Jonny Noakes Videography - Photography Services Manchester

Tel- 07852252034
Email- contactjonnyn@gmail.com

Manchester Videography & Photography

Hey, I'm Jonny!

I'm based in Chester but work all over the UK, capturing stories through photography and videography. With 14 years in the industry, I've been lucky enough to call this my full-time career — although if you ask Jess, my golden retriever, she'd say my real job is being her personal dog walker!

I'm often working just down the road in Manchester too — it's one of my favourite cities to shoot in, whether it's vibrant street photography, stylish commercial shoots, or creative brand videos.

I've always been drawn to anything creative. Over the years, I've filmed music videos, shot brand campaigns, captured live events, and even created Christmas ads that ended up on Sky TV. No two days have ever been the same — and I wouldn't have it any other way.

One of my most memorable projects was working on the behind-the-scenes team for Salvable, a short film starring Shia LaBeouf. I've also been lucky enough to direct and shoot work with the brilliant Maimuna Enya Memon and Nina Wadia. No two days have ever been the same — and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Manchester Through My Lens

OK so I'm going to be honest here — Manchester isn't always the sunniest place (understatement of the century?), but there's something about those moody skies and the way light bounces off the mix of modern glass and old red brick that makes it magic for filming.

Last week I was shooting near Ancoats, and the weather went from pouring rain to gorgeous sunshine in about 15 minutes — typical Manchester! But you know what? Those rain-slicked streets looked absolutely stunning on camera. Sometimes the "bad" weather gives you the most interesting shots.

I remember my first big Manchester project back in 2012 — I was so nervous I actually put my shoes on the wrong feet that morning! Didn't notice until lunchtime... But the client loved the work and I've been coming back ever since. Still double-check my shoes though.

How I Work (The Not-So-Boring Bits)

I could write a really formal "my process" section here, but let's be real instead:

First off, we'll need to chat. Could be over coffee (I'm a flat white guy, for the record), or a pint, or Zoom if you're too busy for either. This isn't just me ticking boxes — I genuinely need to understand what makes you and your business tick, otherwise the video is just going to be generic rubbish.

Then comes film day. I'll turn up slightly too early (habit from my dad), probably wearing black (not trying to be artsy, it just hides coffee spills), with more equipment than you'd think one person could carry. I've been told I have a weirdly calming presence on shoot days — probably because I've seen enough go wrong over the years that very little phases me anymore!

The editing part is where I disappear into my home office and my family knows not to disturb me except for tea refills. I get a bit obsessive over getting things just right — sometimes spending way too long finding the perfect music track or tweaking a transition. My partner says I get "edit brain" where I forget to do basic human things like eat meals at normal times.

Manchester Stories Worth Telling

Every business in Manchester has something that makes it special. Finding that spark and translating it to film — that's the fun part for me.

There was this accountancy firm I worked with last year (stay with me, I promise this isn't boring!) who thought they were "too dull" for video. Turns out their team had this amazing rapport and genuine passion for helping small businesses thrive. We created this series of quick tips videos that showed off their personalities, and they've since brought on 11 new clients who mentioned the videos specifically.

I've filmed in some pretty unusual Manchester spots too. The back office of that famous record shop in the Northern Quarter (I was fanboying a bit, not gonna lie). The rooftop of a building in Spinningfields at 5am to catch the sunrise (worth the early alarm, even though I'm definitely NOT a morning person). That tiny ramen place down an alleyway that makes the best noodles I've ever had (insisted on paying me partly in food, which was absolutely fine by me).

Why Video Should Be More Than Just a Fancy Extra

Here's the thing about video in 2025 — it's not just a nice-to-have anymore. If you're running a business in Manchester and NOT using video, you're probably missing out. Sorry to be blunt, but it's true!

My clients use their videos for all sorts:

• Website homepage (keeps people on the site longer — one client saw their bounce rate drop by 40%!)

• Social media (obviously)

• Pitching to potential clients (so much better than another boring PowerPoint)

• Training new staff (more engaging than a manual nobody reads)

• Explaining complicated stuff simply (one tech client said their support calls dropped by a third after we made their how-to videos)

I'm not saying this because I want your business (though I do!), but because I've literally seen the difference it makes. It's a bit like when my mate finally got prescription glasses after years of squinting — "Why didn't I do this sooner?!"

Camera Geekery (Feel Free to Skip This Bit)

If you've zero interest in the technical stuff, just scroll on by! But if you're curious...

My main cameras are the Canon C300 Mark III and C70. They're absolute beasts for video work. Not the kind of thing you'd take on holiday, mind — more like the serious cinema cameras that give footage that lovely filmic quality.

Got a decent collection of lenses too, which my bank manager probably wishes I didn't keep adding to. My favorite is probably my 24mm prime — perfect for those environmental portraits that show people in their natural habitat.

I'm also slightly obsessed with good audio (nothing ruins a video faster than bad sound). I've got this Sennheiser shotgun mic that cost more than my first car, but it's worth every penny.

All this tech talk probably sounds like showing off, but it's really just me being a massive nerd about the tools of my trade. The most important bit isn't the gear anyway — it's having the eye to spot those moments worth capturing.

What People Say (The Bit That Makes Me Blush a Bit)

I've somehow racked up 52 five-star Google reviews over the years, which still feels a bit surreal. Here's what some Manchester folks have said:

"Jonny managed to make our corporate event look way cooler than it actually was. Don't know how he did it, but we all look like we know what we're talking about!" – Dave at a tech firm whose name I probably shouldn't drop

"Hired Jonny because our last videographer made us look like a hostage video. Such a difference! Footage actually looks professional and he didn't make us do those awkward poses." – Sarah, boutique owner in NQ

"The guy's a legend. Filmed our entire three-day conference and somehow stayed cheerful even when the schedule went to pot." – Events manager who gave me unlimited coffee access (probably why I was so cheerful)

Reviews are nice and all, but what really gets me is when a client sends a message months later saying the video is still working hard for them. That's the good stuff.

Let's Make Something in Manchester!

If you've read this far, we probably should work together! Whether you need a quick social media video or a bigger project, I'd love to chat about bringing your Manchester business to life on screen.

I'm in Manchester at least once a week anyway, so meeting up is easy. Give me a call on 07852252034 or email contactjonnyn@gmail.com. If I don't answer right away, I'm probably either filming, editing, or throwing a ball for Jess for the 500th time that day.

Questions People Actually Ask Me

"How much is this going to cost me, Jonny?" Depends on what we're making! I work with all sorts of budgets. Some projects are a few hundred quid, others are a few thousand. Let's chat about what you need and I'll be straight with you about costs.

"I hate being on camera. Can you make me not look awkward?" Welcome to the club! About 90% of people say this to me. Here's my secret: I'll keep you so busy talking about your business that you'll forget the camera's even there. Works every time.

"How long will it take to get our video?" Most projects are ready within 4-6 weeks. If you're in a rush, just let me know and I'll see what I can do. I've turned things around in a few days before when a client was in a bind (though I did need a LOT of coffee).

"What if we don't like something in the video?" Then we'll change it! I include two rounds of revisions as standard. My goal is for you to be properly chuffed with the final result.

"Do you do the Instagram Reels and TikTok stuff?" Absolutely! Short-form video is massive right now. I can help with everything from concept to filming to editing. And yes, I'll make sure it's the right format and everything.

Thanks for reading my ramblings! Hope to hear from you soon about creating some proper good video content for your Manchester business.