Katsucon 2025
Once again, I had a great Katsucon and I believe at this point it’s my tenth attendance. I was asked why I attend this every year. I would say that the top reason is due to a reunion of friends from all over and being able to see and photograph some of the best cosplays. Over the years, I have slowly made this a six day convention; starting Wednesday night meeting my roommates for dinner and challenging myself to find cosplayers on Monday morning. Technically, Katsucon is a three day con from Friday to Sunday and usually falls around Valentines Days. I do like the idea that many of us anime nerds do not have Valentines Day plans, so Katsucon provides an outlet and venue to be with the friends who we love.
Another blessing this time was how the weather worked out that there were several days the temperature was nice enough to take photos outside. It really helps with spreading out the crowd. I remember years in the past when it rained and snowed and the crowd inside made it almost impossible to take a decent photo. It’s one of the reasons I stay with my default 35mm G-Master f/1.4 despite the 50mm G-Master f/1.2 being my favorite. There was one day that was a bit windy. Usually at least one photographer’s softbox will come crashing down as very few will have the patience and strength to lug sandbags around.
Katsucon is a con where it is worth getting up early if you are looking for opportunity shots. Usually there are early morning photoshoots and when they are done, cosplayers are staying around as there are always other photographers around. If you have scheduled shoots with people, it may be worth heading outside and if you are adventurous, heading half a mile up and down the river as there are nice spots where there are not as many other cosplayers and photographers in the way. While most photographers are polite, there are some that tend to be territorial and almost will stay longer if they see other people interested in the location. It’s nearly impossible to make your photos that unique that most people will recognize is as somewhere along the Gaylord.
I am sure that I mentioned that one of the issues is quick access to affordable food. There are plenty of restaurants inside and outside of the Gaylord, however, as Katsucon is so crowded, getting a meal in a reasonable amount of time may not be in your favor. Of course the prices will be premium. If you are getting to the convention early, I recommend getting enough water and enough healthy snacks to help supplement your meals. It can be an overwhelming convention and it is important to get a good amount of healthy calories in.
As with all conventions held at the host hotel, there are a lot of room parties. As always, be careful and be with trusting friends. As a non-drinker, I will sometime attend to just say hello and will slowly dip out if the party gets too crowded. Again, I like to get up early. One to work out, second to get a good breakfast. Third to be ready to take photos when it is not crowded. As I tell people who ask what to do at a con, it is what you make of it.
