The Photography & Video Show preview

Level up your content skills

If you want to learn how to take better images, explore shooting video and even take some shots you can’t get anywhere else, The Photography & Video Show is the place to be. There are lots of workshops and seminars, but it’s the Creatorcon area that will generate as much buzz as the kit on display. 

It’s a dedicated space for content creators, social storytellers and hybrid image makers or anyone interested in video. Whether you’re already posting daily or just starting to think about sharing your work online, Creatorcon offers insight, inspiration and practical skills to help you build and grow your creative voice. 

Creatorcon isn’t tucked off to the side somewhere; it’s a core part of the show experience, included with standard entry. Every day, this dynamic creative zone combines expert talks, panel discussions and interactive sessions aimed specifically at photographers and filmmakers who use – or want to use – platforms like YouTube, Instagram and TikTok to reach an audience. 

At the heart of Creatorcon is the Creator Stage, where influencers, content specialists and industry insiders share practical knowledge  you can apply right away. Sessions explore topics such as how to launch and grow a YouTube channel, integrate AI into production and post workflows, build multicamera set-ups, master platform strategy and even monetise your content. For example, seminars by creators like Luke Davis explain how to get paid for social media posts, while others focus on niche tactics like viral video workflows and Instagram content optimisation. 

But Creatorcon isn’t just about listening, it’s also about doing. The Creator Playground invites visitors to get hands-on with techniques and kit, experiment with shooting styles and build confidence using gear and tools in real time. Whether you’re trying out lighting set-ups, testing audio workflows or capturing content in creative scenarios, this playful environment is designed to spark fresh ideas and encourage experimentation.

Content creation is now a core part of the modern imaging landscape, and Creatorcon reflects that evolution. It recognises that today’s creatives regularly straddle multiple roles – photographer, filmmaker, editor and brand storyteller – and need practical skills that go beyond capturing a great image. From understanding narrative pacing to optimising content for social algorithms, the Creatorcon programme covers the whole spectrum of modern visual storytelling.

Another key benefit of Creatorcon is the opportunity it offers to network and collaborate. In addition to sessions and workshops, attendees can meet like-minded creators, brands and potential collaborators in informal spaces like the Creator Lounge or at show-floor meet-ups. For many professionals, these connections can be equally as valuable as the sessions themselves, leading to new ideas, partnerships and support networks.

No longer limited to traditional photography or filmmaking alone, the creators of today blend platforms, formats and audiences, and they need tools, techniques and strategies that match that complexity. Creatorcon brings these worlds together, offering accessible, actionable guidance that can help both emerging talents and established professionals stay ahead of the curve.

In short, if your own creative goals include building an audience, mastering social platforms or making content that resonates with an online audience, Creatorcon is one of the most valuable stops at this year’s show for inspiration and skills you can take home and use straight away.

The show runs from 10am to 5pm every day from March 14 to 17 at the Birmingham NEC, and entry to Creatorcon is included as part of your entry ticket.

The exhibition is a short walk from Birmingham International railway station and there’s a free monorail from next door’s Birmingham International airport. There’s lots of car parking at the NEC, with a bus service to the halls. Use the postcode B40 1NT to get there.

And of course, come and meet the Photography News team at our stand right next to the food court.

Learn from the experts

Packed with inspiration, practical skills and expert insight, The Photography & Video Show is a learning hub with seminars and specialised stages designed to take you to the next level.

Central to this programme are specialist masterclasses and hands-on workshops covering everything from lighting and studio technique to creative portraiture and professional workflows. These sessions – often led by photographers and cinematographers with real commercial experience – offer opportunities to learn directly from pros in concentrated, practical formats. A packed speaker line-up includes leading photographers like Charlie Waite, Joe Cornish and Lindsay Adler.

Sessions span a range of genres and levels. Attendees can join portrait lighting masterclasses that showcase how to use one to three lights to create striking imagery or explore pet photography techniques in studio settings. Live capture-to-print workflow demonstrations, such as those by Canon ambassadors and experienced photographers, break down every part of the creative process, from Raw capture through to exhibition-quality output.

For professional and emerging creatives alike, there are business-centred seminars like the Pro Forum, where photographers and videographers can gain practical insight on pricing, client experience, sustainable careers and growth strategies. These expert-led business talks are invaluable for anyone looking to build or expand a creative practice.

In addition to individual masterclasses and seminars, the In Motion Studio stage plays a central role for those primarily interested in video and filmmaking. Curated specifically for production-focused content, In Motion showcases discussions on storytelling, essential audio capture techniques, multicamera workflows and editing tips. Sessions here explore both creative and technical aspects of moving-image work, making it a key destination for filmmakers and hybrid content creators.

Some of the presentations include how to film weddings, women in wildlife filmmaking, lessons from Downing Street, getting the best out of a drone and scaling your business up. 

For photographers who prefer experiential learning, the show also weaves in photo walks and interactive demo sessions. These allow visitors to practise techniques in real time and get hands-on guidance from experienced tutors.

Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to refine advanced skills, the blend of masterclasses, seminars and the In Motion stage complements the gear, demos and networking opportunities spread throughout the rest of the event.

What’s hot on the show floor

The vast NEC exhibition floor has over 250 brands exhibiting and gives showgoers a rare chance to get hands-on with all the latest cameras, lenses, lighting, audio and accessories, speak directly to the people who design the tools and compare kit side by side. Many exhibitors also run exclusive show deals, making it a prime opportunity to invest in new gear. 

Brands you can find on the show floor include Adobe, Benro, Canon, Fujifilm, Gitzo, Godox, Hasselblad, Lacie, Laowa, Lexar, Manfrotto, Nikon, Nanlite, OM System, Peak Design, Sachtler, Sony, Sigma, Shimoda, Sirui, Tamron, Zoom and many more. 

From the latest cameras and fast new glass to cutting-edge accessories and essential workflow tools, it’s an unmissable calendar highlight for anyone serious about imaging, plus a chance to try out the technology shaping the next era of photography and filmmaking. Let’s have a look at
the hottest kit from the premier brands.

It’s a camera fest!

All the big-name brands are there – and there’s none bigger than Canon (stands F93, E80, D91). As one of the major exhibitors at the show, Canon will showcase its full mirrorless EOS R system, including the latest cameras like the EOS R6 III and EOS C50 that we test in this issue. And, of course, there will be swathes of RF lenses to fit, including the new fast, light and sharp hybrid series. Check out the new 7-14mm super-wide zoom.

There will be vlogging-focused kits and accessories like the Pixma range of printers and Speedlites designed for hybrid content creators.

Arch rival Nikon (stand C11) will be showcasing its Z System of mirrorless cameras and Z mount ecosystem, with the first UK look at the just-announced Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S II. It’s Nikon’s redesigned professional telephoto zoom that’s lighter, faster and quieter than its predecessor with improved autofocus and stabilisation.

And for hybrid creators, the first true Nikon cinema camera, the ZR, will be on hand. Take a look and marvel at its huge rear screen!

Other major brands include Fujifilm (stand D41) – and visitors will have the chance to check out top cameras such as the medium format GFX System and X100VI compact.

Sony (stand E65) will be showing its mirrorless Alpha range in hands-on zones and running pro demos featuring the likes of the latest A7 V. There will also be a demo of podcasting tech with remote camera controls.

With the latest OM System (stand E51) cameras and lenses, such as the OM-3 Astro, not to mention Sigma’s range of quirky full-frame mirrorless offerings (stand E41) and Hasselblad’s super-steady X2D II 100C (stand B41), there’s loads to check out.

And, of course, Wex (stands C21, D83) will be offering great show deals too. Whether you’re a pro comparing high-end kit or a newcomer testing mirrorless bodies and beginner-friendly lenses, the show’s breadth of exhibitors makes it one of the most comprehensive opportunities in the UK to try kit before you spend.

All about add-ons

Camera and lenses are just the start of it. All keen image makers know accessories and workflow are every bit as essential. You will find product stands for tripods, stabilisers, lighting kits, filters, backpacks and lots more – all the things you need.

If it’s lighting you like then Amaran (stand F55) will be showcasing its Pano series of LED panels and compact fixtures, which are prized for punchy output, excellent colour control and flexible RGB options – ideal for portrait, event and hybrid content work. Elinchrom, long respected in studio lighting, brings portable flashes such as the Elinchrom Three battery units, combining high power, fast recycle speeds and robust build quality for on-location sessions.

Godox (stand F81) has its expansive ecosystem of flashes and continuous lights, including popular TTL speedlights and modifiers that appeal to both newcomers and seasoned pros. At the premium end, Profoto (stand H44) continues to define professional studio lighting, with units such as the D30 offering stable colour, precise control and compatibility with an extensive range of high-quality modifiers – perfect for working on commercial shoots and high-end portraiture.

Supporting all this lighting gear are robust support systems and mobility solutions. Manfrotto (stand E71) and Benro deliver reliable tripods and stands that balance strength with portability, while Peak Design’s Pro Tripod impresses with its compact, travel-friendly design and refined mechanics. When it comes to carrying all this kit, brands like – again – Peak Design, Tenba and Think Tank (stand D71) lead the way with backpacks and rolling cases that combine thoughtful organisation, lots of weather-resistant materials and comfort for long location days. Whether you’re lighting a studio or moving between shoots, these brands have the tools and support to help execute your creative vision.

Memory makers like Lexar (stand D71) will be highlighting its quickest cards, including CFexpress 4.0 options capable of very high read and write speeds that are essential for rapid photo bursts and high-bit-rate video capture. Lexar’s new CFexpress Gold 4.0 cards with up to 3600MB/s performance are the sort of high-end storage cards you should look at.

Of course, memory cards aren’t the only storage you need. Hard drives and portable SSDs are vital parts of every serious workflow and nobody takes it more seriously than Lacie (stand E72).

The brand will be showcasing its complete range, from super-speedy portable Rugged SSD drives that use Thunderbolt 5 technology to super-size hard drives and RAIDs for desktop use as long-term storage.

Classy glass comes to the NEC

Sigma (stand E41) has been on a roll of late with some incredible new lenses that do things others can’t. That includes the incredible 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports zoom, the new 35mm f/1.4 Art lens for full-frame and the 15mm f/1.4 DC Contemporary prime we test out in this issue.

Tamron (stand D71) is also pushing the boundaries with the 35-100mm f/2.8 Di III VXD that fits full-frame Sony E and Nikon Z mounts; and the 25-200mm f/2.8-5.6 Di III VXD G2, a second-generation all-in-one zoom lens for Sony E-mount full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Sirui (stand D71) continues to innovate with the Aurora 85mm f/1.4, which is the classic portrait lens now with speedy autofocus.

Designed for full-frame cameras, the lens is sharp but retains a unique look in the images that feels more organic than digital. And its autofocus keeps everything sharp when shootingwide open.

With lenses from the likes of Laowa (stand D90), Samyang (stand D20), Nisi UK (stand D41), Thypoch (stand B72) and TT Artisan (stand B51), there is plenty of glass to check out.

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Find our map and exhibitor list in the latest issue.