Nico Hambleton filming outside Buckingham Palace at the King's Coronation

ABOUT

I'm an award-winning Director of Photography based in Berkshire, shooting documentaries, interviews, drama reconstruction and branded films across the UK and around the world.

Over the last ten years I've shot for Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Disney+, Sky, Channel 4, ITV and Channel 5. I have a long-standing relationship with ITN, where I've made over fifty productions, mostly documentaries, from true crime to the royals. Brand clients include Rolls Royce, McLaren, Nissan, Greenpeace and Spotify.

Several directors and producers now book me as their go-to DOP. Days with me are focused and hard-working, but always good-humoured, and contributors quickly feel at ease.

What keeps those days running smoothly is a system I've built. My kit wheels from the van to set on trolleys or flies out on a full carnet, and my lighting is designed for speed, so more time goes into the picture. It scales from a lean documentary shoot to a full cinematic brand film. Sound was what I originally wanted to work in, and I've carried that with me in a sound kit I trust completely.

I love this job. It takes me into people's lives and into places few ever get to see, from the top of Big Ben to halfway up a 100-metre rock face in Colombia. Every shoot teaches me something new, and many of my working relationships have become real friendships.

I was born in Spain, grew up in the UK and France, and spent time in Australia, so I'm at home wherever the job takes me. I speak fluent French and conversational Spanish. Away from set, you'll find me climbing, skiing or kitesurfing, out in the garden, or in the kitchen cooking and making bread.

TRAVEL & QUALIFICATIONS

IRATA Level 1 rope access
British and Spanish passports
Fluent French, conversational Spanish
Yellow fever, hep A/B, typhoid, rabies
GVC and EU A1/A2/A3 drone
UK and EU right to work
RYA Powerboat 1 & 2
Full clean UK car and motorbike licence
Full carnet
iVisa and Global Entry for the US
Avalanche trained
Netflix-approved cameras

KIT

CAMERAS

Canon C500 MK II: Netflix approved
Canon C70: Netflix approved

LENSES

Canon EF 24 / 35 / 50 / 85mm L primes
EF 16-35, 24-70, 70-300mm L zooms
100mm f/2.8 macro

LIGHTING

Aputure LS 600x Pro, Storm 400x
LS 60x ×2, MX Pro, B7C ×2
Amaran 300c, 200x S, T4c ×2
Full gel kit, flags, modifiers

SOUND

DPA 2017 microphones
Deity Theos wireless, 2× TX/RX
Deity timecode ×3, boom pole

SUPPORT

Sachtler Flowtech 100
EasyRig Vario 5, Serene Arm
DJI RS3 Pro gimbal
Syrp Magic Carpet Pro slider

TRANSPORT

Adicam studio trolley
Peli hard cases
Van: full kit mobile

FREQUENTLY ASKED

What camera do you use and why?

My main camera is the full-frame 6K Canon C500 Mark II, chosen for its exceptional image quality and natural skin tones. While many opt for Sony systems, I prioritised the cinematic look and high end feel this camera delivers. My setup is built for speed: I can switch between tripod, slider, handheld, and Easyrig in seconds.

I’m also experienced with ARRI, RED, Sony, Panasonic, and other systems if needed.

Are you a qualified drone operator?

Yes. I hold both GVC (UK) and EU A1/A2/A3 drone qualifications, allowing me to legally operate in more restricted airspace and closer to subjects. I’m covered by £10M public liability insurance and can provide full risk assessments. I own a DJI Mini Pro 4 but also have a range of other drones easily available and will always choose the best fit for the job.

Do you operate gimbals and sliders?

Absolutely. My go-to gimbal setup is a Canon C70 on a DJI RS3 Pro, fully tested and balanced, even with a matte box and filter, and swappable from tripod to gimbal in under a minute. I also use a lightweight slider that’s just as quick to deploy.

What is IRATA Level 1 and rope access?

IRATA Level 1 is a certified rope access qualification: essentially, safe working at height using ropes and specialist equipment. It lets me capture shots from extreme angles and high places where even drones can’t go. Ideal for adventure, industrial, or unique perspectives.

Can you travel?

Yes, and I love to! I have a US iVisa, EU ID, and full CARNET documentation. My kit is packed in Peli cases, with airline-safe batteries and trollies ready for smooth international transport. I speak fluent French and conversational Spanish, and I’m vaccinated for Yellow Fever, Hep A/B, Tetanus, Typhoid, Rabies, and Covid-19. Adaptability is second nature. I’ve been travelling my whole life.

What lighting do you use?

I use the Aputure Lighting Ecosystem, a mix of COBs, tubes, and flexible mats, all with softboxes and grip tools for fast and flattering results. The Aputure 600x is my go-to for recreating sunlight or creating powerful directional light. I’m fast and fussy with lighting: I like it to look great and be set up quickly.

Do you provide sound?

Yes. I run high-quality audio gear, including the DPA 2017 shotgun mic and Deity Theos wireless system with RF scanning and internal backup recording. I carry a full kit of URSA straps, Bubblebee accessories, and more.

That said, for complex shoots I always recommend hiring a dedicated sound recordist. I can connect you with trusted pros.

Do you have transport?

Yes. My van (“Max”) is kitted for production and includes three trollies. I also have a foldable fourth that fits perfectly in a black cab, making London shoots a breeze. I hold a clean driving licence, a motorbike licence, and even a speedboat licence.

I need crew, can you help?

Definitely. I’m proud to be part of the Sab Network and Fusion Film & TV, both trusted sources of excellent crew. I can help you find additional camera ops, assistants, sound recordists, DITs, and more.

Can you send footage over the internet?

Yes. I have blazing-fast internet at my office and can upload over 500GB of footage in under 3 hours. Ideal for same-day rushes or remote productions.