EssentialPhoto & Video Reviews 1,014

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

4.6

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Review summary

Based on reviews, created with AI

Reviewers overwhelmingly had a great experience with this company. Customers consistently praise the quality of the products, noting that items are sturdy, well-made, and accurately described. Many people highlight the fast and efficient delivery service, with products often arriving quickly and securely packaged. The customer service and staff are frequently commended for their helpfulness, knowledge, and excellent communication, making the overall purchasing experience smooth and reliable. However, some customers also noted issues with product returns, particularly regarding partial refunds for items they believed were in perfect condition or faulty. A few other people also felt that communication after sending items for repair was lacking, with delays in updates and repairs being completed without prior authorization or quotes.

What people talk about most

Product

Users describe positive interactions with product. Many reviewers praise the quality and durability of the... See more

Delivery service

Clients share positive opinions on delivery service, frequently praising the speed and efficiency of... See more

Service

Customers consistently note positive experiences with service. Many reviewers praise the superb customer... See more

Staff

Customers had positive experiences with staff. Many reviewers praise the staff for being knowledgeable,... See more

Quality

People report positive experiences with quality. Many customers praise the top-quality gear, noting that... See more

Based on these reviews

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I’ve placed two separate orders with this store. One through their eBay shop and another directly from their website (order number #47916). Both experiences were excellent. Each order arrived the... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Some of the kit I was ordering was not in stock, therefore had to pre order. The lead time was 7 - 10 days. However I was notified after a bout 5 that the kit had arrived and was delivered 2... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Essential Photo&Video are my first choice go to place for all my studio kit - great prices, great promotions, fast delivery, excellent service. A big thing is that the quality of the kit is always go... See more

Company replied

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I ordered the 2.8x3m Background Stand, the X3 (Xnano) Flash Trigger for Sony, and the AD200PROII Baby Photography Lighting Kit and I’m really happy with them. The background stand is easy to set... See more

Company replied


Company details

  1. Photo Shop
  2. Audio Visual Equipment Rental Service

Written by the company

A British company based in Birmingham, EssentialPhoto & Video specialises in studio lighting equipment and accessories for photography and videography industries. Our range includes studio flash, continuous/LED lighting, light modifiers, stands, backgrounds and much more. An Official Partner with Godox, we also stock a huge range of Godox lighting and accessories, including the brand new KNOWLED range of professional TV and Film video lighting. We offer first class service on amazing products, but if you have had a negative experience with your order, please don't hesitate to get in touch with our Customer Support team at info@essentialphoto.co.uk and we will do our best to make your experience 5-star!


Contact info

4.6

Excellent

TrustScore 4.5 out of 5

1K reviews

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1-star

Replied to 100% of negative reviews

Typically replies within 1 week

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Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Made an order, won’t do that again 😂

Made an order, paid P&P to arrive within 4 days. Got a call from DHL to say it won’t be arriving on the 4th day. Called customer services and they gave no service, so Iv cancelled the order for a full refund.

First customer service person was very blasé. Second customer service person was so adamant on providing information that she wasn’t actually answering my simple questions, was a bit annoying asking when will I receive my full refund twice as she simply waffled on and didn’t actually answer the question.

April 16, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Dan, thanks for your review. We are sorry to hear of your experience with your order and for the delay with DHL's handling of your parcel. While our team endeavoured to help to the best of their ability during the phone call, unfortunately we were limited in options while the parcel was with DHL. Your return-to-sender request for a refund was passed to DHL by our team however we can now see that this was delivered on Friday regardless. If you would like to proceed with return and refund of this order please let our team know and we can open up a case for you.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Pantograph scam

Scammed me. Bought 3 x pantographs for a studio setup for £170 each.
The ones that arrived are much cheaper than the ones pictures and a completely different model that is available on amazon and other sites for £70. Absolute scam, be careful.

April 8, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Nicholas, we are very sorry to hear you're not happy with the quality of your pantographs. We are unable to see any correspondence from yourself on your order or your concerns with the quality since it arrived with you last week. If you would like to discuss this further with our team and provide images of the quality of the pantographs and/or initiate a return for this within your 2-week returns window you are more than welcome to request this at info@essentialphoto.co.uk.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Poor service, unprofessional management.

On March 16th, I placed an order for Gofox video lights with an estimated delivery timeframe of 2 to 4 days. Given the critical nature of an upcoming project, I relied heavily on this promised delivery date. However, several days have passed without any updates regarding my order's status. Upon contacting customer service, I was informed that due to significant events, they were unable to process my order and ensure timely delivery. This situation is highly unsatisfactory, unprofessional, and reflects poorly on customer service. I am now facing significant challenges with my project and client commitments.
After I sent all the details regarding my order, no one updated me. The estimated delivery time passed, and there's no update. Worst experience,you need to be careful when buying from them. Customer service is zero.
Just to let you know, last week they said I would get my item this week. Still no news or updates. Think about it before buying anything from this store.
Today, after nearly three weeks, they wasted my time and lied to me regarding the delivery time. Now they've said they can't send this item and don't have it. Don't buy anything from them. Don't trust them at all. Be careful, guys.

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Rama, we are very sorry to hear about this. Is it possible for you to please provide the order number or the name on the account please and we will be able to address your experience in more detail?

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

All of the staff at the photography…

All of the staff at the photography show were super helpful and the guest speakers always put on a great show.

March 17, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi James, thank you for your review and for visiting us at The Photography Show this year! We're very happy to hear that our team were helpful and that you enjoyed our workshops. We hope to see you again next year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Friendly advice and service

Friendly advice and service

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Mark, thanks so much for your kind review! We're very glad to hear you're happy with the service we were able to provide. Thanks for shopping with us.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

It was refreshing to not be spoken to…

It was refreshing to not be spoken to with sales targets being main focus. I was listened to and recommended items that best fit for me.

Thank you for being customer focused and not sales obsessed

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Khandie, thank you for your review and for visiting us at The Photography Show this year! We're so happy to hear that our team were attentive and assisted based on your needs. We are passionate about making sure customers get the best possible recommendations to suit your work. We hope to see you again next year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

The best!

Great people, great gear, very helpful and knowledgeable.

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Seán, thanks for your review! We are so glad to hear you've had a great experience shopping with us. We hope to see you again soon!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

friendly people

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi, thanks for your review! We are very happy to hear you've had a great experience with our team.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Helpfull and informative staff not over…

Helpfull and informative staff not over bearing demonstrated product clearly answered questions promptly and with conviction

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Keith, thank you for your kind review and for visiting us at The Photography Show! We're very pleased to hear that our team were able to help with your questions confidently - we hope that the equipment our team advised on has been a perfect fit for you!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic stand at the NEC very…

Fantastic stand at the NEC very knowledgeable

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Pamela, thanks for your review and for visiting us at The Photography Show this year! We always try to make sure our stand is a showstopper so it's great to hear you enjoyed your time with us at the show.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing place to get all your godox…

Amazing place to get all your godox gear. Customer service is always super fast when needed 👌🏻

March 16, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Nathan, thank you for your review! We are so happy to hear you've had a positive experience with us and we hope to see you again soon.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Loved the experience and the amount of…

Loved the experience and the amount of gear on display at The Photography Show!

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
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Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Shahid, thank you for your kind review! We are so glad you had a great time with us at The Photography Show. Thanks so much for visiting our stand and we hope to see you again next year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Excellent exhibition at photography…

Excellent exhibition at photography show, some great speakers too

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi there, thank you for your kind review! We are so glad you had a great time with us at The Photography Show. Thanks so much for visiting our stand and workshops and we hope to see you again next year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff

Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. The transactions when purchased products were quick and smoothly completes. Thank you!

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Enrique, thank you for your kind review! We are so glad you had a great time with us at The Photography Show. Thanks so much for visiting our stand and we hope to see you again next year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best stand at the Photography Show 2026

Staff on the stand were exceptionally well knowledgeable and so friendly.

Attended a couple of demos by Gavin Hoey on the stand too and have come away soooo motivated.
Thank you.

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Dave, thank you for your kind review! We are so glad you had a great time with us at The Photography Show. It's great to hear that you find our workshops helpful and motivating as that is exactly our hope with these. We hope to see you again next year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great products (as always) and very…

Great products (as always) and very helpful staff

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Tomasz, thanks for your kind review! We are very happy to hear that our team have been able to assist with your purchase, we hope you love your new equipment!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Amazing

Amazing, lovely, knowledgeable staff, demonstrators and educators. Would highly recommend.

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Aaron, thanks for your review! We are very happy to hear that our team have been friendly and helpful and and that you also found our workshops useful! Thanks so much for visiting us at the show and we hope you come by again next year.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

All products in display with people to…

All products in display with people to answer queries

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Shivendra, thanks for your review! We are very glad to hear you had a great experience shopping with us at The Photography Show. We hope to see you again next year!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great lighting live workshop at the…

Great lighting live workshop at the photography school at the NEC! Clear and informative and very interesting

March 15, 2026
Unprompted review
EssentialPhoto & Video logo

Reply from EssentialPhoto & Video

Hi Lucy, thank you for your kind review! We are so glad you had a great time watching our live lighting workshops at The Photography Show this year! Thanks so much for visiting our stand and we hope to see you again next time!

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