{"id":847,"date":"2019-03-17T16:03:34","date_gmt":"2019-03-17T16:03:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.smudgeonthelens.co.uk\/?p=847"},"modified":"2019-11-21T09:29:53","modified_gmt":"2019-11-21T09:29:53","slug":"the-nec-photography-show-was-it-worth-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.smudgeonthelens.co.uk\/?p=847","title":{"rendered":"The NEC Photography Show – Was it Worth it?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"
Image from The Photography Show Facebook site<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

It involved a 6 hour round trip. When factoring in ticket prices, parking and petrol, it also involved a not inconsiderable sum of money just to get through the front door. But was it worth it?<\/p>\n\n\n

Now my legs aren’t so weary after circling the venue several times yesterday, I’m feeling more positive. I’ll say it was 80% worth it, with a 20% sprinkle of disappointment. <\/p>\n\n\n

What was good?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
  • The free talks. There were 4 key stages from The Great Outdoors to even a mock up wedding venue, back due to the popularity of wedding photography. I watched a couple of these, which were popular and standing room only.<\/li>
  • Some traders were giving free talks, demos and training. <\/li>
  • The big names were there from Canon, Wex, Manfrotto. <\/li>
  • Chatting with random strangers about photography. Nice to be under the same roof with so many people with the same interest!<\/li>
  • The ability to look and feel products. It’s much easier to tell if something is right when you can feel it for yourself.<\/li>
  • Getting ideas and inspiration, especially from people with years of experience.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n

    What was disappointing?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
    • If you have mobility issues, this event is tricky. Lots of the stalls are on mini platforms. Many are crowded and difficult to get around. <\/li>
    • The free speakers constant reference to their sponsors and products. Did grind a bit.<\/li>
    • So called ‘show prices’. Use the free WiFi available and do a quick bit of research before buying here! Some prices are still extortionate.<\/li>
    • Probably obvious, but there’s always someone hovering around ready to make a sell. I’m not a fan of that environment and just prefer to look. However, they are there to make money!<\/li>
    • Failure to buy what I had on my shopping list. I wanted an entry level light meter and flash. Could I see these anywhere? No. If not at a photography show, then where?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n

      Top tips:<\/h2>\n\n\n
      • Do your price research before you go. You can still find a bargain. <\/li>
      • Wear comfy shoes – it involves lots of walking.<\/li>
      • Take your own bags.<\/li>
      • Bring your own snacks – show prices are a bit toppy!<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n

        I would go again, but not next year. I think this is a once in a few years event. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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