The Creator’s Angle

Big Phil

Welcome to The Creator's Angle, hosted by Big Phil. This is your guide to the world of photography, videography, and drones. Each episode, I dive deep into the gear, techniques, and creative mindset you need to elevate your work. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, join us to find your unique angle and learn how to capture compelling visual stories.

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13 episodes
Updated Dec 22, 2025

Episodes13

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Dec 22, 2025 · 7 min
The Last-Minute Holiday Guide: Gift Ideas & How to Film Cinematic Christmas Memories
It’s December 22nd. Are you panicking about gifts? Or worrying that your family videos will look dark and amateurish? In this final episode of 2025, I’ve got you covered. I share my last-minute "Gift Guide for Creatives," covering everything from the new Sony A7V and A7CR to the best stocking stuffers like ND filters and the DJI Mic Mini. Then, I give you a masterclass in filming cinematic Christmas memories: how to handle low light, why you MUST change your frame rate to stop lights from flickering (50Hz), and how to capture the emotion of the day without missing out on the fun yourself. Merry Christmas to the Creator's Angle community! If you enjoyed the podcast this year, the best gift you can give is to subscribe and leave a rating. See you in 2026! Gear I Discuss in This Episode: Dream Camera (Sony A7IV / A7CR): https://amzn.to/3YbesJ4 & https://amzn.to/4aYAk1N The "Christmas Lens" (Sony 40mm f/2.5 & Sony 50mm f/2.5): https://amzn.to/3YGr0Z4 & https://amzn.to/4qlUIOY Essential Audio (DJI Mic Mini): https://amzn.to/4p5dEQM Stocking Stuffers (ND Filters, Lights): https://amzn.to/3KTTSKh
Dec 19, 2025 · 8 min
The Art of Aerial Filmmaking: 5 Drone Shots Every Creator Must Master
Are you using your drone like a "flying tripod"? Simply hovering and looking around is boring. To create a cinematic video, you need movement. In this masterclass, I share the specific controller settings I use to get silky smooth footage (no jerkiness!) and why ND Filters are non-negotiable for that professional look. I break down the 5 essential shots every pilot needs to know—including The Reveal, The Orbit, and The Reverse Reveal—and how to execute them safely. Whether you fly a Mini 3 Pro or the new Mini 5 Pro, this episode will teach you how to stop flying like a robot and start flying like a cinematographer.If you want to level up your drone skills, please subscribe and leave a rating. On Spotify, answer the poll: Do you fly Manual or Auto? Gear I Discuss in This Episode: The Best Drone for Beginners (DJI Mini 5 Pro): https://amzn.to/3YyWbWbMy Current Drone (DJI Mini 3 Pro): https://amzn.to/4pmeyJb Essential ND Filters: https://amzn.to/49pklYv
Dec 9, 2025 · 7 min
The Ultimate Podcast Studio: Why You Need a "Brain" for Your Audio
Ever bought an expensive microphone, plugged it in, and wondered why you still didn't sound like a pro? The secret isn't the mic; it's the interface. In this episode, I break down my professional home studio setup to show you how to get that deep, rich "radio voice."I explain why the RØDECaster Pro II is the "brain" that powers my audio, why its built-in features save you money on extra gear (like Cloudlifters), and why I chose the Shure SM7dB as my weapon of choice. I also offer a budget-friendly alternative setup for under £600 that delivers 90% of the quality.If you are ready to stop sounding amateur and start sounding broadcast-ready, this is your masterclass.If this episode helps you level up your audio, please subscribe and leave a rating. On Spotify, answer the poll: What mic are you using?Gear I Discuss in This Episode: The Brain (RØDECaster Pro II): https://amzn.to/4ay8YPVThe Mic (Shure SM7dB): https://amzn.to/48Ruaz0Budget Option (RØDECaster Duo): https://amzn.to/4iN38MQBudget Mic (RØDE PodMic): https://amzn.to/48AmRua
Dec 2, 2025 · 8 min
The Vertical Revolution: iPhone 17 Pro vs 16 Pro & DJI Mic Mini
Stop letting "purists" tell you vertical video isn't cinematic. In 2025, if you aren't shooting for vertical platforms, you are invisible. In this episode, I reveal my full mobile filmmaking workflow that gets more views than my cinema camera content. I compare my real-world experience with the iPhone 16 Pro against the new iPhone 17 Pro specs—revealing why you probably don't need to upgrade. I also share the £50 audio tool (DJI Mic Mini) that creates professional sound in windy conditions and the critical settings (like preventing 50Hz flicker) that most beginners miss. If you have a phone and £100, you have everything you need to start a professional channel today. If this episode helps you save money and create better content, please subscribe and leave a rating. On Spotify, answer the poll: Do you shoot vertical video yet? Gear I Discuss in This Episode: The Audio Game Changer (DJI Mic Mini): https://amzn.to/4rlOLmf My Phone (iPhone 16 Pro): https://amzn.to/48p0BDD Essential ND Filters for Mobile: https://amzn.to/4ahSZ8v Recommended App (Blackmagic Camera): https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/blackmagic-camera/id6449580241
Nov 27, 2025 · 11 min
How to Conquer Wind, Traffic, and Echo: A Guide to Perfect On-Location Audio
Have you ever had a perfect video clip completely ruined by the horrible, rumbling sound of wind? In this episode, I teach you how to fight-and win-the battle against on-location audio "monsters." You'll learn why a "dead cat" (wind muff) is the most important £30 accessory you'll ever buy and why an on-camera mic is limiting your creativity. I'll share the professional secret to getting perfect interview audio on a noisy street using wireless mics (like the RØDE Wireless PRO) and tell a story about how this system saved a high-stakes client shoot. Most importantly, I'll give you my "bulletproof" system, including Safety Channels and the revolutionary 32-bit float audio, that guarantees you will never let bad audio ruin your work again. If this episode adds value to your creative life, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a comment or a rating. On Spotify, take part in the episode poll and tell me what your biggest audio enemy is! Gear I Discuss in This Episode: The Pro Wireless System (RØDE Wireless PRO): https://amzn.to/4rhoUfl The Pro On-Camera Mic (RØDE VideoMic NTG): https://amzn.to/4pxoBvp My Sony On-Camera Mic: https://amzn.to/3JS9iOL DJI Mic 3: https://amzn.to/3LX03NW The "Dead Cat" / Wind Muff: https://amzn.to/49CFNuI
Nov 5, 2025 · 11 min
Audio is 80% of Your Video: A Guide to Perfect Home Studio Sound
Is bad audio ruining your great videos? We've all clicked off a beautiful video because it sounded thin, echoey, or had a loud hiss. The truth is, audio is more than half the battle.In this masterclass, I provide a comprehensive guide to optimising your home studio sound. You'll learn the £0 trick using household items to kill echo instantly, a simple breakdown of the 4 types of microphones (and which one is right for you), and the "Golden Rule" of mic placement that pros use. I also reveal the single biggest mistake that permanently destroys your recordings (clipping) and how to avoid it forever using modern tools like "Safety Channels."Stop letting bad audio undermine your work. This episode is your first step to sounding like a pro.If this episode adds value to your creative life, please subscribe to the podcast and leave a comment or a rating. On Spotify, take part in the episode poll and ask your audio questions! Your feedback and questions build our community.Gear I Discuss in This Episode: My First Wireless Mic (RODE Wireless Go II): https://amzn.to/3JD4nAZ My New Wireless Mic (RODE Wireless Pro): https://amzn.to/3WwFPfXMy New Wireless Mobile Mic (DJI Mic Mini): https://amzn.to/47RVTPzAmazing Sony microphone: https://amzn.to/4qGaZPBMy Studio Mic (Shure SM7dB): https://amzn.to/3WwOAXkMy Audio Interface (RØDECaster Pro II): https://amzn.to/4qFMqSU
Oct 15, 2025 · 9 min
The 4-Step Workflow That Will Transform Your Photos in Lightroom
Do your photos look flat and lifeless on the computer? The solution isn't a new camera; it's a better workflow. In this episode, I give you my personal 4-step roadmap to transform your good photos into great ones using Adobe Lightroom. I'll show you how to organise your files to avoid chaos, how to quickly cull hundreds of photos to find the gems, and the exact creative editing process I use to make my images pop. This isn't just a list of features; it's a repeatable system designed to give you confidence and unlock your creative potential. If you're ready to finally make your photos look the way you've always imagined, this episode is your guide. If this episode adds value to your creative life, please subscribe to the podcast. I'd also love it if you could leave a comment or a rating, and on Spotify, take part in the episode poll. Your feedback helps this community grow!
Oct 1, 2025 · 12 min
DJI Mini 5 Pro Review: Is This The ONLY Drone You Need?
The DJI Mini 5 Pro is here, and it's a genuine game-changer. In this feature-packed deep dive, I analyse every crucial detail of this new drone to answer the ultimate question: Is it worth the upgrade?I break down the revolutionary 1-inch camera sensor, the new LiDAR-assisted 360° obstacle avoidance, and the upgraded O4 transmission system. This episode serves as a definitive guide, comparing the Mini 5 Pro head-to-head with the beloved Mini 3 Pro and Mini 4 Pro. I cover the weight controversy, the new video features, and give my honest verdict on who this drone is really for.If you're a drone pilot trying to decide whether to upgrade or a newcomer looking for the best, this episode is for you.If you found this guide helpful, please subscribe to the podcast. It would also be a massive help if you could leave a comment or a rating, and on Spotify, take part in the episode poll. Your feedback helps this community grow!Gear I Discuss in This Episode:The New King (DJI Mini 5 Pro): https://amzn.to/46q8RDHThe Predecessor (DJI Mini 4 Pro): https://amzn.to/4h4gLq9The Legend (DJI Mini 3 Pro): https://amzn.to/4gTdficThe Controller (DJI RC 2): https://amzn.to/42agLi4
Sep 24, 2025 · 11 min
DJI RS3 Pro - Smooth Operator: A Beginner's Masterclass to Gimbals - #E4
Ever wonder how filmmakers achieve those perfectly smooth, gliding camera shots? The secret is a 3-axis gimbal, and in this episode, I'm demystifying this powerful tool for you. I share my journey from shaky handheld footage to mastering my DJI Ronin RS3 Pro. I provide a clear, step-by-step guide to the intimidating balancing process, break down essential cinematic moves like the "parallax" shot, and reveal my favourite pro features like ActiveTrack. I also cover the biggest mistakes new users make and why practice is more important than the gear itself. If you want to make your videos more cinematic and professional, this in-depth masterclass is for you. If you found this masterclass helpful, please subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode. I'd also love it if you could leave a comment or a rating. Additionally, on Spotify, you can participate in the episode poll. Your feedback helps this community grow! Gear I Discuss in This Episode: DJI Ronin RS4 Pro: https://amzn.to/46eyx66 Serirs Zhiyun: https://amzn.to/424Kgln Essential Side Handle Grip: https://amzn.to/47ZLdPH
Sep 17, 2025 · 13 min
Date the Body, Marry the Lens: My Holy Trinity
They say you "date the camera body, but you marry the lens." In this episode, I explain why I believe this is the most important philosophy for any creator investing in gear. I'm opening my camera bag for a deep dive into the three zoom lenses I've "married"—my personal Holy Trinity. I break down my workhorse (the 24-70mm), my storyteller (the 70-200mm), and my problem-solver (the 12-24mm). I share real-world examples from client shoots and explain exactly why each lens has earned its permanent place in my kit. This isn't just a gear list; we'll talk about lens compression, bokeh, great third-party alternatives, and the biggest mistake to avoid when buying your next lens. If you want to build a lens kit that empowers your creativity, this episode is for you. Please subscribe and follow the podcast so you don't miss out on what's next! Lenses From My Holy Trinity: (Your affiliate links go below) The Workhorse (Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II): https://amzn.to/3VPUuSS The Storyteller (Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM II): https://amzn.to/46bMMHq The Problem-Solver (Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM): https://amzn.to/47Jlo6b Great Third-Party Alternative (Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN Art): https://amzn.to/4ntvQ6e
Sep 3, 2025 · 7 min
Taking Flight: A Beginner's Guide to DJI Drones - E#2
Ever dreamed of seeing the world from a bird's-eye view? In this episode, I share the full story of my journey into the world of drones. I talk about what finally pushed me to buy one, why I chose the DJI Mini 3 Pro, and the unforgettable story of my very first flight over Edinburgh-including the 'wow' moments and the slightly scary beginner mistakes! I also break down the essential skills, the most important safety rules, and the accessories I believe are must-haves for any new pilot. If you're thinking of buying a drone or you're a new pilot yourself, this episode is for you. Please subscribe and follow the podcast so you don't miss what's next! Gear I Discuss in This Episode: My First Sony Camera (Sony A7C): https://amzn.to/3J4uf8m My First Vlogging Lens (Sony 20mm f/1.8): https://amzn.to/45fKNCZ My Partner's Camera (Sony A7III): https://amzn.to/45t6f65 Alternative from Canon (Canon EOS R8): https://amzn.to/45vm7VI Alternative from Nikon (Nikon Z5): https://amzn.to/3UXLbji
Aug 20, 2025 · 7 min
My First 'Serious' Setup: Why I Chose the Sony Alpha System - E#1
Is your smartphone holding you back from creating the images you truly see in your head? In this very first episode of The Creator's Angle, I'm sharing my personal story of making the leap from shooting on a phone to investing in my first 'serious' camera. I break down exactly why I chose the Sony Alpha system over its competitors, the powerful little lens that started it all for me, and the 'wow' moments that completely changed the game for my creative work. If you're on the fence about upgrading your gear, I think my story will give you the clarity you need. If you enjoy the episode, please subscribe and follow the podcast so you don't miss what's coming next! Sony | How To's | How to turn on APS-C/Super 35 Mode for your Sony Camera - https://youtu.be/ypb_YACpc_E?si=-OtIavpvWCf3onLm Gear I Discuss in This Episode: My First Sony Camera (Sony A7C): https://amzn.to/3J4uf8m My First Vlogging Lens (Sony 20mm f/1.8): https://amzn.to/45fKNCZ My Partner's Camera (Sony A7III): https://amzn.to/45t6f65 Alternative from Canon (Canon EOS R8): https://amzn.to/45vm7VI Alternative from Nikon (Nikon Z5): https://amzn.to/3UXLbji
Aug 13, 2025 · 3 min
Welcome to The Creator's Angle - E#0
In this special "Episode Zero," I'm pulling back the curtain to share the heart and soul behind this podcast. Before we dive into the gear and tutorials, I want to talk about the "why." Join me, Big Phil, as I explain the mission behind The Creator's Angle and what it means to find your unique creative voice. This is more than a podcast about photography, videography, and drones; it's an invitation to a community where we can all learn, grow, and get inspired to tell better visual stories. If you're ready to elevate your creative work, hit that subscribe button and let's begin this journey together!