Photographer Registration

Last year, Zenkaikon implemented a Photographer Badge to help prevent safety issues and provide more opportunities for photographers within the convention space.

This year, we are continuing the program; however, there are some changes.

Last year, only those wishing to charge or accept tips for their services were required to register. This year, we are extending that to include the above and anyone who wishes to use photography equipment, such as tripods, standing lights, etc.

However, we are no longer charging for a specific badge, we are merely just requiring you to register using this form. You must also have a membership to enter Zenkaikon, this does not grant entry into the convention.

Any issues or complaints against any photographer may be reported directly to our Marketing Division here: https://forms.gle/aG9u39A12F2hVcGr5

We will review registrations and notify accepted parties prior to Zenkaikon 2025. Due to the change in the nature of the Photographer Registration, most registrants will be accepted; denials will only be given if you have previous conduct issues or otherwise violate our policies.

For questions regarding your application, please get in touch with jasmine.caban@zenkaikon.org

All attendees, including Photographers, must follow all of Zenkaikon's Policies. These policies can be found here: https://zenkaikon.com/about-zenkaikon/policies/ 

Zenkaikon makes no endorsements as to the quality of the products or services offered. Registrants of the Photographer form are not business affiliates of Zenkaikon. Any Zenkaikon attendee who disrupts the convention or attempts to commit fraud against other attendees may be subject to expulsion from the convention and revocation of membership privileges.

Photographer Guidelines

Any photographer approached by staff should present their Photographer registration. If you do not have one, you will be directed to the Marketing Office to obtain one. This registration will be available for pre-registration through this form as well as on-location.

Registered Photographers must:

• Register with the convention using this form
• Inform those interested in services whether its nature is paid before taking any photos
• Provide a complete list of equipment to the Marketing Office and have all equipment approved for use
• Receive consent/permission before photographing anyone
   

Registered Photographers may:

• Charge for photography sessions and receive tips for their work
• Utilize designed Photography areas in which they are allowed the use of tripods, monopods, and similar freestanding equipment (limit two total; must use battery-powered equipment)
• Conduct their services throughout the convention space, restrictions withstanding, with their camera and attachments (attachments should not pose a safety or traffic issue)
• Advertise their services within the Zenkaikon Facebook group, Zenkaikon Discord, and other online platforms
   

Photographer Badge holders may not:

• Conduct photography in areas that would block vital foot traffic, such as stairways, entrances/exits, wheelchair ramps, and elevators
• Block traffic for extended periods; photoshoots should be quick and minimize the impact on foot traffic in the convention space
• Enter staff-only or otherwise restricted areas
• Instruct, demand, or otherwise require attendees to vacate from an area; you may politely ask for their cooperation and must respect the answer
• Ignore staff instruction; The safety of our attendees and operations of the convention take precedence and supersede any other guidelines
• Harass, pester, or be rude to any attendee; complaints may result in the revocation of your Photographer Registration or removal from the convention