Always Learning: Insights from The Photography & Video Show 2026

It is always good to step away from the desk and the viewfinder to see what the wider industry is up to. I recently spent a day at The Photography & Video Show, and it was one of those days that reminds you why staying curious is so important in a creative field.

As a photographer, you never really stop being a student. Technology is a core part of what we do, and it evolves at a pace that can be hard to keep up with if you stay tucked away in your own studio. Whether it is a new sensor in a camera, a more efficient way to rig lighting, or a leap forward in photo editing software, there is always a better way to do things than you did yesterday.

Refining the Craft

I spent a good portion of the day watching a handful of talks focused on both technique and marketing. One of the standout workshops I attended was on posing techniques. It was a great reminder that while lighting and gear are vital, the way you direct a person in front of the lens is what truly brings an image to life. It is about making people feel comfortable and confident, which is something I always strive for with my clients.

I also had a particularly insightful 1:1 mentoring session with Jeff Brown. Having an outside perspective from someone with that level of experience is invaluable. It helps you zoom out and look at your photography business from a different angle, ensuring that the way you present yourself to clients is as sharp as the images you deliver.

Innovation and Collaboration

Walking the floor at these shows usually reveals some incredible bits of kit that solve problems you didn't even know you had. One of the coolest things I saw was an electric ride on equipment cart. For any photographer who has spent a long day hauling heavy cases across a vast event space or between city centre locations, the idea of a motorised cart is a complete game changer for efficiency and physical longevity.

Beyond the technical learning, one of the best parts of these shows is the networking. I managed to catch up with my good friends Jo and Sean, who run Brave New Beast. They are a video production company based in the Midlands, and it is always great to swap notes with people who are equally passionate about visual storytelling.

As I have mentioned before, there is a massive benefit to photographers and videographers working closely together. Catching up with them reminded me how much the two worlds overlap and how much we can learn from each other’s processes.

Ending on a High

The day wrapped up at a networking drinks event hosted by Adobe. It was the perfect way to decompress after a long day of learning and to chat with other creatives in a more relaxed setting.

Stepping out of the North West for a day to immerse myself in the latest industry trends and catch up with old friends was exactly what I needed. It is a reminder that while the gear and the software change constantly, the core of the job is still about people, learning, and finding new ways to tell a brand's story.

Explore more insights from decoy:

• Why a unified photo and video team is the best choice for our brand
• How to write a professional photography brief
• Our guide to hiring a professional event photographer

Are you looking to capture fresh content for your brand? Contact decoy today to discuss your next project.