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In January 2026, I got a text that every event creative loves to see.
A contact who works with d&b audiotechnik reached out and asked if I'd be available to step in as a hybrid photographer and videographer for the NAMM Conference. They were launching a brand new product line called the U Series, and needed fast, flexible social media focused content during their live demos.
I didn't hesitate. I immediately said yes and went into prep mode.
Preparing a Hybrid Photo and Video Rig for NAMM
NAMM is not the kind of event where you can move slowly or overthink your setup. Everything happens fast, the rooms are packed, and the moments you want are often unscripted.
For this shoot, I built a hybrid social first setup that allowed me to switch seamlessly between photo and video throughout the day.
My primary camera for video was a Sony FX30 built out as a social rig with a top handle and on camera microphone. Alongside that, I ran a Sony A7 IV for photography. To cover everything from wide environmental shots to tight emotional details, I rotated between an 11mm, 35mm, and 85mm lens throughout the day.
To stay mobile, I used quick release straps across my body so I could move between cameras instantly without stopping the flow of the event. That flexibility ended up being key.
Arriving Early and Capturing the Energy Before the Crowds
I arrived early to the convention center to capture content inside the demo room before things got busy. This is one of the most important parts of covering a conference like NAMM.
Before the crowds fill in, you can capture clean visuals of the space, the gear setup, branded signage, and the calm before the storm. As people began to arrive, my focus shifted toward candid moments. Smiling faces, reactions during demos, conversations at the booth, and organic interactions are what make social content actually perform.
The d&b team was incredibly dialed in, and seeing the U Series demoed live was honestly a highlight of the day. Watching engineers, musicians, and industry professionals react in real time to the sound was a reminder of why in person product launches still matter so much.
Shooting Through the Rain and Heading Off Site
Around midday, the weather turned and rain rolled in. But honestly, that didn't slow anything down.
At about 2:00 PM, I headed over to an off site demo in Cerritos, which added a completely different vibe to the day. Getting out of the convention environment and into a more controlled demo space was a cool contrast. It gave the content variety and helped tell a fuller story around the launch.
Between the convention center and the off site demo, I was constantly switching between photo and video, documenting everything from wide establishing shots to small behind the scenes moments.
photos captured
video clips
Same Day Delivery to a Global Team
One of the biggest priorities for this project was speed.
Because d&b's editing team is based in the UK, I organized and delivered all raw photo and video files the same day. That allowed their team to immediately begin editing and pushing content while the conference was still happening.
In fast moving events like NAMM, turnaround time is just as important as quality.
Why Hybrid Coverage Matters for Conferences Like NAMM
Events like the NAMM Conference are a perfect example of why hybrid photo and video coverage is so valuable. Brands don't just need a recap video weeks later. They need content in real time for social media, internal teams, and global audiences.
Being able to switch instantly between photography and video meant nothing was missed. Every reaction, demo moment, and candid interaction became usable content.
Covering the U Series launch for d&b audiotechnik was an incredible experience and a reminder of how powerful live events can be when they're captured intentionally.
If you're planning a product launch, conference, or live demo and need a photographer videographer who understands both storytelling and speed, this is exactly the kind of work I love doing.
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