Cosplay Programming // Community Capture
Photoshoots
Bring a fandom together, strike the pose, and turn one convention meet-up into a photo everyone can remember.
50 min
Per official shoot
16+
Leader age by Aug. 31
2026
Applications open
Group frame // Live
Smile // 2026
Official Guide // Start Here
Turn a Fandom Idea Into an Official Shoot
Find Your People First
Connect with attendees in the Matsuricon Facebook Group or Discord to see whether there is interest in your particular fandom before you apply.
Community-built programming
Leader Eligibility
What the Application Needs
Shoot name
01Use an inside joke, show name, game name, or another title that identifies the fandom clearly.
The year
02Include the year when titling your event so attendees can find the correct gathering.
Estimated attendance
03A popularity-based estimate is enough. You do not need a complete head count before applying.
Requested schedule
04Tell the team which convention day and preferred time would work for your group.
Approval // Official Status
Apply to Get the Full Convention Support
Official rooms. Official photographers. A findable schedule.
Approved groups are the only shoots with access to the photoshoot rooms during convention weekend and to Matsuricon's staff photographers.
Can I submit more than one fandom?
Yes. There is no limit to how many different fandom group-shoot requests you may submit, so do not feel restricted to one idea.
Do I need my own photographer?
No. If your group does not already have a photographer, note that on the form and a staff photographer will be scheduled to assist the shoot.
Can I create a Facebook event?
After confirmation emails are sent, you are welcome to create one. Matsuricon asks that it be made through the Official Matsuricon Group so everyone can find it.
Convention Day // Run of Show
Keep the Shoot on Time and in Focus
50
Minutes per shoot
10–15
Minutes early
- 01
Arrive early
Shoot leaders should arrive 10–15 minutes before their scheduled start time.
- 02
Use the full slot responsibly
Shoots are 50 minutes long, and every attendee must clear the room before the next shoot begins.
- 03
Communicate changes
If you are running late, contact the shoot page or someone attending. Approved leaders who must drop out need to notify staff by Facebook Messenger or email before the shoot.
Failure to notify staff before dropping out may lead to denial of future shoots at Matsuricon.
- 04
Watch for official photos
When a staff photographer covers the event, official photos will be posted as folders in the Official Matsuricon Group within 30–45 days after Matsuricon ends.
Location Notice // Park + Fountain
Outdoor Shoots Are Unofficial
No official Matsuricon group photoshoots will be offered at the park or fountain area because it is outside the convention space. You may still arrange a personal shoot there, but Matsuricon staff and staff photographers will not be available, and the gathering will not appear on the schedule.
Stay out of the fountain.
The Columbus Police Department notes that entering a fountain within city limits is illegal. Matsuricon is not responsible for legal action resulting from a violation.
Volunteer Crew // Behind the Lens
Help Create Great Photo Opportunities
Build the scene. Guide the groups. Protect the shared space.
Photo Arena
Set up displays and props in fun, useful arrangements, then watch and manage those items while attendees use them so nothing is stolen or broken.
Communication matters
Photoshoot Coordination
Create, coordinate, and schedule attendee photoshoots; communicate photographer needs to leadership in advance; and keep the right leads in the right places at the right times.
Communication matters
Badge Checking
Check Platinum, Gold, three-day, and single-day attendee badges at the Night Market, and keep an accurate count of everyone entering the space.
Communication matters
Final Frame // Your Fandom