We're all gearing up for
Focus on Imaging. Some people have called Focus “Britain's biggest camera shop” and it's true that it's a great place to head for bargains. But if you just go to shop you might miss some of the cool things.
There are talks from people like top wedding photographer Jeff Ascough and Malcolm Matthieson. If you want to make money from your photography then maybe drop in on Malcolm's talk - last year he turned over £750,000, working from a spare bedroom with less than £2,000 of kit. I've seen him talk before and you'll be in for a very interesting hour. These talks need to be booked in advance and will cost you £23.50 each.
But I love free stuff. Some of the vendors are going all out to attract you to their stands with special bargains. The manufacturers can't sell you stuff so they bring along celebrity photographers to draw the punters. Swing by the Kata stand and you'll have the chance to meet Andy Rouse (on Sunday and Monday). Kata make rugged bags and distribute Gitzo tripods. I'm sure if you go to their stand they will be only too happy to show you their new DSLR cleaning system, National Geographic bags and anything else they can fit in the NEC. Me? I'll be going along to see Andy Rouse's new pictures from his trip to South Georgia. That will probably make the trip up the M42 worth it on its own.
