August 14-16 | Chicago, IL
This all started as a birthday trip for me, having turned twenty-two the Monday before the convention. I was ecstatic to return to both the city of Chicago and FAN EXPO. Somewhere along the way, what was supposed to be a relaxing convention for me to just enjoy myself and maybe do some birthday shopping, morphed into a desire to put my work ethic and scheduling skills to the test. I decided that along with all of the Photo Ops and autographs I was hoping to get, I would also photograph as many panels as I could make it to.
Between panels, I’d have to figure out which guest’s autograph line would be the most efficient at that time. Typically, I would be able to space out photos and autographs throughout the three days of the convention. With this new photography challenge I created though, time became extremely limited.
Like in everyday life, a work and play balance is very important. Despite the stress of trying to make it to three different panels all happening at the same time while also supposed to be lined up for a Photo Op, I made the best of the weekend and overall had a great experience.
FAN EXPO conventions remain one of my favorite events to attend. In Chicago this year, I had the pleasure of once again seeing Jared Padalecki of Supernatural and Tom Welling of Smallville, among a few others. I also met some new people such as James and Oliver Phelps and Erin Moriarty. My birthday gift to myself was a ticket to attend the Smallville Nights event hosted by Tom Welling and Michael Rosenbaum. It was a hilarious and incredibly fun hour, full of funny moments (and also a couple of embarrassing ones which will never see the light of day… but all in good fun, of course). A must-see for any Smallville fan!
I’m honored to have had the opportunity to photograph these guests. Everyone is so talented and lovely in person. Having photographed some big names in the past (John Cena, Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen, and more!) I thought perhaps I’d be less starstruck. In all honesty, that’s a foolish thing to think. I strongly believe my passion for photography is contributed in big part to who the subject is. It doesn’t matter if it’s someone I’m personally a big fan of. Quite often I’ve never even seen any of their work! Regardless, I believe that an art like photography has many purposes and I will always put my all into getting the best results for the subject, fans, and anyone else who may benefit.
I do have to say, photographing the cast of The Hobbit and Kurt Russell is definitely getting a page in my personal history book!
