New York Comic Con 2024
Another year, and another long weekend at New York Comic Con! I still find it amazing when I first attended this con in the early 2010’s where I was able to get a badge a month or two prior to the event to where now, I save the date and time of when badges go on sale to ensure I click on the link as soon as the time clicks to that hour. As always, I am glad to be able to score badges. I was worried as I was in the queue for several hours and thinking that badges would have been sold out by then.
As usual, NYCC brings a lot to the floor when it comes to a pop culture con. The displays were amazing and at first, can be overwhelming with the crowd, lights, and displays for people attending the first time. In the past, when I was able to attend on Thursdays, it would provide me time to walk around the convention center and get familiar with all of the major merchants. Now with other priorities, my first day is Friday. It’s important to download their app and get familiar with the layout and where all of your favorite merchants and artists will be. It will save you so much time, and prevent frustration, especially when it gets crowded and difficult to navigate around. Speaking of, if you are going down an aisle and see a large crowd ahead, much like traffic in NYC (before congestion pricing), it is better to try another aisle to get to your destination.
One aspect I really like about NYCC is the their use of the new annex. It’s where all of the big panels are; it also helps disperse an already crowded convention. At it’s peak, usually on Saturday, there will be over 100K people at the convention. Sunday is more navigable, but remember that it’s free for kids, and they move a lot slower. With food, there are plenty of choices. The food inside the Javitz is decent, but I will admit the quality of dishes at the food trucks are really good. While as a photographer, the food trucks take away so much real estate, the other part of me realizes that taking photos against the concrete wall can get stale. It’s also a reason why I don’t set up at the polished metal side as well. I enjoy walking around and taking photos in different locations. Also, badging in and out is pretty smooth, so with Hudson Yards being close by, there are many other options for backgrounds.
Some advice I would provide to photographers. Due to the crowd size, a 35mm is the best option for a lens. If you plan on going to Hudson Yards, then by all means, bring up to a 85mm or even a 105mm. Since the convention is always held in October, sunset comes pretty quick. Also, many cosplayers will take photos in what is traditionally called the tunnel. Therefore, bring a flash with a softbox or a constant light to get the most of your time and versatility with taking photos at NYCC. If you take photos inside, you can do so without artificial light as long as you’re outside of the merchandise area. You’ll have to compromise with the large crowd walking behind, however. Sometimes the timing works well with the crowd.
I continued my tradition of staying at the Residence Inn (part of the Marriott family) in Secaucus NJ and took the ferry in. Parking all day is around $20 and a round trip ferry ride is $18. By the time NYCC comes around, I have enough points to stay for two nights. As with any major event in NYC, the hotels that are in walking distance to the Javitz can be quite pricey. Plus trying to travel into NYC Penn Station with a lot of luggage can make a difficult experience. Besides, riding on the top part of the ferry provides a great view of the city!
