Credentialed Photographer Access

If you intend to charge attendees for photo shoots, we require you to purchase Credentialed Photographer Access. It’s only fair; anyone profiting from our event or attendees must be regulated, as we do with our vendors and artists. If you do not want/need access provided in this perk, you are welcome to take photos and enjoy the event. This is only required if you are charging and/or want the additional perks. Additionally, this badge level has enabled us to purchase backdrops and equipment for the photo room. Thank you for supporting our healthy cosplay photography community!

The photographer access is $30 in addition to your weekend COAF badge. If you have already registered for an adult Weekend (3-day) badge, you will be charged the $30 difference for the Photography upgrade. If you have not yet registered for a weekend badge, you will be provided the link for the photographer badge ($80 total).

Photography Access includes:

  • Full weekend access to the convention

  • Ability to charge attendees for photo shoots onsite

  • Priority access to the Photography room, backdrops and equipment

  • Access to the press room for equipment storage in-between photo shoots

  • Early entrance (alongside press) and reserved seating to the Costume & Cosplay Contest and Cosplay Chess, plus other cosplay-related panels if space allows

Photography Access does not include:

  • Does not grant “all-access” access to our event (backstage, staff areas, etc.)

  • Does not grant you the power to restrict attendees from certain areas of the convention. You may politely ask attendees to clear an area, but they do not have to comply.

Reports of a photographer being rude to attendees will result in the removal of the photographer badge. The complainant will be issued an attendee badge and be told to discontinue photoshoots for the remainder of the event. Inability to comply will result in removal of attendee badge at the event.

If you are found to be charging for photo shoots at COAF without purchasing the Credentialed Photographer Access, you will be required to immediately cease activities. You may be able to apply the access at Staff discretion. Refusal to abide may result in removal from the event and confiscation of your attendee badge.

As this is a private event, certain photo restrictions may apply, such as guests not permitting photos or allowing photos to be sold.

If you are a press outlet, we instead recommend you apply for a press badge. If press outlets wish to charge attendees for photo shoots, they MUST purchase an add-on photography ribbon. Press outlets charging for photo shoots without this ribbon are subject to expulsion.

Fine print: Attendees must use common sense when understanding the rules of behavior, personal interactions, and respect for both private and public property. Behavior that is considered harassing or offensive will not be tolerated. Attendees, staff and other persons finding themselves in a situation where they feel their safety is at risk should locate the nearest security or staff member and they will be treated with the utmost urgency and expeditious manner to resolve that concern. We reserve the right to deny photographer badges or ribbons to anyone. If denied prior to the convention, your purchase will be refunded. If confiscated onsite due to conduct, there are no refunds for any reason per overall convention policy.