References for Secret Con Ltd

Robert Mann MA

Last month I attended my first ever Secret Con event and I found it to be an incredible experience. The venue this time was Magna Science Adventure Centre and, while I was a little bit disillusioned at first due to the challenges of shooting in such a dark venue, once I found a suitable place in the venue to shoot I managed to get more into my groove and was pretty much shooting with cosplayers almost non stop for the entire day. Some slight niggles aside (more with the venue rather than the organisers), I found the event to be very well organised with consideration even being given to people such as myself who might lack confidence in approaching people to shoot with in the form of their 'bus stop' where photographers and cosplayers can be paired together to shoot. The whole event is such a cool idea for a con with the experience being entirely geared around cosplayers and photographers shooting together and the unique venue providing a super cool backdrop for my images. Despite some challenges with shooting I managed to produce many images I am very happy with and had the chance to meet many new awesome cosplayers. I enjoyed the day very much and I hope to attend more Secret Con events in the future.

JREcosplayphotography

I attended the recent Cosplay Photography workshop at the amazing Basford Hurst Cottage Studio.

Both Darren and Rob were very helpful, with demonstrations and guidance throughout the day, working in different locations with different light levels. As quite a new photographer (and a natural light fan, at least that's what I tell people), I now have even more confidence to experiment mixing artificial lighting with natural light to truly make something special. All the cosplayers they had organised were incredibly talented and very helpful and knowledgeable too.

A big thank you to all the cosplayers, Darren and Rob for a day of learning and just as importantly, confidence boosting!

I 100% recommend Secret Con events and workshops if you love cosplay photography or even if you want to get into it.

It's been a while since I've looked at the back of my camera and thought, 'Did I really take that?!'

Sign me up for the next one!

Basford Hurst Cottage Photography Location

Secretcon contacted us to arrange a Cosplay Photography workshop with a number of different photographers and cosplayers.

Darren was my point of contact though out the organisation process. Darren was so easy to organise the event with, his pre comms where great, payment was made promptly and Darren also provided us with copies of Secretcon's PLI.

The day arrived and we were descended on by Captain America, Beetlejuice and Harley Quinn to name a few!! What an amazing group of people!! Such a talented group of creatives!!

I was so pleased to see Darren discussing photography etiquette with all the photographers who had booked on. Darren is clearly a very knowledgeable photographer and also went through a number of lighting techniques specific to Cosplay.

Throughout the day everyone on the event conducted themselves immaculate decorum and professionalism. Our location was respected at all times and when everyone left the place was clean and tidy.

I would have no hesitation recommending Secretcon to other venues. They would be welcome back here anytime and I really hope to see them again soon!! - I might just have to get involved next time myself!! Thank you to Darren and everyone at Secretcon.

Nigel Hart : Photographer

Secret Con as a concept is Genius! Pick a unique style venue eg Urbex Prison or Stately Home, so that attendees can style their look to fit. Then for a nominal fee invite a balanced number of photographers with a number of models/cosplayers. Professional, well organised and helpful staff. I have now attended 3 of their events and hope to attend many more. Long may Secret Con continue.