This past week saw the annual pilgrimage to the Birmingham NEC, from all over the UK and beyond, to visit The Photography Show 2017. As ever it was full to the brim with talks, demonstrations, camera gear, accessories and everything else you can think of that revolves around the industry and, once again, I had a hugely enjoyable four days attending and presenting at the show for Nikon.
With this year being part of the 100 years of Nikon anniversary, the stand had a few classic cameras and lenses on show with the 2000mm f11 being a particular attraction, sat alongside the more modern telephotos. When not drooling over classic gear (as much as I love the modern kit, it’s great to see the equipment from years gone by that led to what we shoot with now) I had great fun hosting my talks each day to standing room only audiences – a running theme for the stands entire programme, which made for a very busy corner of the NEC throughout the show!
Drawing large crowds is always very humbling and to see so many of you coming along to listen to me speak makes it a real pleasure to share my work. This year my talk centred around the journey I’ve been on with my wildlife photography over the years and also involved a little audience participation, which provoked the right reactions at the right time. Always a relief!
Putting talks and gear aside, The Photography Show really wouldn’t be the experience it is for me without meeting other like-minded people and spending time with friends old and new. So not only was it was great to chat to those I’ve spoken to on social media but hadn’t met before but also, catch up with familiar faces. And with a full line-up of the UK Ambassador contingent on show, it was great to see everyone including the News and Film & TV flavours of Leon Neal and Helen Sloan (who has the most amazing poker face when anyone asks her about Game of Thrones insider info), alongside an international mash-up with two of our USA cousins in the shape of the legendary Joe McNally and the lovely Dixie Dixon.
TPS is also one of the very rare occasions in which I get to see the final output of one of my images being printed exceptionally large. This year saw one of my Dalmatian Pelicans from Lake Kerkini making part of the Nikon stand set dressing.
Needless to say, it was a packed four days and I’m very much looking forward to The Photography Show 2018. Thank you once again to those who came to listen to me talk, I hope to see you there again next year!
