With the RAW Expo now in full swing (and running until Sunday), here’s a handy To-Do list for all photographers planning to attend the event.

1. Clear your Calendar

If you already have something planned, scratch it out – it’s photography time. If you can’t attend all three, well allow at least one day to come explore, learn and enjoy. Keep in mind that entrance for the Expo is completely free.

2. Make sure you know where it is

Set your destination for Helderfontein Estate, Midrand. Once you are inside the Estate, you’ll find your path clearly marked to the exact spot where the RAW Expo is taking place. Still unsure? Click here for the location in Google Maps.

3. Do careful Planning

There is a LOT to do at the RAW Expo. Apart from exploring the latest photographic gear on offer and mingling with fellow light-capturers, some of SA’s top professional photographers will be there to share their knowledge. This will be done through free Seminars during the course of each day. If these one hour sessions are not enough, then how about a Studio Sessions or Master Class with a pro? Each day is different, so do your planning well.

To download the complete programme for the RAW Expo as a PDF, click here.

You can also find the schedule for each day online:

●       Friday, 12 June 2015

●       Saturday, 13 June 2015

●       Sunday, 14 June 2015.

4. Remember your Wallet

Although parking, entrance and Seminars are free, you might just want to remember to bring your wallet. On offer will be the best new photographic gear from the top brands available, with some amazing Expo specials on offer. Also, for the peckish and thirsty there will be some delicious food and drink from vendors. Finally, if you want to attend the Studio Sessions (R150) and Master Classes (R250), you can book beforehand here, and remember, each participant will receive a Nikon gift voucher for the equivalent amount as a thank you. 

5. Register to Win

Although you don’t need to register to attend, by doing so you might just walk away with an amazing prize. Register and attend during any one of the days, and you might walk away with:

●       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. Pack your Dancing Shoes

If you need a final bit of convincing to come to the RAW Expo, let The Parlotones do it for you. The internationally acclaimed home brewed talent will be playing live starting at 18h30 the Friday evening for a 90 minute set. They are fresh from Lesotho, where they were on location to shoot the music video for Electricity, which will debut at RAW. If you’ve never tried your hand at concert photography, this will be a good time to start!

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