Creative Director
Johnny Blades
I'm not just a content creator, I'm a visual architect. I craft high-impact content that builds brands, lifts visibility, and demands attention.
In my time creating high-end photo and video for commercial brands and businesses, I've learned that true expertise cannot be faked. It is earned. The details, the direction, the way visuals connect to the brand story: those things come from years behind the lens, not just a camera in hand. When you bring a visual creator into the business, look for social proof, real testimonials, and a portfolio that speaks with clarity. That is where trust begins.
The story
Passion first, then the camera.
Hey, I'm Johnny Blades. Photographer, videographer, drone pilot, and editor. Not always in that order, but always with precision.
I started in 2015, in a photography class I didn't want to take. The lesson that stuck: creativity thrives when it's led by passion, not curriculum. In mid 2016 I bought my first camera and learned from YouTube tutorials. Before that, around 2011 and 2012, I was already cutting videos in Sony Vegas. I now work full-time as a photographer and videographer, across the UK and internationally. The job is the strategy, not only the camera.
The kit
Sony A7 III and two A7 IVs.
The first camera, a Nikon Coolpix L810, is still in the box. After that came a Nikon D3200, a Nikon D750, and a Canon 5D MkIII in 2018. Today the kit is a Sony A7 III, two Sony A7 IVs, and a drone. Editing sits in the same brief.
Specialisms: commercial photography and video (corporate, branding, product, and business storytelling), portrait photography (headshots, lifestyle, and fitness), and drone photography and videography. Fully licensed and insured.
Commercial
Time Trader
Arron Honzik, founder of the luxury watch retailer, found me through social media. He asked one question: "show me what you can do". I went into Time Trader and did exactly that. He hired me on the spot. We now work together every week.
Commercial
Northern Renewable Centre
Jamie from the Northern Renewable Centre found me through social media, saw the testimonials and the experience, and trusted me with photo, video, drone, and editing for the business.
Personal brand
David Whyman
Dave asked me to become his personal photographer and videographer. In July we drove to the south of France to capture his car and the trip for social posts.
Portraits
Reflect Innovations
Coleen from Reflect Innovations asked me in to photograph headshots for her and the staff. I have since worked with Coleen on more than six projects for her and the business.