Playgrounds · Looking back at 2026
Experience & try out photography
Boxing ring, samba show, circus, live kitchen and jungle: in the Imaging World playgrounds you take the pictures yourself – right in the middle of the action.
The creative playground of the fair
The playgrounds are among the most popular areas of Imaging World. Here, photography is not just shown – it is experienced. You test cameras and lenses under real conditions, try out lighting setups and take your own pictures home with you.
Many sets are built especially for the fair and offer subjects, lighting moods and perspectives you rarely find in everyday life.
New playgrounds for Imaging World 2027 at Koelnmesse in Cologne are being created right now. We’ll reveal which worlds await you in the coming months – first in the newsletter.
Looking back at 2026
These were the 2026 playgrounds
Five experience worlds, countless subjects – this much action, flavor and atmosphere awaited visitors at Imaging World 2026.
Boxing ring
Real fights, fast movement, hard contrasts: in the boxing ring, autofocus and burst mode were put to the test under competition conditions.
Samba dancers
Colorful costumes, feathers and pure energy – the dancers brought rhythm and color in front of the cameras.
Juggler
Clubs, balls and speed: with the juggler it was all about the perfect moment between throw and catch.
Live kitchen
Professional chefs at the stove, sizzling pans and perfectly plated dishes – food photography to touch and taste.
Jungle
Lush greenery, natural lighting moods and lots of details – ideal for macro, portrait and nature shots.
More impressions
Why the playgrounds are so popular
The playgrounds combine inspiration with practice: try out new cameras, test lighting and experience real photographic situations – all in one place. Also discover:
Look forward to the 2027 playgrounds
September 24–26, 2027 at Koelnmesse, Cologne. Sign up for the newsletter and be the first to find out which worlds await you.