Photography

The following schedule will be updated at least once per week as requests are received.

These marked locations are reserved for cosplayers exclusively throughout the weekend. They are open to everyone to use to take pictures except at times they’re reserved for a group shoot as seen on the schedule. These areas are great for setting up light stands or pulling cosplayers aside for a few different poses without worrying about convention traffic.

To plan a photo meet-up, first, check the tentative schedule below to make sure no one else has already planned a gathering for your series on the day you wish to host your meet-up. This is especially true for smaller meet-ups. For extremely popular series, we may approve multiple meet-ups on the same day in order to reduce crowding.

Then, choose a photospot as well as a time that works for you. In order to be placed on the Tekko schedule you must choose an officially listed one. Please bear in mind that any shoots taking place off of the DLLCC property are not covered under liability insurance--shoot at your own risk! Also, we have limited capacity for photomeets on Saturday between 3-5PM, so please try to schedule your meetups outside of that 2-hour period if at all possible.

Next, create a public event page on Facebook, or a thread on your prefered forum, then invite fellow fans to join you! It’s up to you to promote your event, simply planning one doesn’t guarantee attendance. You can discuss pose ideas, such as specific characters, groups, pairings, or re-enactments. It’s also a good idea to choose a leader with a loud voice to call out pose directions, as well as a countdown to hold that pose.

Finally, fill out the official Tekko photoshoot request form. If approved, this will put your event on the schedule, and you’ll also be informed of any potential conflicts with official events while the convention schedule is in progress.

Please note that photomeets are not to be used to promote any individual photographer, cosplay group, or business. For example, Bob would be hosting “Naruto Meetup at Tekko” rather than “Bob Photography’s Naruto Meetup at Tekko”. As such, one person/group will only be approved for a maximum of 4 meet-ups over the course of the convention, even when an application is submitted by separate members. Meet-ups are a lot of responsibility, and more than that can make scheduling difficult. We also want to be sure that everyone who wants to host has a chance to host and attend. Please do not try to evade this guideline, or your requests may be denied. Additionally, while meet-up requests will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis, staff has the right to deny a request for any reason.

If you have to make any changes to times or locations, please email photomeetups@teamtekko.us

You must email us in order for us to make the changes! Changes to your meet-up will be considered as a new submission in terms of time and location priority - think carefully about what you want before you submit your form!

These meet-ups are open to every attendee to take photos, whether you’re using your cell phone or your full frame DSLR! Don’t be afraid to join in when you see a group using a Photospot!

Group photo meets are the only times at a convention where it is not considered necessary for each photographer to ask for permission before taking a picture as long as you are standing in the area directly in front of the posing group so that they can see you. Don’t take shots from behind or far to the side, and let them know if you wish to film video.

At busier meet-ups, be aware of other photographers--once you’ve gotten your shot, step back to let someone else dart in. Be mindful when pulling anyone to the side to ask for an individual portrait while the shoot is going on--they might miss out on a group or character shot!

While posing ideas are often appreciated, please remember that cosplayers are not their characters, and have the right to refuse any pose or photo request. Please be sure to ask, especially if your suggested pose involves touching someone else, and respect the answer.

If you are participating in a meet, schedule a photographer or hand your camera to a friend so you can be sure to get photos of yourself. While there are so many photographers of all skill levels at Tekko, it isn’t always easy to find their photos after the con. Don’t be afraid to ask for a business card from any who join your gathering!

Please remember that all of Tekko’s COVID-19 policies will need to be followed by all attendees at all times. This includes during photomeets.

We do not review galleries for skill level, only to confirm that services being advertised exist and that contact information is accurate. Anyone who books individual photoshoots may apply.

Fan photographers must follow all attendee rules which may be reviewed on the rules page .

This designation does not grant backstage or guest access, authority to move attendees, or permission to set up a semi-permanent location, booth, or signage OR to use electrical outlets other than the ones provided in the Photographer’s Lounge.

Solicitation for paid shoots must be done online only. All payments must be arranged up front, before any photos are taken, and using an online service such as Paypal or Venmo rather than cash is HIGHLY encouraged.

Tekko staff is not liable for any equipment or personal items that are left unattended in the Photographer’s Lounge.

Photographers must check in with Fan Photographer staff at con after they have gone through registration in order to receive their badge marker.

Violations of these policies, or complaints such as not showing up to a prepaid shoot or failing to deliver photos as agreed, may lead to this designation being revoked and your application denied for next year.

Click here to view the Tekko 2023 Fan Photographers.

This badge designation is not an official endorsement of the photographer’s services. Please be sure to research and make sure that the photographer is a good fit for you.

You should agree on pricing, the time payment is due, and the amount of photos that are expected in written communication before the convention. We highly recommend using a service like Paypal or Venmo that has consumer protection policies for payment.

Photographers are not permitted to solicit for paid shoots at con. If someone takes your photo and then requests money, please email fanphotographers@teamtekko.us as soon as you are able.

It is always acceptable to bring a companion to a private shoot. If a photographer requests that you come alone, or to a location other than the one you have agreed upon, you have the right to refuse.

Areas off of the DLLCC property are not covered by liability insurance or media agreements. Please be aware that you shoot there at your own risk.

If you have any issues with a photographer, please contact hro@pittjcs.org for harassment related issues, or fanphotographers@teamtekko.us for anything else, including failure to show up to a scheduled shoot or to deliver photos post con.