If you’ve ever found yourself getting lost in a gallery, geeking out over camera gear, or chasing the perfect sunset shot, there’s one event you’ll want in your calendar this August: PhotoLive Expo. Back for another year at the Novotel on Adelaide Terrace, it’s Perth’s biggest day out for anyone with a passion for photography — whether you shoot for a living, share everything to Instagram, or just want to learn what all the fuss is about.
PhotoLive Expo is run by Camera Electronic, the family-owned business that’s been looking after WA’s photographers for generations. But this isn’t just a day for buying new gear (although there will be plenty of deals). The real drawcard is the experience — equal parts masterclass, community catch-up, and an excuse to get hands-on with the latest in cameras, drones, and lighting. Expect a full house of photo and video pros, special guests from across Australia, and more real-world advice than you can scribble down in a single afternoon.
Key sessions & workshops
PhotoLive Expo 2025 is packed with talks and workshops led by photographers who actually walk the walk. If you want to take your shooting to the next level, or just see what’s possible with the right guidance, these are the sessions you don’t want to miss.
Andrew Clarke: Video & Filmmaking in Low Light
Andrew Clarke knows that the best stories aren’t always told in perfect conditions. His workshop is dedicated to the art of filming in low light — think after-dark events, moody interiors, and those times when turning on a light just isn’t an option. He’ll share how to get sharp, cinematic footage and crisp audio when the sun goes down, with plenty of practical tips for both camera and editing.
Tony Hewitt: Travel
Tony Hewitt’s approach to travel photography is about more than just ticking off landmarks. His session unpacks the process of capturing the feeling of a place — those subtle shifts in light and atmosphere that make a destination unique. Expect to learn how to pre-visualise your shots, adapt to changing conditions, and use composition and colour to tell a story that goes beyond a postcard.
Belle Verdiglione: Portraits
Belle Verdiglione is known for portraits that feel honest and unforced. In her workshop, she’ll dig into how to make your subject feel seen (and comfortable), with a focus on bringing out genuine expression and character. Whether you’re working in a studio or on the street, Belle’s advice is all about finding the story in every face, and capturing it with confidence.
Nick Melidonis: Unleash the Power of Lightroom
If your photos tend to stall out at the editing stage, Nick Melidonis is the guy to change that. His session is a deep dive into Adobe Lightroom, covering the tools, workflow, and creative techniques that give your images punch and polish. From managing files to finessing colour and contrast, Nick helps you get past the basics and start using Lightroom like a pro.
Thom Davidson: Food Photography
Thom Davidson’s (ShotbyThom) food photography workshop is about turning everyday dishes into mouth-watering images. He’ll cover how to work with natural and artificial light, build a scene, and style food to make it leap off the screen. If you want to make your next food shot scroll-stopping, Thom has you covered.
Beyond the workshops, the expo is buzzing with live demos, gear experts, and a handful of VIPs. You’ll spot drone master Scott Jon in the DJI booth, street photography legend Jesse Marlow at Leica, lighting specialist Ben Broady at Sony, and Nikon’s Jed Lyall running complimentary portrait sessions at Nanlite. If you want to update your profile pic, now’s your chance.
How to get tickets
PhotoLive Expo is on Sunday, August 17th at Novotel on Adelaide Terrace, running from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets are limited and always go quickly — head to photoliveexpo.com.au for details, the full schedule, and to book your spot.
