Studio 9 Photography Blog
Preparing for The Photography & Video Show 2026
By Richard Adams – Studio 9 Photography
A behind-the-scenes look at how photographer Richard from Studio 9 is preparing for The Photography & Video Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.
A behind-the-scenes look at how photographer Richard from Studio 9 is preparing for The Photography & Video Show 2026 at the NEC Birmingham.
14/03/2026
Preparing for The Photography & Video Show 2026
Every year, photographers and filmmakers from across the UK gather for one of the biggest events in the industry calendar — The Photography & Video Show 2026.
This year the show returns to the National Exhibition Centre, bringing together leading brands, educators, and creators for several days of talks, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences with the latest gear.
For me, attending the show isn’t just about looking at new equipment. It’s about connections, inspiration, and opportunities.
Planning Before the Show
Preparation is key if you want to get the most from an event like this. With hundreds of brands, talks, and demonstrations happening throughout the day, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed.
Before attending, I like to:
• Review the exhibitor list
• Plan which talks or demonstrations I want to attend
• Identify brands I’d like to speak with
• Prepare questions about equipment or collaborations
This year I’ve also prepared a media pack to introduce my work and my photography workshops at Studio 9. Having something tangible to hand over when speaking with brands makes a huge difference compared to simply having a quick conversation.
Why Events Like This Matter
Events like The Photography & Video Show bring together photographers, filmmakers, educators and manufacturers all under one roof.
For photographers, it’s a chance to:
• See and test new equipment
• Watch live demonstrations
• Learn from industry professionals
• Network with other creatives
But equally important is the energy of the event itself. Being surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion for photography is incredibly motivating.
Looking for Inspiration
One of the things I always enjoy about the show is discovering ideas I hadn’t considered before.
Whether it’s:
• A new lighting technique
• A piece of specialist equipment
• A creative workflow
• Or simply a conversation with another photographer
These moments often spark ideas that eventually find their way into my own work or into the workshops I run at Studio 9.
Representing Studio 9
As the photographer behind Studio 9, attending the show is also about representing what we’re building.
At Studio 9 we focus on:
• Photography education
• Creative experimentation
• Wildlife and nature photography
• Product and commercial work
Events like this give me the opportunity to connect with companies whose equipment I already use and potentially develop relationships that benefit both my work and the photographers who attend my workshops.
The Goal
My goal when attending The Photography & Video Show 2026 is simple:
Come away inspired.
If I leave with new ideas, new contacts, and a fresh burst of motivation, then the day has been a success.
Brands I’m Hoping to Speak With
One of the biggest benefits of attending The Photography & Video Show 2026 is the opportunity to speak directly with the people behind the brands many of us use every day.
This year I’m particularly interested in catching up with a few companies whose equipment I regularly use or admire. Events like this give photographers a rare opportunity to ask questions, see equipment in action, and sometimes even test gear before it reaches the wider market.
As someone who runs photography workshops at Studio 9, I’m always looking for equipment that can improve both my own workflow and the learning experience for the photographers who attend my courses.
?
What I’m Bringing With Me
Preparation for the show goes beyond simply buying a ticket.
This year I’ll be bringing a small media pack that introduces my work, Studio 9, and the photography workshops I run. When speaking with brands or industry professionals, it helps to have something physical that gives them a quick overview of what I do.
Alongside that, I’ll also be bringing:
• Business cards
• A notebook for ideas and contacts
• My phone for quick photos and notes
• A healthy dose of curiosity
Trade shows like this move quickly, so being organised beforehand makes a big difference.
?
If You See Me at the Show
If you’re attending The Photography & Video Show 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre and happen to see me walking around the show floor, feel free to say hello.
Photography is a community, and one of the things I enjoy most about events like this is meeting other photographers — whether they’re professionals, enthusiasts, or just starting their journey with a camera.
Conversations at shows like this often lead to new ideas, collaborations, and sometimes even lifelong friendships.
?
After the Show
Once the show is over, I’ll also be sharing my thoughts and highlights here on the Studio 9 blog.
From new equipment announcements to interesting conversations and creative inspiration, I’ll be posting a follow-up article on what stood out most from this year’s show.
Every year, photographers and filmmakers from across the UK gather for one of the biggest events in the industry calendar — The Photography & Video Show 2026.
This year the show returns to the National Exhibition Centre, bringing together leading brands, educators, and creators for several days of talks, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences with the latest gear.
For me, attending the show isn’t just about looking at new equipment. It’s about connections, inspiration, and opportunities.
Planning Before the Show
Preparation is key if you want to get the most from an event like this. With hundreds of brands, talks, and demonstrations happening throughout the day, it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed.
Before attending, I like to:
• Review the exhibitor list
• Plan which talks or demonstrations I want to attend
• Identify brands I’d like to speak with
• Prepare questions about equipment or collaborations
This year I’ve also prepared a media pack to introduce my work and my photography workshops at Studio 9. Having something tangible to hand over when speaking with brands makes a huge difference compared to simply having a quick conversation.
Why Events Like This Matter
Events like The Photography & Video Show bring together photographers, filmmakers, educators and manufacturers all under one roof.
For photographers, it’s a chance to:
• See and test new equipment
• Watch live demonstrations
• Learn from industry professionals
• Network with other creatives
But equally important is the energy of the event itself. Being surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion for photography is incredibly motivating.
Looking for Inspiration
One of the things I always enjoy about the show is discovering ideas I hadn’t considered before.
Whether it’s:
• A new lighting technique
• A piece of specialist equipment
• A creative workflow
• Or simply a conversation with another photographer
These moments often spark ideas that eventually find their way into my own work or into the workshops I run at Studio 9.
Representing Studio 9
As the photographer behind Studio 9, attending the show is also about representing what we’re building.
At Studio 9 we focus on:
• Photography education
• Creative experimentation
• Wildlife and nature photography
• Product and commercial work
Events like this give me the opportunity to connect with companies whose equipment I already use and potentially develop relationships that benefit both my work and the photographers who attend my workshops.
The Goal
My goal when attending The Photography & Video Show 2026 is simple:
Come away inspired.
If I leave with new ideas, new contacts, and a fresh burst of motivation, then the day has been a success.
Brands I’m Hoping to Speak With
One of the biggest benefits of attending The Photography & Video Show 2026 is the opportunity to speak directly with the people behind the brands many of us use every day.
This year I’m particularly interested in catching up with a few companies whose equipment I regularly use or admire. Events like this give photographers a rare opportunity to ask questions, see equipment in action, and sometimes even test gear before it reaches the wider market.
As someone who runs photography workshops at Studio 9, I’m always looking for equipment that can improve both my own workflow and the learning experience for the photographers who attend my courses.
?
What I’m Bringing With Me
Preparation for the show goes beyond simply buying a ticket.
This year I’ll be bringing a small media pack that introduces my work, Studio 9, and the photography workshops I run. When speaking with brands or industry professionals, it helps to have something physical that gives them a quick overview of what I do.
Alongside that, I’ll also be bringing:
• Business cards
• A notebook for ideas and contacts
• My phone for quick photos and notes
• A healthy dose of curiosity
Trade shows like this move quickly, so being organised beforehand makes a big difference.
?
If You See Me at the Show
If you’re attending The Photography & Video Show 2026 at the National Exhibition Centre and happen to see me walking around the show floor, feel free to say hello.
Photography is a community, and one of the things I enjoy most about events like this is meeting other photographers — whether they’re professionals, enthusiasts, or just starting their journey with a camera.
Conversations at shows like this often lead to new ideas, collaborations, and sometimes even lifelong friendships.
?
After the Show
Once the show is over, I’ll also be sharing my thoughts and highlights here on the Studio 9 blog.
From new equipment announcements to interesting conversations and creative inspiration, I’ll be posting a follow-up article on what stood out most from this year’s show.