Focus on Imaging 2012 at the Birmingham NEC

DPNow · #1 01-03-12

Here is a summary or excerpt from an article that has just been published on DPNow:

It's the time of year for the UK's largest photo industry shindig, Focus on Imaging 2012 at the Birmingham National Exhibition Centre (NEC). DPNow's editor, Ian Burley, will be compiling a video report on the first day of the show this Sunday. And later in the week he will be a guest speaker, too.

Click here to read the whole article...

Caz · #2 01-03-12

Since I don't think I can get any time off next week (short staffed) I'm thinking of coming up on the Sunday so may wave at your video at some point.

Not in the market for any more camera gear at the moment (unless I see a 24-70 f2.8 at an amazing price) as I've just splashed out on ebay: a package of 7D plus f2.8 70-200mm L lens - and the credit card bill has arrived today

.

More going to be looking at the seminars/studio equipment this time round... Still trying to decide whether to go up on Saturday afternoon so I can get there for that talk at 10.30!

Anyone else going to be about?
Carol

Ian · #3 04-03-12

I'm at the show today to compile my video tour/report that will be published this afternoon/evening. I will also be at the show on Tuesday and Wednesday as I will speaking on the Olympus stand.

Ian

Barr1e · #4 04-03-12

Is there a 50% off offer on entry and products for OAP's.

Regards. Barr1e

Caz · #5 04-03-12

You'll be lucky Barrie.. got my Black Rapid harness, had it fitted and was also given lots of freebies from him too. Time for lunch..

Ian · #6 04-03-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barr1e

Is there a 50% off offer on entry and products for OAP's.

Regards. Barr1e

Pretty sure it's free to get in anyway

We're having a panel debate on the Olympus stand at 1PM on Tuesday if you are interested Barr1e?

And anyone else here - if you are, let me know!

Ian

Geoff · #7 04-03-12

I should be there on Tuesday, I'll try to get to the Olympus stand to see you in the flesh!

Geoff.

Barr1e · #8 04-03-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Pretty sure it's free to get in anyway

We're having a panel debate on the Olympus stand at 1PM on Tuesday if you are interested Barr1e?

And anyone else here - if you are, let me know!

Ian

Hi Ian -

We are not sure whether to go to the show, it will be Wednesday if we do.

Regards. Barr1e

Barr1e · #9 04-03-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caz

You'll be lucky Barrie.. got my Black Rapid harness, had it fitted and was also given lots of freebies from him too. Time for lunch..

Ooh freebies, how pleasing - I hope lunch was too.

Is your harness going to be attached to a parachute?

How busy was the show please?

Regards. Barr1e

Ian · #10 04-03-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barr1e

Hi Ian -

We are not sure whether to go to the show, it will be Wednesday if we do.

Regards. Barr1e

I will be hanging around the Olympus stand from around 3PM.

Ian

Caz · #11 04-03-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barr1e

Ooh freebies, how pleasing - I hope lunch was too.

Is your harness going to be attached to a parachute?

How busy was the show please?

Regards. Barr1e

Parachute? I don't think you'll get me on one of them!! Since I broke my back 3 years ago (crushed vertebrae which have now fused as it was undetected) I have a real phobia of falling so jumping out of a plane does NOT appeal.

The show was absolutely heaving from 10.30 - 2.00, but after that it really got a lot quieter and you could actually talk to people.

However, not sure that the show is free - we pre-registered about Wednesday and were pleased that our tickets arrived on Saturday. We paid £8 each - registration is now closed, so I think it's £10 on the door: http://www.focus-on-imaging.co.uk/registration.htm

Lunch was good - we paid our B&B £4 each for sandwiches, crisps, fruit and choccy bar which is much better than the usual greasy muck that's available at these shows.

Not so many freebies this year though. The link above will also give you a list of exhibitors.

If you go, have a great time

Carol

Ian · #12 05-03-12

Thanks for the clarification - I don't have to pay of course but I had heard from some friends in previous years who hadn't needed to pay.

Ian

David M · #13 05-03-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ian

Thanks for the clarification - I don't have to pay of course but I had heard from some friends in previous years who hadn't needed to pay.

Ian

There was no entry fee when I used to go. When the show started it was for pros only, you had to prove you were a pro and you got your ticket in the post.

But I haven't gone since the mid 90's.

Caz · #14 05-03-12

Quote:

Originally Posted by David M

There was no entry fee when I used to go. When the show started it was for pros only, you had to prove you were a pro and you got your ticket in the post.

But I haven't gone since the mid 90's.

I didn't think I quite qualified as a pro, though looking at some of the so-called pros yesterday from now on I will... think pros still don't have to pay.

Geoff · #15 05-03-12

You don't need to be a pro photographer to get in free, you just need to be "trade", which can be anyone who uses photography or imaging in their business. However, don't forget the £8 parking fee, this used to be free until a few years ago but seems to go up every year but it is worth it as there is plenty of secure car parking.

Geoff.