For instance, the Masquerade. This year I brought my new photographer, Soma Stardust with me... and I made it a point to explain the Masquerade. (formerly Der Cosplay, you know.) I told her to expect a few good skits, some nice costumes, and some total disasters. A lot of disasters, having come to expect them. In previous years there's been problems with sound, with starting on time, all on top of the bad, bad skits. (and some glorious jewels in there too, mind you.)

So this year.

It was amazing.

The sound was great. No pops, squeals of feedback, and you could hear pretty much everything you were supposed to hear. The light was strong, no flash needed... (woulda been nice if there were some color spots and whatnot, but I'm sure there wasn't time to rehearse that). And the skits...

More amazing. Where were the bad ones? (ok, one or two... but that's such a small percentage.) Most of them were exceptionally good, considering that these aren't professional entertainers... just fans having a good time.

Everyone says this,(I don't pass around compliments unless they're true. Ask anyone who hangs around me). So, everyone says this, but I mean it. This was the best Fanime Masquerade I've ever seen. Consistant and strong.

We even had opera. Now, that's not the kind of thing I tend to listen to in my spare time. However, as a musician, I can recognize and appreciate talent. Another musical talent I first saw at Fanime was Ramen and Rice. They always have a good crowd, and their songs are appreciated, but I've always felt that most people don't (can't, unless they play themselves) realize just how extremely talented they are. The timing, the techniques, the tone.

I fail at taking notes, so I'm afraid I don't have the name of the operatic girl. But she has talent, and it was an unexpected surprise.

Rrr, in fact, there was so much good stuff, we both ran out of card space, and had to shift from raw to jpeg only to finish out the night. And my batteries both went dead; which means I missed a few of the last entries. (I could sit for a bit and store up enough juice to get off a shot or two every other entry or so). So, if I don't have your picture, that's why. Nothing personal. Soma will probably have it, when hers are up.

The bad... hm, only one thing that really annoyed me, I think. On Saturday, photography of the bands was not allowed, even for press. That really pissed me off, under any occasion. I've photographed a lot of bands, a lot of concerts, big shows and little. From Mabuhay Gardens to the Stone, the Warfield, even the Cow Palace. And this is how it goes:

If photography is limited, it's no flash, or flash only for the first 1-3 songs. If it's limited further, it's photos with no flash, but first 3 songs only. This lets you get good shots, before the band gets sweaty. You get photos, they look good, they get press. No photos equals no press, with me. And I talked to other photographers who felt the same way. Some bands I would have said good things about, but won't now... although I may feel free to say bad things. There was, for instance, one bad I would have written a good review about... but now, I'll only point out that bands should't have backing tracks, in my opinion. And if they are pulling a Milli Vanilli, the guitar should at least be plugged in.

I don't feel this is the fault of Fanime staff... I suspect it's a failing of the bands' managements. However, I think in the future, Fanime should point out to the bands (prior to their booking) that no photos will reduce the amount of exposure they will gain from their appearance.

I did get a few shots of Lemon Drop Kick; so I'll say; though I missed most of their set, the last song was bouncy and the musicans knew how to play their instruments. 2852r

Oh, and Monday, we got some fairly exclusive shots of the Lolita panel/gathering; we hijacked the loli's, took them to a lighted area and had our way with them. Want to see? On with the photos.


Fanime 2007 Favorites
Fanime 2007 Friday
Fanime 2007 Saturday
Fanime 2007 Sunday
Fanime 2007 Monday (Lolita)
Fanime 2007 Masquerade
Fanime 2007 Ann
Fanime 2007 Majessa
Fanime 2007 Lailah
Fanime 2007 by Soma
Main photo directory
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One more point... if you want your photo taken at cons, don't hesitate to ask. I'm not evil, mostly, I just look that way. Anyone who asks me can have their photo taken and uploaded, and you can taunt your friends.