f8 & be there.
a celebration of photography.
24th- 26th April 2026
A Day of Photography
f8 & be there is an educational celebration of photography—bringing together film, digital, and phone photographers to connect, collaborate, and create.
Spend the day shooting, learning, observing, and exchanging ideas while building inspiration and strengthening your portfolio. The event features unique shooting opportunities, guest speakers, darkroom demonstrations, and a dedicated celebration of Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day.
With equipment and camera giveaways, plus experiences designed for all levels, this event welcomes everyone—from curious beginners to seasoned professionals. No matter your gear or skill level, there’s something here for you.
Friday—Sunday
24th-26th April 2026
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Historic Downtown Panama City
The Light Room
What to expect
Gallery
An exclusive gallery presentation of music photography, showcasing local bands and musicians through the lens of local photographers. This eclectic collection captures not only the energy and personality of the artists, but also the unique perspective of each photographer.
Curated by Hailey Moody
Learn & Shoot
f8 is free to attend.
Pre-Register for special equipment giveaways!
Alongside the gallery exhibition, the event will feature educational workshops and walkabouts focused on the unique exposure and lighting challenges of photographing artists on stage.
Enjoy unique shooting opportunities, guest speakers, darkroom demonstrations, and camera giveaways throughout the day. Participate in hands-on workshops, group discussions, and a special celebration of Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, there’s something here for everyone.
Collaborate. Learn. Create.
Schedule
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Gallery Open: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Walkabout: 7:30 PM Current, Moseys & local area -
Gallery Open: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Demos & Talks: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Walkabouts: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Music Performances in the Light Room Studio: 3 Bands 7:00 - 11:00 PM
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Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day
Gallery Open: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Omniscope Panorama Film Camera Demonstration w/ Mark Messerly 12:00- 1:00 PM
*Pinhole cameras available to borrow, all supplies included + Digital pinhole options available!
Music Performance in the Light Room studio 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Hosted by The Lightroom
The Light Room is our host for the event, located at 306 Harrison Ave. In beautiful historic downtown Panama City Florida.
The Light Room is dedicated to the art of photography! We offer a gallery, studio rental space, photography classes for all levels of learners, and a darkroom for you to enjoy.
Photo taken by Arthur Waldrop
Thank you!
f8 was created to celebrate PHOTOGRAPHY whether it be, analog, film, digital, and alternative process photography, phones, whatever it is you like, we’re bringing it all back to the forefront while honoring traditional techniques and embracing the future.
This event is made possible by a dedicated collaboration of photography enthusiasts, and volunteers. f8 and be there - is here because of a collaboration with our friends and cohosts at Historic Downtown Panama City Improvement Board, Public Eye Soar, & The Light Room.
Plus many, many volunteers and helpers, in no particular order 😀 Hailey, Sarah, Kasey, Emily, Misty, Madison, Kristen, Chris, Mark, Margaret, JD, Cindy, Bonnie, Sharon, Teri, Darrel, Leta … and someone I’m forgetting for sure
And, special thanks to Steb - @steb.productions – he took on the task of getting the musical lineup and the production work to get them on our studio stage. This is what he said about f8, I couldn’t have said it better myself.
“ It’s about time we celebrated our photographers! And what better way to do so than to give them an unhinged hardcore gig filled with photographable moments in an unlikely venue. At f8 photography weekend, they’ll be showcasing photos, fliers, etc of live music in our city from all eras. Turn your swag on, pull up, take a gander, hit the pit & give em something to shoot! “
Thanks & thanks again!
Frank