The Photography Show 2014- A New Revolution?
Focus on Imaging the photography trade show made it’s last appearance at the NEC last March after running for 24 years. In a statement released prior to the last show Focus on Imaging organiser Mary Walker said “I am certain that the time is right for the industry to perhaps find fresh opportunities and bring new ideas to photographers – maybe we’re due a new revolution of some kind?”
1st-4th March saw Birmingham’s NEC welcoming the brand new ‘The Photography Show’ launched by Future Media Group. Supported by the likes of the British Institute of Professional Photographers Association and the Royal Photographic Society The Photography Show promised to be a pioneering event for the UK photographer community, however was it the revolution it needed?
With major camera manufacturers such a Canon, Nikon and Olympus in attendance, the show represented a prime opportunity for both budding and professional photographers to get their hands on new equipment including the new OM-D E-M10 a lightweight and compact camera from Olympus.
Future Publishing- The Photography Show
Teaming up with Magnum Photos photography agency to host the ‘30 under 30’ photography competition, The Photography Show gave 30 winners, aged between 18 and 30 the chance to both participate in a portfolio review, as well as exhibit their winning documentary photographs at the show.
As well as showcasing brand new technology, The Photography Show also gave attendees the opportunity to sit in on talks and workshops by leading photographers and industry experts. One of the most popular stands at the show Hasselblad and broncolor had professional photographer Karl Taylor doing live tutorials including in lighting techniques, and advice for working as a commercial photographer. Amongst special guests on the super stage were fashion photographer Rankin, internationally acclaimed National Geographic contributor Joe McNally, and photojournalist Steve McCurry.
Future Publishing- The Photography Show
Semi-professional photographer Ryan said “This year’s show was excellent! With all the major companies bringing their latest cameras, phones, tablets and other tech, the show had a wide variety of new toys to have a play with. Samsung showed off their new series of tablets including the 12.2inch Galaxy NotePRO, one of the largest and most powerful tablet we’ve seen, which I am particularly interested in for tethered shooting. Nikon and Canon showed off their new camera body’s including Canon’s new entry level 1200D body. The only thing I would say is the show was extremely busy so top brand stalls were hard to reach, it will be interesting to see how the organisers seek to minimise this for the next show. However I will definitely be looking to attend next year, it was a great opportunity to preview new products and learn new skills.”
Posting on Twitter, The Photography Show has confirmed they will be returning to the NEC March 21st-24th 2015 in an even bigger hall!
Visit their site here to catch up on the news from the weekend and be ahead of the game for next years show.
Did you attend The Photography Show this year? We’d love to know your thoughts on the event and how it compared to it’s predecessor Focus on Imaging.
