Let's Make this quick

I just wanted to jump on here real quick and tell you my thoughts on GalaxyCon this year. I have been having a hard time keeping up with writing as things have been crazy lately, so we will see how long this blog actually gets haha.

Cosplayers in colorful costumes including red, green, and pink outfits pose together at a convention center.

This year was different

Becca and I got to attend to the first-ever GalaxyCon last year in OKC, and we had an absolute blast. They had the cast of Daredevil and a bunch of other celebrities come out. Celeberties of the caliber where it had you thinking how the hell they got the celebrities to come to Oklahoma in the first place. Anyways, it was an awesome kickoff to the GalaxyCon lineup around here. This year was different. Not just with the convention, which it definitely was, but also with us personally as well. I want to use this blog to reflect on both.

A small white fuzzy toy with blue police lights blurred in the background during nighttime.

The Convention

So this year, as I mentioned above, was different this last year. Last year was big and bombastic, this year felt more tame. We noticed that there was nowhere near as many people as last year. Now, a quick disclaimer, we only went Friday and Sunday this year, when I am guessing the busiest day was Saturday. I didn't get to see that crowd due to shooting a wedding. Also, last year, Becca and I came to the conclusion that we don't need all three days, that one or two is plenty to get the OKC GalaxyCon experience. That's not a bad thing either, because we are busy people.


Anways, this year was more toned down. We noticed a smaller crowd, but also it seemed like there were less celebrity guests. At the convention, I was excited to get my Criterion edition of The Princess Bride signed by the one and only Cary Elwes (he played Wesley, the guy with the black mask), only to find out he cancelled last minute. As I sat there, looking at my unsigned movie standing where his table should have been, I made the realization that the GalaxyCon people did not have the star power they did last year. I am interested to see if a pattern emerges in future years.


All that to say there were still some awesome guests there, the standout being Giancarlo Esposito. This is a man that has a presence that can be felt in a stadium. We went to his Q&A this year and he talks about creativity in a way I resonate with. If someone asked me who my top 5 people were to get a beer with, he for sure would be on that list.

Black and white photo showing a stage setup with a photo wall background displaying text and silhouettes performing.
A performer stands on stage gesturing with a microphone in front of a colorful Galaxy Con backdrop with a cartoon robot design.

The rest of the convention was cool. The showroom floor was filled with boothes of creators and cool things to buy. I got to meet the creators of Cyanide and Happiness (a raunchy internet comic duo that I have been watching since I was 11) and got to meet Dexter Vines, the inker of my favorite graphic novel of all time, Old Man Logan.


Becca and her brother seemed to have a good time as well, it was just an overall busy and fun weekend to be out and about.

Two men sit at a signing table at what appears to be a convention, with papers and photos visible on the table.
Person in black Adidas jacket and baseball cap smiles while holding up artwork at signing event.

How we were different

Alright, let's get into the really reflective bit. As we were walking around, I couldn't help but compare this year's to last year's convention. Not only was the convention different, but we were as well. I shall point out some differences.


A big one from last year to this year is our overall health. Last year, I was dealing with some sort of spinal injury that impacted my ability to walk. I remember I had to take constant breaks to sit down, or constantly take a pain killer just to get through the day. We went to a bunch of panels because of this as it allowed me to sit down, but still enjoy myself. I was actually grateful for that bit as I learned a lot.


On top of the injury, we were both just more out of shape than this year. Since last year, we both have been more consistent in the gym, and even adding more cardio in the rotation. Sure, being on my feet all weekend made me a bit tired and sore, but I could still manage. If I had this kind of weekend last year, I would be out of commission for a few days.


Second, I was way more confident this year. Last year, I was afraid to walk up to artists, cosplayers, or anyone who looked interesting/cool to ask if I could take their picture. This year, I had no problem with such things. In fact, the majority of my time and energy at this convention was photographing it and the people that were apart of it. I would walk up to cosplayers and ask to get their photo. I would take pictures of people doing cool things. I was confident in my presence as a photographer, and I made sure others saw me as such as well. It was actually really fun being in that role, and it allowed me dive into a niche I think I want to explore more: documentary photography for creatives. It was awesome taking photos and then asking them about their craft or passion. To see that spark in their eye that so many people dismiss. Out in the real world, people try to push these creative spirits to capitalize on their passions, to make money from it rather than just enjoying it. This convention allowed people to do that, but also provided a safe space for those who wanted to enjoy their creative hobby just for the act of enjoying it. It was cool getting to see both sides, and to getting to document it.


(Lastly, I was more frugal with my money this year, which is always a plus)

Group of people playing a board game at a table with drinks and cards in what appears to be a bar or gaming venue.

That's It

Anyways, that's a quick look at what this year's GalaxyCon was like for me as a photographer. The convention was more tame, I got more confident as a photographer, and I didn't hurt as much or spend as much money. Things like this are always great for me as a photographer because it allows me to just observe people and the things they enjoy. I don't really have to stretch to tell the stories because they tell themselves. All I have to do is point my camera in that direction and tell them.


Thanks for reading, I am going to try and do more quick blogs like this one to get a little more consistent in this craft, as I actually don't find this medium of writing to be that bad. It's actually kinda nice.


Anywho, look at the photos I took at the convention and enjoy the nerdom.

A skateboarder performs a trick against a backdrop with anime-style artwork and graphics at a convention or event.
A Ghostbusters cosplayer poses enthusiastically in front of the iconic Ecto-1 car at a convention.
Silhouettes of people visible through large office windows against dramatic stormy clouds in black and white photography.
People walking down stairs in a modern building interior with large angled windows and natural lighting.
A happy golden retriever wearing pink shoes and a white dress sits on a leash at an outdoor event.
A photographer wearing a blue t-shirt takes photos at a convention with vendor tables visible in the background.
A camera LCD screen displays a blurred concert performance photo with radial motion effect.
A photographer points a camera with an attached circular flash down a hallway in black and white.
A group of cosplayers dressed in various colorful costumes pose together at a convention center.
A toy sheep figure illuminated at night with blue police lights glowing in the background.
A group of friends playing a board game together at a table while enjoying drinks and socializing.
Cosplayers dressed as Star Wars characters Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper pose together at a convention.
Arcade game setup with colorful lighting and equipment at a gaming convention or entertainment venue.
Two people sit at a table during what appears to be a panel discussion or signing event in black and white.
Two cosplayers pose in medieval fantasy costumes at a convention registration area.