You have to feel for the organisers of this brand new photography show. Like so many other events, venue was arranged, guests were booked, and for those with a love of photography, this was set to be an ideal place to meet and talk to liked minded enthusiasts. The first event had to be cancelled, the rescheduled date for this year has also changed, but we feel sure when it starts again next year, it’ll be well worth the wait.
We always love to bring some fresh to you and with this show we have a new venue and a brand new event and for all lovers of photography, we mean the real McCoy with a camera and lens, then this is definitely for you.
The WALES & WEST PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW, the first of its kind in Wales, is to be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC). Originally set for last, and this summer, the event has been rescheduled to 2022.
The event will showcase the latest photographic and video equipment from the biggest international brands and will feature free seminars and presentations from professional photographers and videographers across the two days. We’ve been told there’ll also be some exclusive special offers which will be available over the weekend from brands such as Sony, Olympus, Sigma, and many more!
But don’t think this is only an event for those in the photography know. If you want to get out your camera and start taking pictures away from your smartphone, or fed up with a gallery full of selfies, and looking to create some real memories you and your family can hang onto for a lifetime, then this is definitely for you too.
Although the full schedule is still being finalised we wanted to let you know what’s happening so you can get the dates in your diary. Some of the guest speakers they have already lined up you will know, so you may not know directly but undoubtedly will have come across their incredible work.
BILL WARD is best know for his appearance in Coronation Street and Emmerdale but he is also PENTAX Ambassador. Bill is an actor and photographer, born and raised in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. He regularly receive awards for his work and has permanent exhibitions in a number of galleries and studios. Bill takes an interest in landscapes whether natural, urban or industrial and enjoys capturing the passing of time in a single photographic frame using long exposures.
As a photographer, Bill is essentially self-taught, and has been taking photographs since the age of 6. Constantly in search of peace and quiet, his photography is a response, and in many ways, an antidote to the time he spends as an actor working in the public eye. He is specifically drawn to water, and has a strong interest in history. Things that were once great, faded glory, a wistfulness for a time when, loom very big on his radar. Bill has pretty much always shot on Pentax cameras and is currently doing some great stuff for us on the K-1.
ANDY ROUSE will show some spectacular images and share experiences from his first few months shooting with the Olympus OM-D E-M1X. Expect all kinds of homegrown wildlife plus his polar bears and tigers that have both been featured in the press lately.
Andy advocates the benefits of nature and photography for improved mental health and well-being in his new book. He’s a lovely man to chat to, which we’ll be doing very soon. We’ll let you know when you can watch and read that interview.
His new book – ‘Tuning into Nature’ describes his personal journey during lockdown – instead of his usual job photographing polar bears or tigers and leading wildlife tours around the world – he re-discovered the local wildlife on his doorstep in Wales and talks about how nature can provide a free counselling service. His subsequent images have already begun to inspire and guide thousands of people worldwide through motivational social media posts and YouTube videos.
Andy’s work has been used all over the world on almost everything you can think of, and yes before you ask, it has decorated a kitchen sink. His work has appeared on aircraft, on haute couture clothes, multiple ranges of greetings cards, posters, calendars and even an LP cover.
HANNAH COUZENS is a multi award winning professional portrait photographer based in St.Albans, but she definitely is not just any High Street Photographer. She is a professional portrait photographer with a passion / obsession for light. Hannah is a European Ambassador for SONY IMAGING (the first female from the UK) and is a speaker and educator for premium global light brand PROFOTO.
Hannah made her entrance into the photography world by entering the record books with The British Institute of Professional Photography for being one of the youngest members to qualify within the history of the institute at the tender age of 19!
Having gained experience within the photographic industry (and not just in the UK) Hannah felt it was time to bring her style to the high street by opening her first portrait studio in Cuffley at the age of just 22. In October 2009 she decided to open a second studio in St. Albans which she has run for the past 10 years.
We think you have to agree, that picture is absolutely stunning. Her love of teaching and speaking now takes her around the world on a regular basis which is why she no longer has a high street studio. Hannah now works from a fantastic basement studio in central London and a beautiful space in a listed building in the heart of St.Albans.
So the line up of speakers is second to none for this inaugural event. As for the venue, well, the new ICC is pretty as a picture too……
Whether you’re just starting out in the amazing world of photography or a seasoned professional the WALES & WEST PHOTOGRAPHY SHOW has something for you. Access to exclusive show deals across the two day event from all the biggest brands is available to all attendees.
The show is now on the 9th and 10th July 2022 at the ICC in Newport (Celtic Manor Resort). Doors open on the Saturday 12:00 to 6pm. Sunday 10:00 to 5pm. There’s a variety of ticket prices and deals, starting at just £5 for early bird admission, they have all now gone I’m afraid. If you’d like more details and to get yours, go here. PHOTOGRAPHY