Sneak preview of what’s going to be on offer at The Photography & Video Show this March at The NEC

The Photography & Video Show will return to the NEC Birmingham for four days, starting Saturday, 16 March until Tuesday, 19 March 2024. Housed in halls 2 and 3, the show will open 10am – 5pm every day.

Pro and amateur photographers, and film and content creators are invited to immerse themselves in a world of creativity; where kit meets education and inspiration on a grand scale.

250+ Global Brands, the latest imaging kit, and exclusive discounts

Visitors can expect to get hands-on with the latest kit releases – some, as yet unseen – from Canon, Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, OM System, Lumix, and Sigma, to name a few. More than 250 brands will have a variety of cameras, lenses, equipment and accessories available to try out and buy at the show, with retailers Wex Photo Video, CameraWorld and London Camera Exchange offering exclusive discounts, and trade-in and finance options.

First-time exhibitor Capture One is the latest global brand to confirm a stand, plus distributor Lumesca, who will showcase Hobolite, Calibrite, Tether Tools and Spider Holster. In addition, Tamron, Think Tank, Peak Design and broncolor will also have a presence via Transcontinenta; and LaCie, Xencelabs, Angelbird and Symply products will be available on the Global Distribution stand.

Professional photographers, videographers, content creators and image-making industry representatives can apply for FREE entry to the show.*

Speaker line-up: Legends of photography meet up-and-coming creators

The big names will remain a core feature of the show, and the line-up includes maternity and newborn photographers, Kelly Brown and Donatella Nicolini; wildlife photographer, Matthias Klum; landscape legend, Joe Cornish; Getty Royal photographer, Chris Jackson; Adobe masters, Scott Kelby and Julieanne Kost; and music photographer, Scarlet Page.

There will be no closed Super Stage; the aim being to give every single visitor the chance to hear from their creative idol.

AI a talking point

The pros and cons of AI will of course be a talking point, and a number of talks at the Editing & Post-Production Suite will examine how AI can enhance the creative process through workflow efficiencies and image enhancement.

Exclusive for professionals

Visitors with a professional entry pass will have exclusive access to the Pro Lounge, including small-group discussions hosted as part of Pro Lounge ‘Live’. The Pro Forum will take place on the Monday and Tuesday of the show. This year, sessions include a focus on the impact of AI on the industry – with Nick Dunmur (AOP) and Tim Flach; diversifying your business – with Hannah McClune; and reigniting your passion for image-making – with Sanjay Jogia. Networking opportunities include the Pro Happy Hours (Saturday and Sunday, 16:00-17:00) and the Networking Reception on the Monday, from 17:30 until 19:00.

What else is on?

Specialist masterclasses

For the first time ever, specialist masterclasses will be led by, Forough Yavari, Julieanne Kost, and Kelly Brown.

• Sunday, 17 March 2024 – 14:00-15:30
• The art of illumination: Bringing your vision to life – a fine art portraiture workshop – Forough Yavari
• Monday, 18 March 2024 – 13:30-4:30
• What’s new in Lightroom Classic? – Julieanne Kost
• Monday, 18 March 2024 – 15:30- 17:00
• Kelly Brown’s ‘getting it right in camera’ masterclass

Limited places available, bookable in advance and sessions are priced between £15 and £25.

Creator Playground

The Creator Playground will return, and has been designed to take visitors on a journey of imagination and discovery.

Interactive shoot-sets

The show has partnered with Creativity Hub Events to create two interactive shoot-sets, at which photographers can practise their newly-learned skills and capture shots in a real photoshoot environment. The show is family-friendly and these features offer a great distraction for children and adults alike.

Galleries

For those who like to take time out from the show floor, a range of exhibitions will be on display:

• Travel Photographer of the Year – featured on BBC Online – 2023 shortlist
• LCE Photographer of the Year 2024 – new awards with shortlist (3 per category) displayed and the overall winner announced at the show (Photo Studio, Sunday, 17 March at 15:45)
• ‘Felt’, a gallery curated entirely on the ‘felt sense’ with images judged on the the strength of the emotional response they invoke
• The show’s own student challenge is this year themed ‘Dusk ‘til Dawn’ – the prize is a Canon creator kit (R50) and £500 for the winner; £1K for the college / university

All applications must be made before midnight on 15 March 2024 and will be verified against specific criteria.