We’re here at The Photography Show at the NEC in Birmingham and it’s been amazing so far.
Our stand is right near the entrance so there’s no excuse to not stop by and pay us a visit. Come and get your hands on the latest kit including X-Pro2, X-E2S and X70 cameras, and we’ve also got an elevated area where you can try out the XF50-140 and XF100-400mm long zoom lenses with X-Photographer Ben Cherry!
Jeannie filling out our Today’s Specials board. Each day we’ve got different X-Photographers presenting around the show.
See inside an X-Pro2 and learn how the Hybrid Viewfinder works
The calm before the storm. The stand about 10 minutes before the show opensTravel and reportage photographer Chris Upton standing next to a huge print of an image from one of his recent projects.
Top down. The view from the gantry
Down up. The view of the gantry
And we are live. Always a huge rush to get in at the start of the show.
People are able to borrow an X-Pro2 and lens for the day
Lots of people getting their hands on our products and talking to our helpful staff
Hands on with those long lenses
Very important to have a subject to shoot when testing out the cameras
Our range of instax instant cameras are also on display to try out.
Kevin Mullins did an X-Pro2 product demo to around 40 people. Each day at 11:30 we’ll have an X-Photographer doing the same.Later, Kevin also spoke as part of The Photography Show’s “Turning Pro” masterclass, giving some great advice to photographers thinking about setting themselves up as a business.
And the Kevin-a-thon was rounded off with a talk on the Live Stage about his type of candid wedding photography. Kevin will be talking on the stage on Sunday as well
We rounded the day off with a photowalk around the NEC entitled “Abstract in the landscape”. Professional photographer Paul Sanders encouraged everyone to look for the finer details and less-obvious patterns to create artistic expression where it’s not obviously apparent. Practising in this way means that when confronted with something truly beautiful, photographers will have the ability to still look further to create something unique.
What an exciting week that was. We were at The Photography Show 2015 at the NEC from Saturday 21st to Tuesday 24th and it was a ROARING success. This is my first opportunity to sit down and write up a review of the show from our perspective. I hope it helps you get a feel for the show if you didn’t attend yourself, or brings back warm memories if you did.
Doors open…
The Fujifilm stand
…or “booth” if you’re from that side of the Atlantic. We had a big stand this year – about twice the size as last year – and even still we found it packed to the rafters most of the time.
Touch and Try
Everyone wants to get their hands on the latest cameras and lenses and the Touch and Try camera bar allowed people to do just that. Our staff worked extremely hard to answers all the questions thrown at them from the show visitors.
Visitors getting their hands on Fujifilm camerasOur Dale talking about the X-T1Something to point your camera at…
Camera loans
We know that there’s nothing quite like using a camera to get a real feel for it so we wanted to offer people the chance to test-drive Fujifilm X-T1 cameras plus various lenses for the whole day. Our free loan service allowed people to do just that and went down a storm.
Quick Maintenance Service
And it’s not only the new customers we were helping out. We were also running a free Quick Maintenance Service which allowed people to drop off their Fujifilm cameras and lenses for a sensor clean, quick MOT and to also have the latest firmware installed.
A Fujifilm camera getting some TLC
X-Photographer Gallery
All around our stand we were showing some amazing images taken by professional photographers that use Fujifilm equipment. Take a look at the gallery below:
Fujifilm Photowalk
On Saturday evening we took to the streets of Birmingham for a Street Photowalk with Matt Hart leading the way. We met up in Victoria Square and Matt shared a few of the tips he mentioned in his talk earlier that day before setting off to try to put some of the techniques into action. It was a great experience and was fantastic to meet so many people to talk to along the way.
You can see some other blog posts about the event here:
To me, the talks are one of the parts of the show that really make it a great place for visitors. Lots of different photographers from lots of different backgrounds, all under one roof and sharing their own experiences, tips, hints and advice about the widest variety of photographic subjects. We were able to invite a few of our ambassadors to come to the show and pass on their thoughts to visitors.
Here is a bit about each of the Fujifilm X-Photographers. We also recorded the talks and will publish them soon.
Matt Hart – Street Photography
Matt was on the Streetscape stage on Saturday and Sunday. He has been a professional photographer for many years and still likes to shoot film. He runs workshops and hosts talks and training to help people become better reportage-street photographers. In his presentation, Matt gave lots of helpful advice and techniques for shooting street photography. He talked about the distinction between “Street photography” and “Street portraiture” and believes that true street photography involves images captured without the subject being aware.
Bert is a commercial portrait photographer from Belgium. He believes that photographers need to limit the barrier between them and their subjects and part of doing this is to have smaller gear. Bert gave a brief talk about his own style of photography, what he used to be like and what he tries to be like now, before then doing a live portrait shoot on stage. On Monday he was shooting the lovely Hannah from Fuji and on Tuesday the equally lovely Jeannie (also from Fuji).
Bert Stephani talking on The Live Stage to a huge audienceBert Stephani live demo shooting the lovely Hannah from Fujifilm UKHannah from Fujifilm UK, shot by Bert live on stageBert likes to use whatever (and whoever) he can to block out disturbing coloured lights. From left to right, Kevin Mullins, Hannah from Fuji and me
Kevin is a professional wedding photography from Wiltshere. His style is very much reportage. He wants to provide his clients a “guest’s eye view” of their happy day capturing images that shows the real human events that take place at every wedding. In Kevin’s talk he focused on the importance of identifying potential moments and ensuring he can be in the right place to capture them without disturbing them.
Behind the Lens talk with Kevin MullinsKevin MullinsPacked house. Lots of people wanted to hear what Kevin had to say
Paul Sanders is a professional landscape photographer from Kent. His talk is about the way he used landscape photography as a form of therapy to help deal with his own personal emotional issues. It was very deep, personal and inspirational and it’s hard for me to give it any justice here in form of a brief text description. Check back for the video which we will upload soon.
As my camera was being used to shoot the video footage, here ars some lovely images by Anthony Upton who was also at the talk.
Don’t forget to follow this blog as we’ll use it to let you know when the videos of all of the talks will be online.
Until next year?
It really was a great few days and the best part is always getting the opportunity to meet so many photographers from keen enthusiasts right through to full-time working professionals. The Photography Show organisers have confirmed next year’s dates already – 19th-22nd March 2016. We hope to see you there!
Meet new friends, shoot alongside other keen professional and enthusiast photographers and learn some tips and tricks for shooting on the streets of this beautiful, bustling city.
There will also be a few members of Fujifilm staff on hand in case you have any questions about your products at all.
Meeting point: Victoria Square
5:00pm – Meet at Victoria Square in Birmingham. It takes roughly 25mins by car or 30 mins by train from the NEC. Click to see map. 5:10pm – A prize will be drawn and handed out (see further down for more info) 5:15pm – We’ll take a group shot and then start the walk!
The route
We’ll leave Victoria Square along Pinfold St to Navigation St and then towards Royal Mail St, Down Severn Street to Commercial St, then down the Birmingham Canal Old Line. We’ll cross over at the bend in the Canal and make our way over the to Library.
Click to enlarge
Due to potential issues relating to weather and road closures, this route is only a guide. The actual route may change on the day.
The finish
7:00pm – We will finish at the Library and try to take a group photo that we’ll share on Facebook/Twitter/Instagram. There’s a few coffee shops and bars in the area if people want to break off for a drink (or shelter from the rain if there is any!).
Share your images from the Fujifilm Birmingham Photowalk
We’d love you to share any images you take on the Photowalk. Include the hashtag #FujiTPSWalk when you post to your favourite networks to link them all together!
Win a black Fujifilm X30
The Fujifilm X30 is the perfect digital camera for reportage-style street photography
It’s free to attend and there’s no requirement to register, but if you do register below you will be entered into a draw to win a brand new solid black X30 digital camera and memory card – ready to use on the Photowalk.
Terms
You must registered below with your real name as that information will be used to call out the prize winner. Only 1 entry is allowed per registered name and the winners MUST BE PRESENT or the prize will go to the next participant chosen that is present to receive it.
Entering this competition will also add you to Fujifilm’s mailing list for new product information. You will be able to unsubscribe from this list with one click and we will not give or sell your data to anyone else.
Entries must be placed before 15:30 on 21st March 2015. Entries after this time will not be entered in the draw. Good luck and we hope to see you at the Photowalk!
Enter now
Disclaimer
Attending our free Photowalk means that you agree to the following disclaimer. The “Event” is the “Free Fujifilm Photography Show Photowalk”, the “Organiser” is “Fujifilm UK Ltd” and the “Event Staff” consist of professional photographer Matt Hart plus some Fujifilm UK Ltd employees.
1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
1.1 I am 18 years of age or older. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult that agrees to this disclaimer on their behalf.
1.2 I understand that participation in the Event is entirely at my own risk.
1.3 I will comply with all instructions given to me by the Event Staff.
2. RELEASE
2.1 I hereby acknowledge and accept that the Organiser and the Event Staff shall not be liable to me for any loss or damage arising from my participation in the Event, including indirect or consequential loss or damage.
2.2 Nothing in this disclaimer shall be construed as limiting or excluding the Organiser’s liability for:
(a) death or personal injury which arises as a consequence of the Organiser’s negligence, or the negligence of the Event Staff; or
(b) fraudulent misrepresentation; or
(c) any other matter for which it would be illegal or unlawful for the Organiser to exclude or attempt to exclude its liability.
3. AGREEMENT
3.1 I have read and fully understood all the terms of this disclaimer. I confirm that I am not relying on any statements or representations by any person or entity as an inducement to my fully and voluntarily engaging in the activities at the Event and assuming the risks and obligations stated above.
3.2 I give permission to the Organiser to use photographs of me and any other record of my participation in the Event for any legitimate purpose. I understand that any and all likenesses of me captured during the Event by the Organiser or Event Staff shall become the sole property of the Organiser.
3.3 If any court or competent authority finds that any provision of this document (or part of any provision) is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that provision or part-provision shall, to the extent required, be deemed to be deleted, and the validity and enforceability of the other provisions of this agreement shall not be affected.
PARTICIPANTS MUST BE OVER 18 YEARS OLD TO TAKE PART IN THE EVENT UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY A GUARDIAN OVER 18 YEARS OLD WHO TAKES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEM.
Image credit
The image at the top of this blog post was taken by Naomi Locardi during the Fujifilm Photowalk in Cologne at photokina 2014.
The Photography Show is our annual excuse to talk all things camera, and to add to the excitement we have an expert line-up of pro X photographers who will be sharing their hands-on experience with you throughout the show.
Bert Stephani
Bert is a professional photographer from Belgium who spends most of his time shooting creative portraits for editorial, commercial and private clients. He believes in sharing knowledge with other photographers by teaching workshops around the world, blogging and producing educational videos.
The Beauty of the Imperfection
Here you will learn tips and tricks for shooting creative portraits with simple camera & lighting equipment. Bert will also talk about the importance of subject interaction.
Date: Tuesday 24 March 2015
Time: 11:30 – 12:00
Stage: Live Stage
Date: Monday 23 March 2015
Time: 11:30 – 12:00
Stage: Live Stage
Kevin Mullins is a Wiltshire-based award winning wedding photographer who specialises in telling stories, through pictures, of weddings. The style of wedding photography he uses is known as documentary wedding photography, or reportage wedding photography and he is passionate about photographing weddings authentically, sympathetically and responsibly.
Reportage Photography for Weddings
Explore reportage photography from a wedding and social documentary point of view. Learn how to get close to your subjects without disrupting the event and how to look for humour and emotion in a scene.
Date: Monday 23 March 2015
Time: 13:00 – 13:40
Stage: Behind the Lens theatre
Paul became a professional photographer in 1984, and moved into newspapers in 1991, eventually becoming Picture Editor of The Times. In 2011 he left The Times to pursue his love of landscape photography and to launch a project for young children to develop visual and creative awareness through photography.
His work conveys the emotional and spiritual responses he has to the landscape in front of him. His journey from news photographer to landscape photography began as a form of therapy to help deal with the stress of his job. Through photography he was able to express himself where words failed him.
Connecting with your Landscape
Learn a mindful approach to landscape photography and how to connect with your subject. Paul will also show you the importance of equipment that doesn’t get in the way of your vision.
Date: Monday 23 March 2015
Time: 17:00-17:40
Stage: Behind the Lens Theatre
Matt Hart is a black and white Street and Event Photographer based in Liverpool. He is an official Fujifilm X Photographer; a Formatt Hitech featured Artist and the founder of The Fujiholics Social Media Group.
Matt is passionate about Street Photography, he has developed the skill to observe and be virtually invisible, letting the world carry on around him without affecting the scene. The subject is unaware. Matt keeps the system and process as simple as possible so as not to over complicate the task. This is why he has chosen the Fuji X system for his professional work which helps him to achieve his style.
Street Life
Here you will learn Matt Hart’s modern street style and how to be invisible when shooting street photography. You will also be shown street camera techniques that Matt uses to maximum effect.
Date: Saturday 21 March 2015
Time: 12:00-12:30
Stage: Streetscape
Date: Sunday 22 March 2015
Time: 15:00-15:30
Stage: Streetscape
All shows listed above are free of charge (as long as you have purchased a Photography Show entry ticket) – the show recommends that you arrive 15 minutes early to ensure a seat.
We look forward to seeing you all there very soon!
So today marked a big day for the photography industry in the UK. It was the first day of the inaugural Photography Show held at the NEC in Birmingham.
Last year when everyone heard the news that Focus on Imaging was to end, everyone’s hearts were heavy and no-one was quite sure if this was a sign that the imaging industry might be on the decline. However, when it was announced that The Photography Show would take it’s place, optimism was restored and we’ve been looking forward to this event ever since.
Here’s a few images I shot throughout the day. If you can’t make it, hopefully this will give you a bit of an insight into what you are missing.
Here’s our stand yesterday afternoon. Built but not furnished…… and here it is, ready to go this morning. X certainly marks the spot!The gates open, the stampede begins.As anticipated, the X-T1 drew a huge crowd of people that wanted to get their hands on one.Here’s the two most popular items on the Fujifilm stand: the X-T1 and the XF56mmF1.2 lens.As Fujifilm is celebrating 80 years in photography, we thought we’d make a wee mention of it on our standLater in the afternoon when the crowd subsided a bit, these visitors finally get their hands on the X-T1 for the first time.Here’s our man Nathan talking about the X-T1. If it’s possible, he’s even more in love with it than I am!The Fujifilm X Signature service will launch very soon. Here’s a few sample cameras showing off some of the unique colours you will soon be able to have.
Meanwhile, away from the Fujifilm stand…
Calumet are one of the retailers that are here at The Photography Show and selling Fujifilm productsCamera World are another…International Garden Photographer of the Year had this awesome garden. Here I’m spotted by a fellow X100S user while trying to shoot people shooting flowers (mind, blown)Could this be a clever nod to previous photography events at the NEC?There’s a live stage with various talkers covering various different subjects.Fujifilm’s Adam getting photobombed. Or Fujifilm’s Adam photobombing someone else. You choose.
Meeting point: Victoria Square
Bert is a professional photographer from Belgium who spends most of his time shooting creative portraits for editorial, commercial and private clients. He believes in sharing knowledge with other photographers by teaching workshops around the world, blogging and producing educational videos.
Kevin Mullins is a Wiltshire-based award winning wedding photographer who specialises in telling stories, through pictures, of weddings. The style of wedding photography he uses is known as documentary wedding photography, or reportage wedding photography and he is passionate about photographing weddings authentically, sympathetically and responsibly.
Paul became a professional photographer in 1984, and moved into newspapers in 1991, eventually becoming Picture Editor of The Times. In 2011 he left The Times to pursue his love of landscape photography and to launch a project for young children to develop visual and creative awareness through photography.
You must be logged in to post a comment.