Ah, January. The time of year when everything feels a little bit "dry and dead," especially when it comes to shoots. While the rest of the world is hitting the ground running with New Year's resolutions, I find myself in a reflective mood, taking stock of the year that was. January has always been my chance to look back, revamp my portfolio (or, if we're being honest, update the website and pretend it’s a complete overhaul), and generally plot the course for the next 12 months.

2024 marks my ninth year as a full-time video professional. Nine years. I can hardly believe it. Time flies when you're... well, running around with a camera in your hand. The year played out a bit differently than expected, as the first five or six months were dominated by wedding planning, the wedding itself, and, of course, the honeymoon. I don’t really know where the rest of the year went, to be honest. There was a brief stint of wanderlust, with trips to Japan and Korea—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity I’m still trying to wrap my head around. But in between all that, I managed to serve my clients and squeeze in a few fun projects.

Due to the nature of my work, many of my favourite projects are covered by confidentiality agreements, so I can’t share too many specifics. That said, there are a few moments that stand out to me, even if I have to keep things vague.

One involved a city-based project where everything aligned perfectly for a single shot I’m particularly proud of. It’s rare to capture something that feels truly exceptional, but this moment was one of those rare exceptions. Unfortunately, I can’t share it, but it’s a frame that will stay with me.

Another memorable experience featured a lively shoot with a dynamic team, and plenty of unexpected moments. The energy on set made the long day fly by, and I even ended up being part of the final product—a fun surprise!

I also worked on a commercial that involved kids as actors. While I’ve filmed in schools a lot before, this was on a whole different level. Despite the chaos, the footage turned out beautifully, and I’m really proud of the final results. Props to the director and production company (RAW pictures) for their patience with the kids.

As for 2025? Well, my goals are modest, yet realistic. For starters, I’m aiming to post at least once on Instagram. (Yes, I know I’ve been terrible at it). But really, my main goal is to be more consistent with social media and client communication. I’ve got a behind-the-scenes video from my time filming in Italy that might make it onto YouTube, but don’t hold your breath. The joys of travel days and whatnot. We’ll see.

Looking ahead, I’m also planning to upgrade my transport logistics. I think it’s finally time to get a van for the business. My car is barely cutting it these days, so I’ll be on the hunt for something that can actually hold all my gear. And speaking of gear, I’ve acquired so much over the years that I’m considering a kit overhaul. There’s a lot I don’t use anymore, so I’ll be streamlining things and leaning more on rental houses for the non-essentials. As part of this, I’ll be doing what I like to call “The Great British Sell-Off.” If you're in the market for some second-hand kit, watch this space.

Now, let's talk lessons. First up, work continues whether or not you’re actively marketing. Wedding planning (and the occasional wanderlust trip) took up a lot of my headspace, but surprisingly, I still gained new clients and worked with old ones. It’s nice to know that the hustle doesn’t have to be 24/7 to be effective.

Second, variety is key for me. While I can appreciate the artistry of an entire month of filming interviews, I need diversity in my shoots. From medical interviews to filming a Phil Collins tribute act, variety truly is the spice of life.

And third, a lesson I’m stealing from last year: never take anything for granted. After my FX9 camera was stolen in London, I thought I might throw in the towel. But thanks to my insurance and an outpouring of support from the industry—colleagues, production companies, and friends—I’ve learned to appreciate the good, generous people in this industry. Sometimes, the worst moments bring the best people into your life.

So, what’s in store for 2025? Well, we’ve recently added a puppy to the family. Her name is Poppy, and she’s a little angel/terror (depends how much she’s napped), but we’re both so happy with her. That said, I’ll still be taking on shoots, but I’ll be a little more selective in the coming months or so. After all, puppy cuddles are a priority, aren’t they?

All in all, I’m feeling optimistic for 2025. With plans to streamline my kit, maybe upgrade the business logistics, and continue to focus on what I love, I’m excited for what the next 12 months hold. So, if you’re interested in any of the kit I’m selling or just want to chat about the joys of puppy-parenting, feel free to drop me a message. Here's to another year of video-making, kit-purging, and, yes, the occasional cuddle with Poppy.

A Look Back at 2024: The Year That Was (And the Year to Come)