park provides that necessary natural contrast to urban filming. The Victorian Palm House specifically offers a controlled natural environment that's perfect for those days when Liverpool's weather decides not to play nice! The quality of light through its glass structure creates a naturally soft effect that's flattering for interview subjects.

Anfield Stadium carries an emotional weight that goes beyond sport. I've filmed here on non-match days and been struck by how the space still buzzes with echoes of celebrated moments. For brands looking to connect with that sense of community passion and loyalty, this location carries unmatched authentic energy.

What My Clients Say

The proof of any creative work is in its impact. Here's what some Liverpool clients have shared:

"The restaurant promo video Jonny created captured exactly what makes our food and atmosphere special. He found details and moments I wouldn't have thought to highlight, but that perfectly represent our style." — Sarah R., Restaurant Owner

"Our corporate event at the ACC looked absolutely world-class through Jonny's lens. He managed to be everywhere yet nowhere, capturing key moments without ever disrupting the flow of the event." — Ian F., Service Manager

"The documentary approach Jonny took with our project revealed aspects of our story we hadn't fully appreciated ourselves. His eye for authentic moments elevated the entire narrative." — Robert F., Partner

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical project take?

Usually 2-4 weeks from chat to delivery. Rush jobs possible when needed!

Tips for being on camera?

Wear comfy solid colors, be yourself. We'll chat key points beforehand, but natural beats scripted every time.

Solo shooter or team?

Both! Solo for most jobs (less intrusive, more natural results). Team for bigger productions.

Rain plans?

Always have backups! Sometimes we go indoors, sometimes we embrace Liverpool weather - rainy Albert Dock shots are some of my favorites.

How much editing input do I get?

As much as you want! I'll share drafts, get your feedback, and make sure the final result truly feels like yours.

Opening Hours:

Open daily from 9:30am to 6:30pm

Let's Chat About Your Project

Whether you're looking to showcase your Liverpool business, document a special event, or create content that captures this city's unique character, I'd love to chat about how we can bring your vision to life.

You can reach me on 07852 252034 or through my website. I typically respond within 24 hours, unless I'm balancing on something precarious trying to capture that perfect Liverpool skyline shot!

From the Desk of Jonny Noakes

Penned by yours truly—Jonny Noakes, visual storyteller with fourteen years behind the lens. My portfolio includes collaborations with Chester Zoo and broadcast work for Sky Television. I've had the distinct pleasure of capturing footage with Rio Ferdinand at Old Trafford, and hold professional certification from the DMI Group. Thank you for taking the time to explore my creative journey through Liverpool and beyond.

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