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[AydensGrace]

This is a thread for anyone (including me) who might need or have suggestions for photoshoot locations.

Whenever possible try to post links to pictures or pictures themselves of locations. ^^

[AydensGrace]

One spot is the Skywalk in Baltimore:

http://www.aydensgracephotography.com/otakon_images

The skywalk is great, usually not crowded and stretches from the convention center to the Inner Harbor. There is also a fountain at the end that is popular to photograph.

[Kitsoru]

I've taken a liking to the harborplace, with all the cannons and boat pieces set up, especially for pirate or other sea-themed cosplays. The only problem there is that it's rather touristy, so you have to be creative about boxing out people wandering into your shot...

One thing I'm curious about is, does anyone know if the Aquarium allows/is suitable for photos? I know admission is a little pricey, but there's a cosplay I wouldn't mind getting shots of in there, if it's possible.

[AydensGrace]

Originally Posted by Kitsoru

I've taken a liking to the harborplace, with all the cannons and boat pieces set up, especially for pirate or other sea-themed cosplays. The only problem there is that it's rather touristy, so you have to be creative about boxing out people wandering into your shot...

One thing I'm curious about is, does anyone know if the Aquarium allows/is suitable for photos? I know admission is a little pricey, but there's a cosplay I wouldn't mind getting shots of in there, if it's possible.

I know the Aquarium does allow photos but I'm not sure if they allow cosplayers. Be great if they did.

[Kitsoru]

Originally Posted by AydensGrace

I know the Aquarium does allow photos but I'm not sure if they allow cosplayers. Be great if they did.

Yeah, that's what I'm worried about ^^; The cosplay I'm thinking of also has a rather large prop so I was already assuming there's no way I'd get that in there. I've never actually been in the aquarium, I've just heard good things about it.

Do you know if they allow flash photography, or if it's no-flash only?

[AydensGrace]

Originally Posted by Kitsoru

Yeah, that's what I'm worried about ^^; The cosplay I'm thinking of also has a rather large prop so I was already assuming there's no way I'd get that in there. I've never actually been in the aquarium, I've just heard good things about it.

Do you know if they allow flash photography, or if it's no-flash only?

Uh, Flash is allow except in the dolphin arena. One could always call about the photography...

[EvanKrell]

I attended Otakon 2010 and found the area around the convention center to be quite lovely. Even the balcony at the convention center had a nice view. The problem, as you mentioned, is the amount of tourists.

As my first time taking cosplay photos at a con, I didn't do anything outside of "Hey, can I take a picture" photos- no prepared photoshoots or anything. I am sure that there are areas around that are less densely populated that would work nicely.

Lots of little places like this:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4870066283/
As you can see, there is a sign and building that could be considered distracting.

This is inside the restaurant La Tasca located in the nearby mall:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4867495075/

A few shots from the Con Center balcony:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4868104662/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4866634337/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4866635577/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4866633255/
Yeah, you can a Days Inn sign in the last pic..

Here are a couple pictures of myself, taken in a little rock tunnel in the B&N:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4867263294/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4867262806/

I love this background, except for the sea of people nearly always present:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bakatanuki/4867261208/

Pardon the amateur feel of my images; this was my first effort at photographing people. My usual subjects are anime figures, insects, and industrial things.

Also, I realize Otakon is over now, but whatever.

[heekun]

Hello - I'm hoping to do some photoshoots at Otakon 2011. Are the convention owners generally ok with off-camera lighting (speedlights on lightstands with modifiers)? How about the nearby areas and hotels? Are there any locations that will only allow photoshoots if the photographer has a permit?

[Scorpion89]

Originally Posted by heekun

Hello - I'm hoping to do some photoshoots at Otakon 2011. Are the convention owners generally ok with off-camera lighting (speedlights on lightstands with modifiers)? How about the nearby areas and hotels? Are there any locations that will only allow photoshoots if the photographer has a permit?

My I suggest you go over to the actually Otakon Forum and ask your question address them to Special Opps.

[Scorpion89]

As someone who does allot of shooting down in the Inner Harbor area I can give out some rather un-used location that are with-in walking of the BCC.

Their is a Fountain located near 1st Mariner Arena it's behind the Bank of America building very few people use it for shoots.

If you don't mind walking over to Federal Hill up on top over looking the Harbor is a great locations also if you walk down past the Hard Rock going towards Pier 6 their is a Dolphin Fountain that is great to use plus on the back side of the Aquarium is another great location.

[heekun]

Scorpion89 - thanks for the location tips, I didnt do much exploring last year but will check out the places you mentioned.