The Photography Show is now open – and the Creator Playground is heaven for selfies, silly shots and testing kit
(Image credit: James Artaius)
If you're heading to The Photography Show & The Video Show over the next few days (it's taking place at the NEC in Birmingham, England on 17, 18 and 20 September) make sure you stop by the Creator Playground – it literally is a photographic play park!
Whether you're a vlogger or content creator thirsty for an amazing location to film footage, a selfie lover looking for the best background, or someone who wants to try a bit of kit by taking some fun test shots, the Creator Playground has plenty of pretty things to point your lens at.
There's a giant Pentax K1000 SLR, complete with oversized roll of Kodak film. There's a psychedelic zebra with a disco ball, neon sunglasses and feather boas. A replica 1950s American diner, with giant ice creams and a balloon pit. A flamingo-themed chaise longue. A swing seat with fluffy clouds. A neon funfair tunnel with a wacky mirror at the end…
If you're looking to take some fun photos, there's plenty of quirky, cool and crazy things to commit to your memory card.
The Photography Show & The Video Show is hosting over 250 of the biggest and best brands in the industry, including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and OM System, with over 350 talks and demonstrations taking place from the likes of Cristina Mittermeier, Roberto Valenzuela, Colin Prior and Jack Harries.
The event is also showcasing the latest cameras, lenses, bags, printers, filters, film, software and all manner of photo and video equipment – including the likes of the Hasselblad X2D and Fujifilm X-H2, making their public debut after being announced just last week.
Get the Digital Camera World Newsletter
The best camera deals, reviews, product advice, and unmissable photography news, direct to your inbox!
As a mark of respect, The Photography Show & The Video Show will close on Monday 19 for HRH The Queen's funeral.
Opening hours for the show are as follows:
10:00 - 17:00 – Saturday, 17 September
10:00 - 17:00 – Sunday, 18 September
10:00 - 17:00 – Tuesday, 20 September
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.