Improve Your Comic Convention Photography

Star Wars Celebration is coming back to Orlando, which seemed like a good reminder to share some advice for improving your comic convention photography.

These events are incredible fun because the fans who attend are talented and passionate. People put their heart and soul into creating costumes and becoming their character. You can meet some wonderful people and have a great time at comic conventions. These folks make great photography subjects because they are vibrant, colorful and just out of the ordinary.

Of course, you need to know the rules of each convention and what sort of technical pitfalls await. With that in mind, we have seven tips to help you prepare and get your best shots at comic conventions.

1: Check for Photography Restrictions

There are two types of restrictions that you need to understand before you go to a comic convention.

The first thing you want to know are the rules of the event. For example. Star Wars Celebration Orlando permits still and motion photography on the show floor and around the convention center. However, you may not take photos in the panels, screenings or other gatherings. If the rules say don't take photos or video, you risk being booted out for any violation.

The second type of restriction is more of a personal matter. There is a saying that “Cosplay does not equal consent.” In other words, don't just start snapping photos. Ask people before you take their photo. A great many will agree. Some may be busy, but are willing to meet you later for a shot. A few will just decline.

Celebrities at these events are sometimes available for photos for a fee. Trying to take photos of them without paying is poor etiquette. Just as with anyone else, ask before you take a photo of someone.

2: Use a White Balance Card

The lighting in convention centers is horrible for photographers. It's often some kind of sodium vapor or fluorescent light with a green color cast. It's absolutely horrible for skin color. Your best defense is to use something like a grey card or an X-Rite Colorchecker Passport to ensure you have a good baseline for your colors.

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3: Engage with People at the Comic Convention

Some people travel thousands of miles to attend these conventions. Talk to them! They want to be with people who share a similar interest.

* Compliment their costume

* Ask questions about their character

* Find out if they have a web page or social media following

* Offer to provide them with photos

There are Cosplay celebrities who have a large following at these events and on social media. Share a nice photo of them and you may get a bump as they share with their audience.

This is Femtrooper Julie. She's a Star Wars and Cosplay entertainer. I had no idea who she was during the show, but looked her up afterward. She was great fun to be around, and she has a decent sized following online.

4: Watch Your Backgrounds

Even the Man of Steel can't save this photo.

Nothing ruins a photo quite like a distracting background. It's really very difficult to get a good shot without background distractions in the middle of the show floor. Besides, you never know if someone else with photobomb your shot looking at the backside of someone's cape.

The Cosplayers want good photos, so ask them if you can shoot them someplace without a distracting background.  Look for a clean wall.