The Photography & Video Show - Personal Reflection

My feelings about this year’s Photography & Video Show at the NEC in Birmingham were, at first, a little uncertain. The event has always aimed to bring together the full spectrum of photography — technology, education, inspiration, and community — welcoming both seasoned professionals and enthusiastic amateurs. Yet, after many years of attending, I had stepped away. Partly it felt like “more of the same,” and partly my own circumstances had changed following retirement from a long professional career.

The crowd waiting to enter the exhibition hall

In recent years my photographic direction has shifted towards a more art-led practice. I have begun producing a small-format print magazine focused on collectors and serious, artist-driven photographers. At the same time, my appetite for learning has grown rather than diminished. With no firm agenda this time, I returned simply to see whether the show might once again spark my curiosity — and whether it could still offer something meaningful for those of us with a more artistic focus.

As ever, the doors opened promptly at 10am to the familiar surge of eager visitors. I spent the first hour wandering the aisles, taking in the larger stands before seeking out the smaller, often more intriguing exhibitors on the fringes of the hall. These quieter corners can sometimes hold the most engaging conversations and unexpected discoveries.

At the Fujifilm stand

The exhibition hall from the top of the Fujifilm stand

Trying out the new gear.

Crowd flow around live demonstration areas remains a challenge, with walkways frequently congested despite best intentions. The major manufacturers — Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm and others — were well represented, and there was no shortage of cutting-edge equipment or tempting show offers. However, I was particularly pleased to see exhibitors with a more art-centred outlook. Analogue Wonderland, Little Vintage Photography, and the Royal Photographic Society all had a welcome presence. A highlight for me was hearing my friend Dave Shrimpton speak on the Analogue Stage about his wet plate collodion work — a process very close to my own heart.

A live photo demonstration on one of the many stages

Analogue Wonderland booth

Rachel at her Little Vintage Photography stand

Dave Shrimpton talks about his wet plate project - Looking for Alice

There was also strong representation from fine art paper suppliers, though I did notice a surprising absence of wedding album manufacturers. Catering options were plentiful, yet seating remains limited — an ongoing frustration for visitors needing a brief rest between the miles of walking.

Seating is always at a premium!

Overall, my return felt refreshing and quietly encouraging. There is still inspiration here for those pursuing photography as an art form. I may give next year’s London edition a miss and wait for the show’s return to Birmingham. After a long day on my feet — and a two-hour drive home — my back certainly reminded me that some traditions never change.