Overall, the Photography and Video Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham was an enjoyable experience. With so much to see and explore, the day passed quickly. I may differ from many delegates, as I was not there to purchase equipment or products on the spot. I consider myself a reflective photographer and, for the time being, I am content with my current equipment. My main interest lies in how to present my work through photobooks and in exploring accessories that might support my photography.
A key feature of the show is the programme of talks, which I find can be somewhat variable. The open theatre sessions are often difficult to follow due to the noise from surrounding activities in the hall. In addition, space is limited for the more popular speakers. I particularly liked the Canon speaker setup, which felt more intimate and made it easier to hear the presenters. I found the talks given at the Amateur Photographer magazine festival of photography held in Greenwich earlier this year to be much more informative. Check out my blog on this event.
One talk I was especially keen to attend was by Helen Bartlett on family photography. Her work is highly distinctive, with a strong preference for black and white processing. She also shared valuable insights on how to approach younger members of the family. I came away with several practical ideas and felt inspired to try them out with my grandchildren. I attended other sessions as well, including those on double exposure and Photoshop techniques. Whilst these were informative, the background noise made them challenging to follow at times. This is one area where the photography and video show 2026 disappoints.
The show is also excellent for networking and meeting people. The Creator Playground (CreatorCon) was particularly enjoyable. One of my highlights was dressing up as a spaceman, and fortunately a local photographer, Jack Babbington, was on hand to take my photograph. The area was creatively set up with a variety of backgrounds, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in scenes ranging from snowy landscapes to the casinos of Las Vegas.
The models on the stands attracted considerable attention from visiting photographers. I have learned to be cautious about joining these crowded groups, where many are competing for the same shot. On this occasion, I chose to keep a respectful distance and simply observe the atmosphere.
I also enjoyed the virtual reality experience of deep-sea diving over coral shelves in the Seychelles. This carried an important environmental message, illustrating the contrast between healthy, dying, and regenerated coral ecosystems. However, the picture of people with their headsets on does look very dystopian.
Other favourites included the Disabled Photographers’ Society stand, where there is always interest in vintage cameras and accessories. I also enjoy trying the long lenses displayed on podiums, which allow you to appreciate the remarkable reach of such equipment. All the major manufacturers had impressive cameras and lenses on display.
One unexpected highlight of the photography and video show was the lucky dip at the SanDisk stand. After queuing to take part, I won an SD card holder. It was not something I had previously considered essential, but since the show it has proved to be a very useful accessory. Who would have thought?
I look forward to the next Photography and Video Show in London in 2027.
How has the Photography and Video Show changed over the years? Read my account of the show held in Birmingham in 2021.
