Where it's 'At' this time of year is the NEC Birmingham for the second annual Photography Show. It was bigger, bolder, and by the size of the crowds, more popular than ever.
Although the glinty, shiny pieces of kit did make me feel like a magpie on speed, this year I decided to use my time by listening to the talks of some of them all time greats of photography. The talks from Tom Stoddard. Mary Ellen Mark, Susan Meiselas and my personal favourite Martin Parr inspired both awe and 'what's the point' deflation. Ironically, against the backdrop of one of the industries biggest equipment trade fairs, the artists were extolling the virtues of passion, commitment and compulsion rather than equipment choices and technology. It was a true contrast between selling and living the dream.
Along with other shows the NEC was hosting ComicCon on the same weekend. Train carriages, platforms and communal areas overspilled with a comedic mix of predominantly white, middle age (and, ahem, bald) men and fun loving, super hero costumed youngsters.
I hope they share the bill again next year, as you never I know I might see you there...in costume.
Till next time,
Matt Peers
