When you want to do a photo op at a convention, you might wonder: How does this work exactly?
Well, that's what we are for! We'll help you through all the steps! I really love doing photo ops. You will also have a photo to remind you how it was to meet your favorite actor or actress! But there's also a lot to know and to think of to make sure your photo op will go exactly as you want. here's our top 10 of things you NEED to know! In random order..
Looking for some photo op poses inspiration? Check out our article about photo op poses!
1. The price
A photo op isn't free. You'll always have to pay for it. So do some research upfront. Mostly you can find the price of the photo op on the website of the convention you're attending. Prices vary a lot. I've seen prices go from 20 to 100 euros (22 - 112 dollars)! It all depends on how popular the actor is and how much the management asks.
2. The ticket
Often, you can already order your ticket for the photo op online. I like that. It will feel like I'm spending less money at the convention itself. (because I paid the photo op upfront ;) ). I also like to be sure that I will have the photo op (and that it won't be sold out before I have my ticket). A disadvantage is: If you buy it upfront a long time before the convention, you don't know the schedule yet. So you might be missing out Q&A's/ other activities. (So you're not sure on what day you can plan it best).
3. Amount of people
Do you want to do your photo op alone or with a friend? Be sure to check the rules of the convention your attending! Sometimes it is allowed to go on the photo with 2 persons (with the actor) for 1 ticket. Sometimes you'll have to buy 2 tickets. Also check whether there's a limit to the amount of persons you can bring in 1 photo.
Photo op with Melissa McBride at Walker Stalker Con, photo op with Ernie Hudson at FACTS convention
4. The pose
Think about the pose you want to do on the photo. I'm really really bad at this one! I'm never prepared. Which means you'll usually get the default pose (Just standing next to each other --> SMILE!) But some actors just initate their own pose. Check out the picture I had with Robert Englund and Sean Astin for example. Make sure you can easily explain the pose you want to do. Always ask the actor if he/she is up for it. And then quickly explain/ show a photo of the pose.
Photo op with Sean Astin at Comic Con Amsterdam, photo op with Robert Englund at Comic Con Amsterdam
5. Time
Be aware that a photo op goes really, really quick. You can not give the actor/ actress any presents. Or actually have a whole conversation. EVeryone who wants a photo op is queuing. And literally takes seconds to do the photo op. When it's your turn: Do the pose. The photo will be made. And you leave. It depends per actor/ convention what you can say and if there's a few extra seconds. My photo op with Josh McDermitt went so quick I barely remember it. The photo op with Melissa McBride also went quite fast. But Sean Astin, Shantel VanSanten, Tobin Bell, David Labrava & Mark Boone Junior actually did talk a bit. Which is of course very nice. I like it when there's at least a little bit of interaction.
Photo op with Tobin Bell: Weekend of Hell & photo op with Josh McDermitt at Walker Stalker Con.
6. The photo
Make sure to find out where to pick up the actual photo. This is also different per convention. At some conventions you receive the photo immediately. On other conventions you'll have to wait to pick it up. Be sure to know when and where to pick it up.
7. Go digital
Do you also want the digital version of your photo? Usually you'll have to pay extra for that. Make sure to find out how you get this and how much you have to pay!
8. Lighting
You'll probably look different on a photo op than on your own pictures. I do! And I usually hate how I look haha. Be aware that the photo will be taken in a few seconds. The will be bright light. And the photo is taken right in front of you. So, not from a flattering angle! Keep this mind while choosing your clothes, make-up or hairstyle.
9. Face
In the extension of 4 + 8: Think of you face. This may sound obvious (or vague). But here's what I mean: I am usually really really happy and nervous. Something that makes my face cringe in a certain way. And I always think I look strange. Or I have this huge convention smile (hello double chin). Or I don't really smile, but look like I'm super uncomfortable.. So I'm still trying to find my best convention face!
Photo op withMichael Cudlits:Dutch Comic Con & photo op with Rick Cosnett at Arccon
10. Enjoy!
Besides all this: Don't forget to enjoy!! You're meeting your favorite actor. Don't forget that!! Enjoy the moment. And say whatever you want to say. Do the pose you'd like to. You have this chance. Take it!!
Photo op with Richard Dean Anderson: FACTS convention & photo op with Mark Boone Junior and David LaBrava at Weekend of Hell
Write a comment
Iris (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 10:03)
That's so cool! I love the pictures, I've never had anything like this, I'll surely try though.
Super useful tips and information
Roselle CT (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 10:16)
I didn't know that photo op isn't free. I haven't really attended a convention yet. There's a couple of convention that happened in the Philippines a few months ago and some of the feedback I read was that most of the attendees did not get a chance to have a photo op.
ROBERT LEE (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 11:43)
A great behind the scenes read up on what goes on during photo ops with stars. Should I start charging when someone wants to have photos taken with me? Kidding. Seriously, it is that expensive huh? You really have to be a fan so that the price is worth it. I do agree with you, a few seconds for small talks would be best but I suppose that is impossible with lots of people lined up. And these stars are paid for a certain number of hours I guess.
Maaya Legaspi (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 12:35)
I didn't know that they charge you when you do a photo opt in a convention. All this time I thought it was all for fun and it's free of charge. So thank you for this information. I haven't been to a convention so that's why I'm really clueless. So I guess you can't have a picture taken with anyone unless you can pay them all! haha. And it better be someone you're a fan of so it would be worth it.
Living in the Moment | www.maayalegaspi.com
Allison (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 13:14)
I had no idea that this was even a thing! Even more surprised that you have to pay for it! I just assumed the actors would 'do it for the fans'. You have some great photos here!
Veronica (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 16:39)
I feel like I live in a cave lol
I have never heard of photo ops before, seriously! Your tips are great.
Dominic (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 16:43)
I'd say I still love the freddy krueger photo op. It beats the rest of the photos there. It 's great you were able to come up with a post like this. It's a sure hit for comic con fanatics and the newbies who wants to have a photo op with these artists.
Cai Dominguez-Travelosyo (Wednesday, 05 October 2016 19:56)
Wow! I was surprised that there are people who will line up and pay to take photos with their favorite celebrities. I never did this before and I think its not a hit here in the Philippines. But I know, one of my officemates is doing this with her favorite korean stars. Well, if I'm really a super duper fan. I wouldn't mind spending extra to have phot with my idol. :)
Nilyn Matugas (Thursday, 06 October 2016 00:32)
same here, I have no idea photo ops are paid sometimes! Here in the PH, there are people who would go crazy over their idols too. I've seen a few of them but not up close, and not planned. usually just happens when we go to the mall and there's either a concert or a press release. Your last tip is the best tip of all, no matter what happens - enjoy! This is a one time experience. Everything doesn't need to be perfect! :D
Jen (Thursday, 06 October 2016 04:10)
Great tips! I never really thought of the steps on how to get a photo op with someone famous. Maybe because I never really had a chance to had one. By reading through your post, now I know that there's a lot to think about. Also, I only knew now that there's a certain fee before I got my picture taken. I always thought that the artist is just kind enough to have his/her picture taken with their fans like us.
Malaika Fernandes (Thursday, 06 October 2016)
Lovely tips, especially the last one that no matter what just have fun
Pria amor (Thursday, 06 October 2016 14:05)
Great tips! I thought photo op is free. It's like whrn yoy see a celebrity or some famous person you'll just need to ask them to take a picture with you. Well I guess Filipino are just too kind.
Maria (Thursday, 06 October 2016 15:32)
As much as what I've experienced (from a book signing with someone I admire), there was no charge at all. I was shocked with the figures you shared about the price. You must really love going to conventions. I haven't been lucky yet to be able to attend or be a volunteer for one. I do wish that next time, I can and I'll remember the great tips you shared!
Kimberly C. (Friday, 07 October 2016 01:15)
Wow, I had no idea that you had to pay for taking the photo with the celebrity. I though that came with the ticket price. Wow...Kinda shocked. Thanks for the heads up. Now I know what to expect if I ever decide to go to one of these.
Kareen Liez (Friday, 07 October 2016 08:50)
I haven't tried any photo ops before. I didn't even know that you have to pay for it. But it is nice that you were able to take those photos and it is even nicer that you are giving us tips about how to do it.
Gabrielle Crystal RoseBonniee ~ (Friday, 07 October 2016 19:26)
Firstly, I was a bit confused, because I haven´t cought the "photo op" thing before, so I didn´t know what it is xD I´m a bit ashamed of me, but I seriously didn´t know what it is. The pose is definitely one of the most important things for me in pictures like these. It may change the whole photo :)
lex (Saturday, 08 October 2016 00:11)
as one photo lover, i really really do appreciate these tips as hey are very very useful and of good use.. pose, lightning and time counts alot to me.
Ree (Saturday, 08 October 2016 15:18)
Those Robert englund pics are simply brilliant! Great tips. For me it's all about that pose!
EG III (Saturday, 08 October 2016 18:38)
As with many of the other commenters, I had no idea you had to pay for photo ops at a convention. It makes sense though, otherwise actors would be constantly bombarded for the entire day. You've have some great pics, and even if some of them did last just seconds, you'll have those memories forever.
Chardybaldyosa (Tuesday, 11 October 2016 23:52)
Best tip for me was - enjoy! Photos reveal alot about us and how we're feeling. It could show how happy we are or if we're bored. This is why I think enjoying and having fun must be the first thing we should remember. :)
indrani.gh@gmail.com (Saturday, 19 November 2016 07:20)
Good tips.
I didn't know this was a paid thing. But it is worth it and definitely the tips will be helpful for better results.
Gilian (Thursday, 08 December 2016 07:50)
I did not know you have to pay for it. Or it depends on the place?
About the smile and face, haha I can relate, I get awkward shots because I feel nervouse and excited.
Sue (Monday, 11 November 2019 22:24)
Thank you so much for putting this info out there! I recently attended my first con in Mpls., and my family had purchased a William Shatner photo op and autograph for me as a 60th birthday present. I found your info a few days beforehand, and it was SO helpful knowing what to expect. The best part was during the autograph time I was able to show him a 1973 photo of me in my handmade Star Trek uniform with all my Trek collection, and he actually looked it over, asked questions, and said "that's great!". I'll never forget it.
Laura (Sunday, 04 June 2023 03:46)
Any chance you can advise how many photos you fit into a day (due to lines) ? Have never been to a convention before.