What's on?

Approach your photography from a different angle. This year, we've got a host of programmes on to spark your interest and get your creative juices flowing. The Great Outdoors and the Wedding & Portrait stages are back by popular demand and we'll be introducing some new elements to the show, including a bigger focus on video and moving image; interactive features around the hall; plus workshops and after-hours events led by our partners, exhibitors and legends of photography. This is your chance to learn something new, brush up on your skills and add more enjoyment to your passion than ever before. Here's a summary of what's on - full details coming soon...

Stages and Theatres

Get insight into the lives and careers of photography greats; find out how they approach projects, create their own style and the barriers they've overcome to get to where they are now. Guests have included Rankin, David Bailey, Don McCullin, Mary McCartney and Jill Furmanovsky - 2019 line-up coming soon...

And breathe...The Great Outdoors Stage will draw you in to the realm of landscape, wildlife and nature photography in all its glory; from tips on how to set up dramatic time lapse and the tech needed for macro shots, to tackling lighting challenges on a rainy day when you finally spot that rare creature...

Due to popular demand, the Wedding & Portrait Stage is making a comeback. Get the perfect shot of a happy couple on their big day, tackle the challenges of unpredictable weather (and guests!) or learn how to capture the essence of emotion within your portraits - we'll have a full programme available for everyone intrigued by or specialising in these genres.

Cameras at the ready! Photo Live is the stage to be at for colourful, inspiring and sometimes explosive demos; giving you the ideas and techniques you need to take a variety of awesome and dramatic stills. The programme is action packed, and includes a skills focus on important elements such as lighting and capturing movement.

Get more out of your camera! The Behind the Lens Theatre caters for those looking for inspiration and expert tuition - ultimately, to help you refine your technique, up your knowledge (be it business or project-based) and come up with unique style and creative ideas for your own photography.

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Led by key influencers and masters of social media, discover how to get your best photos shared, build your following, engage with your community, and make the most of your community to nurture your photography talent. Whether pro or amateur, a photographer can get a huge amount of benefit from getting their images out there, in the right way. 

The Drone Zone introduces the art of flight to your stills and moving image footage. What's the best tech in the marketplace for aerial photography? Can anyone fly a drone (and what do you need to know before you do)? Even the most advanced drone pilot will learn something new at this specialist area of the show.

From retouching to adding complex effects, the Editing Suite will offer sessions that examine what's possible with image editing software - including everything from the basics to professional level skills. Sessions are free but must be booked in advance as seating is limited.

MASTERCLASSES AND CONFERENCES

Everyone has to start somewhere and contrary to those that consider photography to be a straightforward 'point and shoot' exercise, it's worth understanding the basics to give your stills that extra something. This masterclass is the beginner's chance to learn the essentials, from lenses and light to simple editing.

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A hugely popular masterclass which takes an in-depth look at how to transform your passion into a career. Where do you start when setting up a business? What does it take to become a pro and acquire a loyal customer base? All your questions will be answered…

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Hone in on the skills that will take your photography business to the next level of profitability and success. Sessions will focus on topics such as what's hot and what's not in marketing, the legal aspects of professional photography, and upping your creativity to build a unique, eye-catching portfolio, plus much more.

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You've studied hard, you're an amazing photographer and you can't think of anything better than making money out of doing what you love. But what are the options after study? This conference gives students a glimpse into life beyond uni, what skills they might need, and the support that's on offer to get that dream job up and running. 

THE VIDEO SHOW

thevideoshow

For anyone intrigued by, or even fully immersed in the world of moving image as well as stills photography, we've got lots on offer this year. We've launched The Video Show alongside The Photography Show this year to give visitors interested in both an opportunity to learn even more - not only about different techniques and skills, but also about kit and accessories that every budding filmmaker or professional videographer needs. 

You can visit The Video Show programme to find out more about the theatres and stages we have introduced by clicking on the button below (this will take you to a new page and not away from this page so you can return easily).

All The Photography Show ticket holders will have access to The Video Show programmes and exhibitors too, adding even more value to a visit to the NEC in March.

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AND MORE...

A chance for visitors to practise and explore what they've learned at a series of colourful and entertaining pods on the showfloor. Experts will be on hand at certain times of the day to give advice.
Workshops, photowalks and exclusive events are being planned for anyone wanting that little bit extra. More information coming over the next few months.

Who better to give you advice on the latest kit and technology than the leading brands in photography? Exhibitors will host demos and workshops led by brand ambassadors throughout the event.

Be inspired by a myriad of different photographers and meander round our feature galleries, this year featuring Digital Camera's Photographer of the Year category winners gallery among others.