Come Out and Play at L.A. Comic Con!

Hi all! It's been a little while since my last post, but it's also been a little over five years since I've started my blog! I am so pleased I've kept this blog going for five years. :) Today's post has been a very long time coming, and the reasoning for that can be seen in a past life update blog. Since Los Angeles Comic Con is about a month away, now's the best time to hype you up for the con with a comprehensive recap from last year's experiences and a future outlook of 2019's con!


Previously at LACC 2018:

I had the opportunity to attend the con for two of the three days as press. Typically, I have a game plan when I attend conventions: Scope out the vendor's hall, interact with con attendees, do free scheduled cosplay photo shoots and if time permits, attend panels that interest me. Unfortunately, I was unable to make any panels or the fashion show that year, but I was able to interact with both con attendees and vendors. Overall, the outlook of the convention was positive.  Also, can I just say that the mascot for the con is awesome looking. I am glad that they kept the same design for 2019.

In 2017,  the process was somewhat unwelcoming when I picked up my press badge. However, in 2018, this was quite the opposite and I felt very welcomed throughout the whole experience from bag check to badge pick up. The staff members looked happy and like they enjoyed their assigned shifts. As someone who does staff for a different convention, maintaining a pleasant guest experience is important. I am always very pleased to see when cons improve upon themselves. Even the convention security situation was a much more pleasant experience than 2017.

When I had discomforts about an uncomfortable situation at the convention and expressed them with a staff member, they did not disregard my concerns. The staff member took my discomfort seriously and notified security. I was extremely pleased to be taken seriously in regards to this situation, as that has never happened before at other conventions. So, for future con goers to Los Angeles Comic Con, please feel free to voice your concerns to staff members, if need be. Never feel like you cannot say anything to anyone. From my experiences, last year, someone will listen to you.

In 2017, I rated the con 8/10, but based on how well they improved upon themselves from 2017 to 2018, I believed that they deserved an increase in rating to 9/10.  I cannot wait to see what 2019 brings.

Peep some photos I took from last year's con:

@januarycosplay - Star Wars

@thebigloserqueen - Snow White

@miss_madra_rua - Gwenpool

I JUST LOVE THAT MASCOT

Coming soon to LACC 2019:

COSPLAY COSPLAY COSPLAY!

I really like that this year is very cosplay focused. Anyone who has followed my blog or either of my Instagram pages knows that I am both a cosplayer and a cosplay photographer. In 2019, Los Angeles Comic Con will have both The Dark Crystal Cosplay Competition and the Cosplay National Championship. Click the links to apply for both competitions, if you're interested in competing! There will also be a Kid's Halloween Costume Contest and Indoor Trick-or-Treating. I like the idea of indoor trick-or-treating because it's a safe alternative for children that might not be able to go out at night on Halloween . It's also reminiscent of what malls used to do in my childhood.  As for me, I was asked to participate in a cosplay group based off of Savannah Alexandra's Puppettes and Purrlesque's fan art, so I hope to be able to fulfill that request to the best of my abilities. I've never done a cosplay group before despite cosplaying for over 14 years. Also, I've been on a con hiatus essentially all summer due to personal reasons and am looking forward to getting back into it. Los Angeles Comic Con is a relatively good sized con where you can wear a more elaborate cosplay and not worry about it being ripped.

There are a lot of interesting guests coming in 2019 as well. Some are giving panels, such as Gerard Way, while others are going to be making appearances and doing autograph signings.

Tickets: If you don't have a full weekend free and are interested in attending Los Angeles Comic Con 2019, the one-day passes are rather affordable for the size of the con. Also, the three day passes are rather decent as well. Children under 12 are free with a paying adult badge too! Very few cons do that, so that's a great perk, if you would like to take your child with you to the con. :)

Anyhoo! That's all from me for now! If you do happen to go to LACC 2019, I hope you have a safe and amazing con experience!

I've also recently created a photography portfolio & post my favorite photos from various cons in there now as well, so check that out too.

Me cosplaying as Blake Belladonna from RWBY (LACC 2018) - Photography courtesy of @jackofsometradesx11

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Orange you glad I didn't say Banana - Facial Peel Review!

Hi All! It's been a while since I've done a product review, don't you think? I recently bought this at home facial peel by Derma-E at Sprouts. I've been really into the natural skin care options lately so I have been testing out different brands to see which work best for my skin as I have extremely sensitive skin.

 I am not sure if you remember, but a few years ago, I tested out the Yes-to brand and it left me with facial burning for over two hours. I have not used that brand since. Instead, I tend to gravitate towards brands with ingredients that are easier to decipher and have not been subject to several negative reviews; ie, products with over 4 stars on multiple sources. I read several written reviews too in depth. Believe me, I make the time for that. I have hyper pigmentation with sensitive skin and I want my face to be the best it can be, not worsen.

When I bought the Derma-E Vitamin C Instant Radiance Citrus Facial Peel (now my punny title should make sense), I got it for 25% off during the vitamins and beauty sale. I love sales, so if I can ever find something cheaper than original price, I will go for it.

The look of the box

Unfortunately, upon opening the box, the cap was cracked and then fell off on the ground. I debated returning it, but the contents inside were alright and undamaged so I just kept it. The product also comes with a little instruction pamphlet and an application spoon. The spoon is also utilized as a way of removing the product while massaging the skin to promote blood flow. You want to put an even layer of the product on your skin and leave it on for 3-5 minutes before using the spoon to remove it.

Unfortunately, the lid was cracked :/

After leaving it on for five minutes, I did feel a slight tingle in my face. It was no where near as unbearable as other products like this I have tried in the past such as First Aid Beauty. While I liked the end result of First Aid Beauty, Derma-E is really good for those looking for a more eco-ethical brand and want to know exactly what they are putting on their face without googling long, complex names.

It's made with orange peels :)

Upon removing it, and finishing with a rose petal toner, my face had a very nice glow with it. I have really bad hyperpigmentation, but pairing Derma-E with Sephora's Glow peel pads made with naturally occuring glycolic acid from sugar cane has helped me obtain a glow like no other. I have been using the Derma-E mask weekly for a month now paired with the peel pads 2x a day and the hyperpigmentation is staring to fade away. This paring is highly recommended if you have sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation like I do. I am also not sure if this is related or not, but I have combination skin, that typically produces really oily T zone, and even that is starting to calm down some since using this pairing! So try it out, if you please! :)

That's all for this post! Let me know if you have any eco-friendly, or cruelty-free make-up brands you would like me to try and and let you know about!

 I just recently got the Beauty Blender Bounce™ Liquid Whip Long Wear Foundation in 4.40N (Deep with Neutral Undertones). I wanted to give that one a try first since I feel my shade changes in the summer months. However, I am coming from using Fenty Beauty 420, but have to stop since it is not working for me in the way it used to. The comparable color according to Sephora's Shade Finder is actually 4.10 C/O (Deep with Cool Olive Undertones)  - so I might test that next time after this runs out. After I use it for a couple of weeks, I'll be doing a review blog on that brand as well! :)

Stay tuned for some Seattle blogs, I am going for an expo. In the meantime, check out my photography website- I just launched it! There are never before seen photos from my time doing photography at Los Angeles Fashion Week F/W '19.

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Happy Anniversary Long Beach Comic Con 2018! - Press Edition

Hi all! Things have been pretty busy since last time I have posted. I got a full time job! So exciting! I'm working with voice recognition software and programming it to understand human speech better! I love being able to utilize my Linguistics degree for what my interests lie in. So, yes posts might come slower than I would like because I also do photography as a side job, but the posts will certainly keep on coming! Anyhoo, that is not the reason for today's blog. Today's blog is all about Long Beach Comic Con! Last month, I had the pleasure of attending LBCC for two days as press. It was also their 10th anniversary, so happy anniversary, or how we con nerds call it - coniversary, LBCC! <3

Overall Con Breakdown:

The convention was not in the usual location facing the Pike Outlets, but on the side facing the fountain. While it was a minor inconvenience as some of the signs were slightly hard to tell where they were pointing to, this location was extremely ideal from an outdoor photography perspective. The bag check for the most part was rather acceptable.

 However, one problem that I can state that I had was borderline sexual harassment during Saturday of the con on the part of the security asking me to lift up my shirt after stating to prior security personnel that I had a corset under my cosplay. Cosplay is not consent, nor will it ever be. We must stand firm and call out all wrongdoers.  All of the other security personnel had accepted my statement about my corset (which is still noticealy visible under my cosplay), had just simply wanded me, and were going to send me on my way. However, this one particular security worker decided he would try and convenience me to lift up my shirt for him when my corset can be see through my shirt. By lift up my shirt, I mean my entire shirt, not just a little bit. To which, I promptly told him off and stated that the lining and busk was visible without the need to remove anything. That was an unfortunate mishap that in no way, shape, or form reflects on the convention or the convention center, but on the person, himself. I should hope, that they are dealt with after I gave my report. Unfortunately, that particular experience had me off to a bad start for the day on Saturday.

I was worried this bad mindset would continue; however, getting to the press check in process was great! The staff member that ran that section was extremely friendly and welcoming. That instantly boosted my mood and every other security team member was amazing and showed great professionalism in their duties. The vendor's hall has something for everyone too. They even incorporated wresting this year as that has garnished more interest at conventions in the recent year or two.  I got to meet and talk with various artists in the artist alley and see how their con experience was going and was even interviewed as well. I attended the Space Expo panel, "So you want to build an R2", which featured a group of panelists discussing how they built their own replicas of the iconic Star Wars character along with other droids.

Photography wise, I shot both indoors where the beautiful lights were and outdoors by the reflective windows near the fountain were. Depending on the aesthetics you're looking for, this convention center in particular is quite possibly the most aesthetically pleasing one to me. At this con, I cosplayed as both Velvet Scarlatina from RWBY and Rouge the Bat from Sonic the Hedgehog. One a faunus photographer another an international jewel thief. A fun fact about me, I connect better with non human characters.

Velvet Scarlatina

Rouge the Bat, photography courtesy of @yorkinabox

As stated many times in the past, I am a cosplaying photographer, so I happen to look at the con from the lens of both an insider and outsider's perspective. From an insider perspective, Long Beach Comic Con is such a welcoming and inviting con, that is why I always enjoy going to this particular con every year. They are a very cosplay friendly convention and do all that they can to ensure that the public remains safe, and that cosplayers are not limited in any way with what they can cosplay within reason. From an outsider's perspective, the con has grown so much over the years I have been attending it. I am so pleased and I can see why so many people are willing to purchase the lifetime pass to the con. I know a few that have it, and none of them regret it at all. The con continues to grow and thrive as a welcoming atmosphere to both new and old attendees. I am looking forward to Long Beach Comic Expo in February. Some of my happiest memories happened at this year's Long Beach Comic Con and I am looking forward to creating more in the years to come.
(all photos below taken by me)

Soldier 76 x Fallout 76 mashup by @alexdrastal

Cinder Fall - RWBY cosplayed by @kajicosplays

Psylocke - X-Men cosplay by @utahimecosplay

8.5/10 (honestly, this is one of my favorite cons, I would probably go to this con and Long Beach Comic Expo for as long as they run)
Pros:

• Friendly Staff 
• Considering that I am a staff member for other unaffiliated cons, we represent the face of the con. So I take professionalism and a good attitude to heart, this can make or break a con for so many people.
• Many things to do
• Interesting Panels
• I attended a panel on how to build your own R2D2, that was extremely cool as my old research lab tried to build a robot before
• One thing I like about the panels at LBCC is that there is honestly something for everyone. Some cons do not get very diverse in their panels, and more of them need to. 

Cons:

• The parking situation was not ideal
• This was a complaint I heard from many that I asked about what was their least favorite part of the con. I think the Pike Outlet parking threw so many people off.
• Location change/ Signage
•  I didn't mind the location change all that much
• However, many people, myself included found the signage explaining where the new location was and how to get to it were completely thrown off by it.

Stay tuned for more posts! I still have to tell y'all about NerdbotCon, CBD Expo, and LA Comic Con!

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

LVL on UP at this EXPO! - Press Edition

Hi all! Happy August! I hope everyone has been well and keeping cool, this summer. Southern California just got through a big heat wave of its own, this past weekend. IT WAS AWFUL. However, I digress. The real reason for today's post is to give my full on review for Lvl Up Expo in Las Vegas! This is a long time coming because I went on a brief con review hiatus due to harassment after my Long Beach Comic Expo post. I believe that situation is now resolved and I am looking forward to going to Long Beach Comic Con nearing the end of Summer.

So Lvl Up Expo is one of the most popular conventions in Las Vegas, if not the most popular one from a cosplayer's perspective. You will get crowds coming to this convention from California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and other surrounding areas as it is a good transitioning con from the Spring to Summer con season. By California standards, Lvl Up Expo would be considered a medium sized con. Everyone knows con season is in full force starting in May since there are so many back to back conventions that happen that month. I was pleased to start my "summer" con season with Lvl Up Expo. Would you believe that going to Lvl Up Expo was my second time in Las Vegas as an adult outside of the airport? It shocks the masses of Southern Californians that I know, as funny as that sounds.

I attended Lvl Up Expo on both Friday and Saturday, as I had to leave back to California on Sunday. Day 1, I received my press badge and was greeted by friendly, welcoming faces. That's a great way to start off a convention. As someone who as volunteered and staffed for Comic Con International, the first impressions you make on you attendees go a long way. Afterwards, I walk onto the convention floor. I arrived a little late on Friday, so the con was not extremely crowded, but still there was a hustle and bustle of people around me.

I am a cosplaying photographer, so I always float around the convention floor looking for cosplayers to shoot while in cosplay. It's a fun venture to do as it leaves me opportunities to be shot and opportunities to meet new people.

 For instance, the cosplayer below, Haley, aka H Cosplay is a Las Vegas cosplayer that happens to cosplay as Harley Quinn. Harley is one of my main cosplays even though I do not do any of her original forms, so I was happy to work with her on day 1 of the convention.

Instagram: @h.cosplay

On day two (Saturday), I cosplayed as Bumblebee from Teen Titans and encountered several Teen Titans cosplayers and we formed an accidental Teen Titans cosplay gathering. After we did group shots, I took individual photos of everyone.  The two below are J'son and Badger (Nightwing and Robin).

Instagram - @deku_to_dekiru_cosplay & @badgercosplays

 I also got to try out ax throwing, which was extremely hard to do with a corset and butterfly wings on 😂 I loved the opportunity though! It is not something I have seen at any con I've gone to in California or Canada. Also, the wrestling component of the con was hilarious. It was well orchestrated that it even got some chuckles out of this grown lady.

This was so hard. Photo courtesy of the Ax throw vendors.

So many laughs

All in all, I had a nice two days at Lvl Up Expo. Rating: 8/10

• My primary con about this con was that if you were looking for something, some of the staff was not very knowledgeable about where things were, which sadly caused me to miss panels.
• Perhaps some training sessions beforehand can alleviate this.
• Also, have more security roaming the floor of the convention center because there were some uncomfortable situations I had encountered on the floor that could have been remedied by more roaming security.

A few suggestions for next year are:

• More food truck vendors so that people have options
• Better instructions of how to catch a lyft to and from the convention center because I was dropped off on the wrong side of the convention center the first time and then almost missed my return Lyft because the staff didn't know how to explain where the lyft picks up at.
• More panels and better announcement of panel times/locations

I hope everyone has had a nice summer so far. Have any of you attended any summer cons or went on any fun adventures, this summer? Let me know in the comments below and stay tuned for my next con blog about Long Beach Comic Con! 😊

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Merry Christmas Photography!🎄🎄🎄

Hi all! Merry Christmas! I know that this post is a little bit late in the day, but I hope that everyone has had a wonderful day with their loved ones. I would like to share with you all a few of the photos I received from my first ever Christmas cosplay, so I hope you can enjoy that as a present from me. Eat, drink, and be merry as we end our Christmas night in the United States.  Also, just one more week left until 2018, so try your best to make 2017 end on a positive note. End this chapter of your life full of greatness! Without further ado, here are my Christmas Morrigan photos from various photographers during the Inland Empire Cosplay Gathering. I'll also post a couple of the photos I took at the gathering as well since I am a cosplaying photographer as well. 😊

Photography courtesy of Shameless Self Photography

Photography courtesy of Matthew Keiser

Photography courtesy of John Matter

Photography courtesy of Shameless Self Photography

Cosplayer - "Casual Goku" MVious Cosplay

Cosplayer - "Gijinka Ninetales" Kira Masquerade

Cosplayer - "Kuzan" Snazzy Jazzie

That's all for now you guys! I hope the photos were to your liking. If you guys ever need a photographer, I'm free for cosplay gatherings, photo meets, and conventions due to personal preference, but all private shoots start at 25$/hour, cheaper than most because I am just starting out. Anyway, I hope your Christmas is amazing and if I don't post before the new year have a happy start to your 2018!!💖💖 Let me know in the comments below how you intend to ring in the new year.

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

LACC 2017 Recap - Press Edition

Hi all! I know this is a little delayed of a post, but I've been extremely busy, this month. I went to Vancouver, British Columbia for a week to present my Master's Thesis at a research conference. I also went to Fan Expo Vancouver, fun times were had! I digress though, today's post is about Los Angeles Comic Con, so I hope that you enjoy it since "con season" is essentially over for the year in California.

Me cosplaying as Nana Osaki from the manga/anime Nana. - LACC Day 1

I attended LACC for three days as a press member. That was an interesting experience for my first time officially covering a larger convention despite some hiccups along the way. I would like to recap each day attended and end this post with my overall opinion of LACC 2017. This review is fully honest and not sugar coated in the least bit.

Friday: 
I arrived at the convention a few hours after badge pick up opened and noticed that there were banners to tell attendees where to go line up at. That was very efficient because they had a line for regular attendees with weapons, without weapons, with bags, and a line for VIP, Press/Exhibitors/Panelists. This made the shuffle easier to go about as bag check right upon entry was fast and hassle free. Afterwards, we had to go to the pre-registration booth for press to get our badge. The main issue with this part was that many of the staffers running the badge pick up were not very cordial with the attendees and it did not make for a welcoming experience. However, the bag check security members were really kind people. The convention opened 30 minutes later than they were supposed to despite only having the vendor's hall and the fashion show happening on Friday. I am someone that typically enjoys going to panels on the slower days, so that was a little disappointing that there were no panels happening. I was able to do some photo shoots with various cosplayers though and that was nice. The overall downside to the Friday convention was that the night security staff had horrible attitudes and threatened my photographer friends and I. The way these security guards acted did not represent the convention well at all. If anything, it reflected negatively on the convention given that these people are selected to work a convention and should do their best to keep the attendees happy.

The full look of my Nana Osaki cosplay - photography courtesy of @francheezy24_7

Many cosplayers came casual on Friday - @francheezy24_7

While cosplayers went all out on Friday -@actcostumes

Saturday: 
I decided to get to the convention a little later, and did a few photo shoots as both a cosplayer and as a photographer. I didn't attend any panels that day, but I did get to collaborate with other photographers to hone my craft. I also spoke with various cosplayers and photographers asking how the convention was going for them. The overall opinion for Saturday was positive. Most people, including myself had a great time on Saturday. All of the security were friendly and way more lax when it came to closing time than they were on Friday when they kept threatening us. They still opened up the vendor hall later than expected as I was told by other attendees. I spent a majority of my time doing photo shoots with my friend Derek ( @tammohawk.photography). He was teaching me how to do studio style photography with lights. I am rather pleased with how the photos came out. Saturday was probably my favorite day of the convention.

A practice session with @takingbacksam as genderbent halloween Harley Quinn & @tammohawk.photography.

@allyn_monroe slays as Emma Frost

@misstinakay89 kicking butt as Damian Wayne's Robin. 

@nikki_s_k as Injustice Raven

Sunday:
I came to the convention a little later and checked out the Disney cosplayer gathering to get some photos for that event. I also did some photography with my partner: Jerry (@jackofalltradesx11) as both his model and fellow photographer. We went around the vendors hall and checked out various booths. We spent a decent amount of time at the booth of Alicia Marie Body. She was the nicest person I have ever met for a "popular" cosplayer. She was funny, cordial, and welcoming to everyone, who came to check out her booth. I also bought a Reptar Bar from the FYE booth. The overall downside of this day was that I was sexually harassed on six different occasions by both men and a woman. As a result, I would like to express this regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, "COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT"! Do not ever touch or grab at a person just because they are in cosplay. Always ask politely for photographs or any contact, and do not make vulgar sexual remarks towards any person. Please refer back to my previous post on how to experience your first con. There were no security around to report a person, who has stalked me for the past two years at a different convention to the point I have to always be around someone at cons or I feel uncomfortable going. I am certain that this particular person, who commonly cosplays as Waldo has done this to other people as well. This can be fixed by having a larger amount of security at a con.

@aliciamariebody as Lola Bunny

@spideydna as Spider-Man

@justnaction as Black Panther. I can't wait for that movie, next year!

@_jaegerb_ as a genderbent Joker

My overall takeaways from LACC 2017:

• The con had a primarily chill atmosphere. 
• They need to hire better security as I was told by multiple photographers that they were threatened by security guards and nothing happened upon reporting it.
• The booklets were simple  to understand and straight to the point.
• Most attendees were more interested in the vendor's hall than the panels.
• Cosplayers were more likely to attend on the bigger days rather than the opening days. 
• The staff needs to be a bit more enthusiastic especially when people are picking up badges. 
• I have done badge pickup duty for both SDCC and WonderCon & have noticed when the people giving the badges are upbeat, it makes for an overall better experience for the attendees. 
• Fix the communication between professional attendees on guest lists as many people doing panels were not on the list and could not easily pick up their badges
• The public relations staff is great with communication though. (I was always kept up to date with all new announcements regarding the con. )
• The convention needs to be more strict on timing and stay true to their scheduling.
• Con rating: 8/10
• I would return again for 2018
• The factors that caused this rating were the lack of enthusiasm by several staff members, opening the vendor's hall late, not enough security guards, and the fact that nothing was done about security guards threatening attendees. 
• All of these factors are fixable. 
• I hope to actually makes the Club Comic Con event, next year too. 

Well that's it for my LACC review! I hope this was thorough enough, and stay tuned for my future posts now that I have free time again!

Did you attend LACC? What was your overall opinion of the con? Let me know in the comments below.

Till Next Time!

-Hachi

Ready, Set, Shoot! 📸

Self-Portrait with my Samsung Galaxy S7 - I have since upgraded bags and my phone to S8+

Hi all! I hope everyone's weekend has treated them well! Today's blog is actually about my photography hobby. Last month, I purchased the Sony Alpha A6000 in black with some accessories to go along with it. I've also gotten very involved with the portrait photography world down in Southern California. By involved, I mean that I've been going to various "street meets. Street meets are typically informal photography gatherings where photographers and models meet and do collaborative shoots. Depending on the location of the meets, some models might do fire performances or smoke performing. It makes for really nice shots. I have a preference to attend street meets on the weekends because I am noticing that those tend to be at actual locations as opposed to the weekday meets that end up being on random streets. I avoid those mostly because they attract unwanted attention at times. My favorite street meet was actually mermaid themed at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro. I'm really excited to show you guys my photography. I will photograph anyone that asks nicely at conventions, gatherings,  or street meets. I am the furthest from being a photography elitist that only shoots well known people. Open minded photography is the best kind of photography and allows a photographer to grow their skills. I don't think I would ever consider myself as a pro even when I start doing photography as a side-business next year because that means I'll stop growing. Here are my main takeaways from being a photographer: mutual respect between fellow photographers is an amazing thing, network and get to know your models, never stop allowing room for growth, and most importantly of all, just have fun. Not everything has to be a competition. Now without further ado, here's some of my favorite shots from my A6000. All of these were edited in the Lightroom App with portraits occasionally also edited in Airbrush.

Taken at the L.A. Cosplay shootout - Model: @annjelife

Taken at the mermaid themed street meet  - Model: @jayylivefastdiepretty

Taken at the mermaid themed street meet -Model: @jesssickaaa

Taken at Cabrillo Beach in San Pedro, CA

Taken at Irvine Spectrum Center and edited with color pop

That's all for now everyone ! I hope you like my work! Let me know in the comments below if you want to see my editing process & I'll try and make it happen. Also, portraits vs landscape, which do you prefer? (In general, I mean).

Till next time!

-Hachi