Returning from The Photography & Video Show: Inspired, Recharged, and Full of Ideas

Coming back from The Photography & Video Show, I always feel the same mix of excitement and motivation. There’s something about being surrounded by photographers, filmmakers, brands, educators, and creators that gives you a real boost. It’s not just about seeing new gear — it’s about conversations, ideas, possibilities, and those moments where something clicks and you start thinking, right… I could really use that.
This year was no different.
Events like this are always a reminder of how quickly the industry moves, but also how much opportunity there is when you stay curious, keep learning, and keep putting yourself in the right rooms. Whether it’s lighting, modifiers, support systems, creative tools, or set design ideas, there was plenty to come away inspired by.
What I enjoy most is seeing products in person, speaking to the people behind the brands, and getting a better feel for what’s genuinely useful in a working photography environment. It’s very easy to scroll past products online, but actually seeing them demonstrated, hearing the thought process behind them, and imagining how they could fit into your own workflow is a completely different thing.

One of the nicest parts of the show for me was meeting up with my good friend Lee Hall. As much as events like this are about new products, brands, and ideas, they’re also about the people. Catching up, talking photography, sharing thoughts on what we’d seen, and just enjoying the atmosphere is all part of what makes these events worthwhile.

A few companies really stood out to me.

Neewer

Neewer were one of the brands that really stood out to me at this year’s show.
For a long time, Neewer were often seen as a more budget-conscious option, but that feels far too simplistic now. They’ve clearly evolved. The range is broader, the products feel more refined, and there’s a growing sense that Neewer are no longer just the “entry-level alternative” — they’re becoming a genuine player in the lighting and accessories space for working photographers and content creators.
What impressed me most is that they seem to understand what photographers actually want: practical gear, usable features, and a system that doesn’t feel unnecessarily complicated. Whether you’re building a studio setup, adding to your lighting kit, or looking for dependable accessories without spending a fortune, Neewer are making themselves harder and harder to ignore.
One of the more interesting developments is with their newer wireless trigger system. Neewer’s Q-system triggers and receivers are being positioned with cross-system flexibility in mind. Their QZ trigger is listed as compatible with the Godox 2.4G X system, and Neewer’s Q6 flash also includes a Godox compatibility mode through its RX COMPAT menu. Neewer’s QR receiver is also described as working with various Godox flashes and strobes, including models like the AD200Pro and AD400Pro. In plain English, that makes the system potentially far more attractive for photographers who already own Godox kit and don’t necessarily want to start from scratch.
That backward compatibility is a smart move. A lot of photographers have built their lighting setups over time, mixing brands where needed, so anything that makes new kit easier to integrate into an existing workflow is always going to get attention. Instead of asking people to completely change systems, Neewer seem to be making a play for compatibility and accessibility — and that’s a very sensible direction. Based on Neewer’s own product pages, there is a caveat: some of this compatibility depends on specific models and, in some cases, the latest firmware.
That, to me, is what makes Neewer worth paying attention to right now. They’re not just expanding their catalogue — they’re building a more connected ecosystem. And for photographers who want flexibility, especially those already invested in Godox, that could make Neewer an even more appealing option moving forward.

Platypod

Another brand that caught my attention at the show was Platypod.
What I’ve always liked about Platypod is that it solves a problem in a very clever, straightforward way. Not every shoot calls for a full tripod setup, and not every location gives you the space to use one comfortably either. That’s where Platypod really comes into its own. It offers a compact, stable, and highly practical support option that makes a lot of sense for photographers working low to the ground, in tight spaces, on location, or in situations where flexibility matters.
What stands out is the simplicity of the idea. It’s one of those products that makes you think, why didn’t I have one of these sooner? For macro work, creative angles, product photography, behind-the-scenes content, or even video support in certain setups, it’s easy to see the appeal. It’s lightweight, portable, and clearly designed by people who understand the needs of working photographers.
Shows like this are always a good reminder that not every useful piece of kit has to be flashy or overly complicated. Sometimes the most effective tools are the ones that quietly make life easier, and Platypod definitely feels like one of those brands. Practical, well thought out, and genuinely useful.


Framatica – definitely one to watch

One of the standout discoveries for me was Framatica.
If you’re interested in backdrops, this is a company you should absolutely keep on your radar. In a world where visual style and presentation matter more than ever, backdrops can completely transform a shoot — and Framatica felt like a brand with real potential. Their designs have personality, presence, and creative appeal, which is exactly what you want when you’re trying to create something a little more distinctive.
What stood out was that sense of originality. It didn’t feel generic or forgettable. It felt like a company that understands how much the right backdrop can add to an image, particularly for portraiture, styled shoots, content creation, and studio-based work.
I’ll say it plainly: Framatica are definitely a company to watch out for.
Full YouTube review coming soon!

Rotolight

Then there’s Rotolight, a brand that always attracts attention — and for good reason.
Lighting is such a major part of what we do, and Rotolight continue to position themselves as a serious player for photographers and filmmakers alike. Their products have that polished feel, but beyond that, they clearly understand the growing demand for tools that cross over between stills and video. As more creatives work across both worlds, that flexibility matters.
Rotolight have built a reputation around innovation, and seeing their products in the show environment only reinforces why they remain such a respected name. For anyone serious about lighting, they’re always worth a look.

Why shows like this still matter

In an age where almost everything can be researched online, events like The Photography & Video Show still have huge value. They give you the chance to explore, compare, ask questions, make contacts, and come away with ideas you simply wouldn’t get from browsing a website.
For me, it’s not just about what I saw — it’s about what it sparks afterwards. New shoot ideas. New workshop thoughts. New possibilities for the studio. New brands to follow. New conversations to continue.
That’s the real value of it.
I’ve come back feeling inspired, re-energised, and with a growing list of ideas I want to bring into my own work at Studio 9. It’s always good to step out, look around, and remind yourself just how much creativity is out there.
And sometimes, all it takes is one conversation, one product, or one brand to send you home thinking bigger.