Welcome, and thank you so much for your interest in running a group photoshoot. We honestly can not run these without our attendees who step up every year to organize and host these meet-ups. Our Group Photoshoot Guides have changed a little bit over the past few years so please make sure to go over them before submitting for a shoot.
Official Guide to Matsuricon Group Photoshoots
We encourage anyone who is interested in running a group shoot to connect with other attendees in our Facebook Group or our Discord to see if there is interest for your particular fandom idea!
All our shoot leaders need to be at least 16 yrs old by August 31st, 2026 or require a co-host that is of age.
Once you have your idea, and a rough idea of how many people will be attending, you’re ready to go! The Group Shoot form will give you all the questions we need to make sure your shoot is a success. Please include the following in your form:
- Shoot Name (inside joke, show / game name)
- The year when titling your event
- Assumed number of attendees (this can be an estimate based on the popularity of the shoot – you don’t need a complete head count)
- Day and requested time
Only group shoots approved through the Group Shoot Form will be noted in the schedule, social media, and website; these will be “Official Photoshoots”. These groups will also be the only ones with access to the photoshoot rooms during the convention weekend and our staff photographers.
Don’t feel limited to just choosing one fandom/shoot. There is no limit to how many different fandom group shoot requests you can make.
Do I need a Photographer? – if you do not already have a photographer in the group, note on the form and a staff photographer will be scheduled to assist your shoot.
Can I make an event on Facebook? – Once the confirmation emails have been sent out you are welcome to make a FB event, we only request you make it through the Official Matsuricon Group so everyone can find it.
At the Convention
Shoots are 50 min long and all attendees must clear the room before the next shoot starts.
If you are a shoot leader, you should arrive 10-15 min before your shoot time
If you are running late, contact the shoot page or if you know someone else attending the shoot let them know.If you have been approved to run a shoot and have to drop out you must notify staff via FB messenger or email prior to shoot time. Failure to notify will lead to denial of shoots at our convention.
If your event is covered by a staff photographer, all photos by official staff will be posted on the Facebook page within 30-45 days of Matsuricon ending. These will be posted as folders in the Official Matsuricon Group.
Outdoor Photoshoots
No “Official Matsuricon Group Photoshoots” will be offered at the park/fountain area. This area is not within our convention space and we have, over the years, been discouraged from holding official events there. You are still welcome to arrange a shoot or do personal photos in that area however no staff or staff photographers will be available for this space and they will not appear on the schedules. **It is also noted as a reminder per The Columbus Police Dept, it is illegal to get into the fountain within city limits and Matsuricon is not responsible for any legal action that occurs due to violation.**
Volunteer Information:
This is a fun and engaging area for volunteers to help ensure attendees have great photo opportunities to show off their wonderful cosplays! Good communication skills and people skills is a must for volunteers.
Possible Responsibilities:
- Photo Arena: Volunteers will be required to set up displays and props in fun and interesting ways for photo opportunities. Volunteers will also need to watch and manage the props while attendees are using them to ensure nothing is stolen or broken.
- Photoshoot Coordination: Requires someone creating, coordinating, and scheduling the attendees photoshoots and also communicating with proper leadership when Photographers are needed in advance. Expected to be on site to make sure the right leads are in the right places at the right times.
- Badge checking – Volunteers will check badges as attendees enter the Night Market, making sure if they have Platinum, Gold, 3 day attendee, or single day attendee badges. We also use a counter to keep track of the number of people coming into the Night Market, so keeping an accurate account is a must.