Today’s question is…
Thanks for your Dragoncon post! Where do you suggest to go to take a photoshoot that isn’t too crowded?
I talked a little bit about photo spots in my DragonCon post mentioned there a while back, so here’s some more thoughts!
First, be sure you go check out this amazing compilation of photo locations around the host hotels and Dragoncon area! Now, here’s some of my favourite places, and thoughts on places.
1. Marriott Atrium Level
Along the sides of the walls, there are several paintings that can make for neat backdrops, and, the doors are kinda nice too if you like that look:
Otherwise, I say avoid the Atrium Level, especially as the day wears on. Unless you’re just looking for other people to take your picture, it’s too crowded and crazy to try to stop and pose for a picture anywhere through here. Morning, it’s fine!
2. Marriott Patios
Towards the front of the hotel on the Atrium Level are two patios – one on either side of the hotel. This is a smoker’s area, and it has a lot of potted plants and windows. The left side (left if you’re looking at the front of the hotel from the sidewalk) is larger with some tables and chairs. Both sides have stairs leading down to driveway/fountain area.
Since it’s a smoker’s area, beware if you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke (like me). During the day it is also often used as run-off for lines for large panels, which makes it hard to use during the day sometimes.
But, it’s often-times completely empty, especially during the morning. So it’s a decent spot to step outside and grab some photos without going too far away – plus, the wind tends to whistle through here which is nice for some cape/skirt movement in photos.
3. Marriott Lobby Level
There’s really nothing down here except check-in, Starbucks, the store, etc. There’s a few chairs and couches, and the stairs in the back can be nice. They used to have chairs set-up by the doors that was a nice spot, but now they move the chairs out and it’s just an empty area.
They do have these water fountain things just inside the doors that can be neat:
4. Marriott Marquis Level
It may not be the most picture-esque place to go, but it’s my go-to spot for photos at Dragoncon, mostly just because there’s more space down here than the other two levels. There’s also more space to just sit and people-watch, so it’s my fav area in the Marriott. There’s very little that goes on down here at night – sometimes one of the ballrooms may be used for something, but generally, it’s just people taking photos, band tables and hanging out.
You’ve got the famous carpet, here, of course.
And the curved stairs are nice, too:
5. Marriott Fountain
The fountain in front the Marriott makes an awesome background, but I personally haven’t used it in a few years.
It’s been blue instead of orange for a few years now but I have no photos of it since it’s been blue! LOL.
This is directly in the center of the driveway of the Marriott. You’ve got cars and valets and bellhops running everywhere, so you’ll probably get honked at or yelled at if you get in their way. If you’re quick and go during a time that isn’t busy (don’t go during check-in rush Friday, for example) you should be fine.
6. Marriott 10th Floor
The 10th Floor of the Marriott is an empty space, with large(-ish) open areas, tables and chairs, and a skyline view.
Due to it being an entire empty floor, it can accommodate several groups and photographers at once.
If you’re just a couple of people wanting to shoot here, you’re fine. If you’re trying to get a large group up there, you’ve got 2 problems: getting them all up the elevators (which can take a while), and then, the larger the group, the harder it is to shoot. You can only back up so far, and the more people and gear you get up there, the more attention you’ll draw and you could possibly get shut down. The superhero shot above – we were shut down not long after that because we had lights set up, which was apparently some sort of hazard.
Large groups don’t go up here anymore – they typically go to the Hilton Patios now. This area is typically used by smaller groups, and non-costumed groups looking to hang out/meet.
8/11/14 UPDATE: Dragoncon recently announced that the 10th Floor would be used for convention purposes and not available for photography uses. What this means, don’t really know – they said it is still available for group meet-ups, and this announcement is meant to circumvent photographers who set-up backdrops and charge for their work up there. I’m hoping this does not mean people who want to go up there and just get a few shots aren’t excluded (ie, all of us Hunger Games costumers…) but they still haven’t said anything more about what WILL be going on up there. Have a backup planned.
8/14/14 UPDATE: There’s now going to be a “Cospitality Suite” up there and “NO PHOTOGRAPHY ALLOWED.” Bummer that the only indoor area with open space and good lighting in the one of the Big 3 hotels is now no longer available. But, hey, free water and glue gun use, I guess.
7. Stairs to the sides of the Marriott/Poop Lions
One of my favourite areas, because it’s right outside the Marriott and interesting to look at. The stairs are nice, and at night they’re lit up and look great.
There’s not a lot of people over here throughout the day – smokers, foot traffic, etc.
There’s also the “poop lion” statues you can pose around or on.
Head more towards the left side (again, left if you’re facing the Marriott from the sidewalk) if you want to shoot pictures out here. There’s also some nice curved stairs and a weird little pit area (which I don’t recommend – smells like pee and is not very pretty). The right side is directly across the street from the Hyatt entrance so it sees a lot more foot traffic and smokers.
8. Hardy-Ivy Park
This little park area is catty-corner from the Hyatt entrance.
As you can see it’s got a beautiful arch, and some nice greenery. It’s a very popular spot for photos, so you may have to juggle around other costumers or groups, or try to go early to avoid the crowd.
It is a public area, it’s not a convention area. It’s also on a busy street corner. There’s a LOT of non-convention foot-traffic, as well as homeless people who sleep in the area. Be prepared for a lot of stares, questions, etc.
9. Hyatt – Lobby, Convention Basement levels
The Hyatt used to be THE spot to be seen at night, much like the Marriott Atrium Level is now. The Hyatt then started instituting a photo ban during the peak hours – and that chased the crowds away, because, I mean, no photography during a convention? That’s like, nachos without cheese.
That being said, the Hyatt has a pretty lobby.
But it’s not really a great area for photos. There are multiple layers of “basement” levels that are all Dragoncon panel rooms – I love exploring these areas – but there’s really nothing picture-esque down there. It’s just typical hotel hallways and rooms.
But, if you’re looking for a quiet corner to do a quick photoshoot and you’re over there, heading downstairs you’ll find plenty of those spots.
10. Hamster Tubes
There are multiple skywalks between the Hyatt, Marriott and Hilton. There are very neat looking.
But… do NOT try to take photos in the skywalks when it is crowded! They generally have signs up saying “no photography,” etc, but even if they don’t – there’s not a lot of space in those skywalks, so trying to clog up traffic by taking a photo is annoying.
That being said, if you take photos at off-times, they can be pretty awesome.
These were taken Monday afternoon, after the con was over. Or:
Early Friday morning back in 2006.
Just be cognizant of the crowds and stay out of peoples’ way if you want to shoot in a place like this.
11. Hilton – Lobby, Conversation Nooks, Side Areas
I’m actually not all that familiar with the Hilton. I don’t think it was a host hotel until… 2007? So I’ve never really had a need to explore it much.
The Hilton does have these nice little “conversation nooks” in the lobby across from check-in:
And, unlike the Marriott, they don’t hide all their chairs once the convention starts. The conversation nooks are usually taken over by people hanging out, so if you want to snag an empty one for photos, go early or at off times.
The lobby is just a hotel lobby, but it does have a lot of nice, natural light coming in.
And there’s a neat little area over by the elevators I like:
And further back is some larger areas, which, provided you’re not blocking off entry to a panel room, is a nice spot for groups:
(photo by phinz)
12. Hilton Patios
The Hilton Patios are in the very very back of the hotel! They are very large, open spaces with lots of stairs and plenty of room for large, large groups.
Underneath the stairs, you’ve got some shaded little spots that can be decent:
And then you’ve got the stairs, where you’ll usually find large groups shooting:
Due to it being one of the few large places left where big groups can go, it’s often very busy out here. There’s lots of space though, so you can usually find something that’ll work out here. Lots of other costumes and photographers to see as well.
Just beyond the patios, inside, is a small air-conditioned area with an interesting design on the wall you may find interesting:
And it’s air-conditioned, so it’s a nice break after being outside on the Hilton Patio.
(Edit: This area is now being turned into condos and this wall is gone. You may or may not be able to use the space. I’m going to guess no.)
8/20/14 UPDATE: Go check out this post over on the SCF for updates about the Hilton Patio for this year.
The Hilton has sold the building in the back and it is under construction. They have the area around it blocked off, which cuts the amount of space previously used in half. That can’t be helped, but to top it off, Dragoncon is going to have a stage with bands playing on from noon-8pm each day on the left (main) side of the patio.
I don’t even know, man.
13. Suntrust
The Suntrust used to be a very popular spot for photoshoots, thanks to its unique architecture and close proximity to the Marriott and Hyatt.
To do a large shoot at the Suntrust, you first got permission through a contact there at the location. You had to get security clearance and talk to the guards, etc.
Unfortunately, thanks to some poor behaviour by Dragoncon attendees a couple of years ago, they have stopped allowing photoshoots to happen over here. I believe it was beginning in 2012 they warned everyone they would have “armed guards” posted around the site to keep Dragoncon folks from shooting in the area.
So groups have pretty much permanently migrated over to the Hilton Patio. I don’t recommend trying to shoot at Suntrust unless it’s a quick one-or-two photo as you’re walking past. I did not get in trouble for this one Monday night of last year, LOL:
14. Peachtree Center Courtyard
This is the area directly above the Peachtree Mall food court, next to the Hyatt.
In all my years of going to Dragoncon I have exactly one picture taken here:
Why? Because we got chased away after taking that one picture. The security guard told us it was private property and we were not allowed to shoot there.
Besides that, it’s full of non-convention people eating lunch and hanging out, so it’s not the best spot in the world for it anyway. I don’t recommend it.
15. Sheraton, Westin, etc
I know jack about these two spots.
I’ve only gone to the Sheraton to get my badge, and once I wandered around through the halls looking for the TARDIS, but didn’t see much of anything but “hotel.” They supposedly have a very nice pool area with lots of greenery. But I’ve never seen it personally to tell you anything about it.
The Westin I’ve never been to, period. So no clue there.
So those are my favourite places and thoughts! Have fun!