London is one of the most filmed cities in the world – but how do you capture it without looking like a tourist? We sat down with Jamie Porter, a freelance videographer who has shot commercial work across the capital, to get the real story on filming in London. From the South Bank at sunrise to the neon‑lit streets of Soho after dark, Jamie reveals the locations, techniques, and camera settings that make his footage stand out.
🎯 What You'll Learn in This Interview
- Best spots for cinematic shots: Less‑crowded views of Tower Bridge, the Shard, and the London Eye.
- Gear that survives the rain: Why Jamie swears by weather‑sealed bodies and a simple rain cover.
- Permits & etiquette: Where you can film freely and where you need a licence (and how to get one fast).
- Low‑light magic: Jamie's go‑to settings for Tube stations and dusk scenes.
- Editing tricks: How he grades London footage to bring out the city's moody, historic vibe.
🏴 Jamie's Top Filming Locations
"Everyone shoots the standard Big Ben shot," Jamie laughs. "But the real magic is in the side streets and lesser‑known views." He recommends:
- Rooftop of the Tate Modern: Free access, incredible view across the river to St Paul's.
- Leadenhall Market: Historic covered market with beautiful architecture – quiet on weekday mornings.
- Greenwich Park: The hill gives you a panorama of the city skyline, perfect for golden hour timelapses.
- Neon alleys of Soho: After 10pm, the streets come alive with colour – a great test for any camera's low‑light performance.
"If you want to film the Tube, go to the Jubilee Line platforms at Westminster – the stainless‑steel columns and the curve of the platform make for a stunning futuristic shot."
📸 The Kit He Actually Uses
Jamie is a hybrid shooter, but his go‑to holiday video rig is:
- Primary camera: Sony ZV‑E10 II – lightweight, great low light, and in‑body stabilisation.
- Wide lens: Sony 10‑18mm f/4 for cityscapes.
- Compact gimbal: DJI Ronin‑SC for smooth walking shots.
- Audio: DJI Mic 2 for picking up clear dialogue even in noisy streets.
- Backup: An iPhone 16 Pro for quick B‑roll and social clips.
"The Sony ZV‑E10 II is my favourite for travel because it's small enough to carry all day, but the image quality is seriously good – even in London's unpredictable light."
⚡ Quick London Filming Tips
- Check the weather – have a rain cover ready at all times.
- Use a variable ND filter to keep shutter speed correct in bright daylight.
- Shoot in S‑Log or flat profile to grade for the moody London look later.
- Charge your batteries – you'll be out all day, and cold weather drains them faster.
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