Anyone going to DragonCon 2006?

[Longwatcher]

Given the large number of people with cameras I saw last year and the number of poeple from another forum who have said they are going, I am just curious if anyone else from POTN is going to DragonCon 2006 in Atlanta, GA Labor day weekend.

For trivia I will be staying at the Mariott

[Rumjungle]

Wow, haven't been into the fantasy stuff for ages. I used to be a D&D nerd with a subscription to Dragon Magazine back in the 80's.:) How big is this convention?

[Tdragone]

DragonCon? I thought ComicCon in San Diego was the ONLY Con out there :)

I'm not into Comica and Anime; so I don't go; but MAN; every hotel is BOOKED and almost all of my photo gear is there on loan right now :)

[Longwatcher]

Wow, haven't been into the fantasy stuff for ages. I used to be a D&D nerd with a subscription to Dragon Magazine back in the 80's.:) How big is this convention?

Last year DragonCon had over 20,000 people. As someone pointed out if counting as bodies/day it could total over 45,000 people. Easily 5000 gamers in the gaming hall.

ComicCon is more focused on mostly comics and pop culture. I think it gets more press because it is within driving distance of L.A. being in San Diego and all. It may be larger, but it is more focused.

DragonCon in Atlanta is more of a tradional SCIFI/Fantasy convention (although definately not the small intimate kind). They have multiple focus areas. They also have a large Goth following because of the bands that play in the evening. It is the largest on the eastern half of the country.

It also has a whole lot of photographers:
http://www.longwatcher.com/DragonCon2005/dawn/images/_I0S3077.jpg
http://www.longwatcher.com/DragonCon2005/dawn/images/_I0S3079.jpg
and these are just one side of the stage. There were even more on the side I was on and quite a few on the end as well. I cheated and stood on a chair as I had the 70-200 available so I could go over the heads.

P.S. I almost forgot to mention I have an original D+D 3-book manual (we ain't talking second edition or AD&D) and yes there was a version before that. But stopped playing many moons ago.

[staciecd]

Oooohhh, bet that there would be some great photo ops. I use to play Vampire RP and Everquest, so I am familiar with the meets.

stacie

[Longwatcher]

until WW killed the universe I also used to LARP VTM. Don't like the new universe as much. Still collect the occasional WW WOD book

[Rumjungle]

What did the original 3 book manual consist of? Men & Magic, Monsters & Treasure, The Underworld & Wilderness Adventures? I just googled it. If that's the case, then they were before my time. In fact, they came out the year I was born.:)

[Longwatcher]

yep and copyright 1974 (I just looked) and I have the first 3 suppliments.

Lots of interesting things in my library.

[Longwatcher]

Update: I just found out today that I snagged a press ribbon for Dragon*Con, Woo Hoo...

Now if I can just snag the 200/1.8 rental lens...
I will truly be a happy camper.

[Longwatcher]

Further Update:
And it looks like I snagged the 200/f1.8 rental as well, that and my 1DsMkII hanging from a POTN strap should make me hard to miss.

not like anyone cares. :)

[Rumjungle]

Snap away and show me what I'm missin'...especially all the models in fantasy attire.;)

[Longwatcher]

Well here is what you missed last year that I took (you may also be able to figure out why I am happy I will have a 200/1.8 this year.

http://www.longwatcher.com/event_DC_p_00.html

I recommend the Dawn Look Alike Contest section the most, but a few of the Miscellaneous costumes are pretty good as well.

[CyberDyneSystems]

It also has a whole lot of photographers:
http://www.longwatcher.com/DragonCon...s/_I0S3077.jpg
http://www.longwatcher.com/DragonCon...s/_I0S3079.jpg
Wow,. look at all those chimpin' geeks :shock: :lol:

Seriously, I'd go if there was one near me.

[Maeglin]

As for some from this year...
http://gallery.caerleon.us/gallery/dcon2006

I was using a Lumiquest Softbox for the indoor shots.