For photographers there is only one place to be during 12-14 June 2015: The RAW Expo. Taking place daily at Helderfontein Estate, Midrand, the RAW Expo is the photographic event this winter. Not convinced quite yet? Try these seven reasons to attend.

1 - It's FREE!

It’s difficult to argue with the price of the RAW Expo, especially since it doesn’t cost a cent to enter. Thus, you can attend some of the free photography seminars, explore what the exhibitors have to offer, try out gear you may have your eye on, and generally just spend a great day (or three) in the company of other photographers. Oh yes, parking is also gratis.

2 - Awesome SPECIALS

Top photographic equipment tends to be on the expensive side, but one way to take the edge off your ‘Gear Acquisition Syndrome’ is by taking advantage of the specials on offer at the RAW Expo. With an array of photographic equipment vendors present, selling some of the top equipment in the market, you’ll have ample opportunity to spend some quality hands-on time with the latest gear available. Luckily, you – and your budget – will be well served by watching out for the special pricing offered at the RAW Expo. 

3 - THREE FULL DAYS of Photography

Chances are that you likely wish you could have more time to devote to your photos, or just the opportunity to immerse yourself more fully in all that photography has to offer. The Expo offers ample opportunity to do both, covering three full days from 12-14 June 2015, from 09h00 to 18h00 daily. Not one of the days will be the same, since different seminars, workshops and studio sessions will be held on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

4 - LOTS to Learn

There is perhaps no better way to get a new perspective and revitalise your photography than to hear from pro photographers and learn from their approaches to the art. To that end, the RAW Explo will offer an array of free seminars on storytelling, portraiture and wedding photography amongst many others. Also available to stir your passion are a number of in-depth masterclasses (R150) and full-on studio sessions (R250) with some of the top photographers in South Africa, including Brett Florens, Craig Kolesky, Adrian Steirn and Christine Meintjes. For a detailed list of seminars, masterclasses and studio sessions, download the programme here.

5 - WIN amazing gear

Even if you don’t buy anything at the Expo, or sign up for any of the masterclasses, you could still walk away with some fantastic gear just by registering and attending one of the three days of the RAW Expo.

On offer as prize is:

●       the full frame Nikon D750 plus AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR lens,

●       a Tamron A011 SP 150-600mm f/5-6.3 Di VC USD lens

●       the Lexar 1000x 16GB Pro SD card

●       a Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW Backpack

●       the Elinchrom 20844.2 D-Lite RX One Umbrella To Go Kit

●       a Manfrotto MK055XPRO3-3W tripod with XPRO 3-Way Head

6 - The PARLOTONES live!

Need some entertainment to make your weekend more colourful? The RAW Expo will provide in more ways than one, with The Parlotones lending their musical talents to the festivities. Join them for a 90 minute concert on the Friday evening of the Expo (18h30) – and don’t forget to bring your camera! The Parlotones will also debut their video for the single Electricity, shot by Damon Hyland, one of the speakers at the RAW Expo.

7 - ALL Photographers Welcome

It doesn’t matter what brand of gear you are currently using, the RAW Expo is about the love of photography and improving your skills. Whether you are a photo newbie, or a seasoned pro, you will find something to like at the RAW Expo.

For more information on the RAW Expo, visit the website, or join the Facebook event page.