Freelancer Spotlight: Luke Harmer – Cinematographer / Video Production
Next up in our ‘Freelancer Spotlight’ series is Luke Harmer, a Cinematographer and Video Producer who was also the winner of our Summer 2024 Competition.
Our Freelancer Spotlight series is designed to help promote the great work that creative freelancers do and provide a platform for them to share their insights and experiences in the sector.
If you would like to feature in our ‘Freelancer Spotlight’ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
What inspired you to become self-employed?
"I wanted to pursue my true potential. After years of working in-house at brands and various agencies, I finally decided to leap. I marinated the idea for years, working across multiple disciplines and sectors and from between the good guys, and not so good. It was about time I had faith in my ability, my skillset, knowledge and believed in myself.
"And let's be honest, if you solely focus on the pros of being freelance, they outweigh working for someone else if you're at that point in your career."
Who would be your ‘dream client’, and why?
"Oh, dream client... Obviously the big boy brands, Nike, Adidas, Red Bull Media House, automotive brands etc.. The ones who see the value in applying craft in the best way possible, but in reality it can be much closer to home.
"You'll be surprised how any client can become the dream client when they instil trust, vision and see your passion in what you do."
What advice would you give to others who wanted to become self-employed?
"I'm by no means an expert, very few are. Which I guess is advice. Never be afraid to ask for advice, lean into people's knowledge, and be a sponge. Being open to learning, asking for help when it is needed and putting yourself "out there".
"And then something boring like document and systemise. Starting this way is much easier than retrospectively. If everything goes well your growth may be quicker than you think."
What part of your work do you feel most proud of?
"All of it!
"Like many creatives, we do it because our hearts and souls are in it. We'll often go that extra mile and do that bit more if needed. I try my best to apply my pride in what I do to 99% of my work.
"I'm also proud of striving to achieve results that people would expect from bigger budgets and bigger teamed projects."
What do you enjoy most about being self-employed?
"Time. Time to be with my son, my wife, and my dog. Time to choose the hours I work, which can be a lot granted but I can manage that far more than being shackled to a clock on someone else's say so.
"Oh, and being your own boss of course!"
What has been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a freelancer, and how did you overcome it?
"$£$£$£$£- the monies and generating clients. They both go hand in hand obviously and juggling them both can be tricky.
"I’m not sure I've overcome it just yet but adapting to this whole "various" payment terms clients use is one of those things. Factor this into how you live your life.. Again, all much easier said than done I know but being aware of this moving forward will help."
What tools or resources are absolutely essential for you to do your work?
"Pretty much everything Adobe. Then into the pricey stuff, cameras, lenses, lighting, grip, computer, monitor... All the fun techy stuff that has an annoying habit of being hard-hitting on the wallet."
How do you keep up with industry trends and continue learning and improving your skills?
"I use a little-known resource called the internet and social media. I swear one day it'll be big. But seriously I love learning. Different techniques, styles, and ideas, they really can come from anywhere. I follow a lot of different artists, and creators which are always a great source but in general, being aware of the world has a funny way of throwing up new ideas when you least expect it.
"Trends come and go so trying to not get to caught up on these and focus on fundamentals will certainly help in the future."
Where can people find out more about you and your work?
"You can find me in all the usual places. My website, Linkedin, Vimeo, Instagram, although Insta is basically just pictures of my dog and trips with the fam with the occasional "Look, I made something cool":
If you would like to feature in our ‘Freelancer Spotlight’ series, click the button below to answer our 'Spotlight' questions.
Written by
Luke Glassford
Marketing Director
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