My Unique Experience in Days of the Dead 2018 (Chicago)

Post Date March 10 2019 by Matt L. (IG:@Aeson8hutters)

I typically don’t really do conventions as much as I do carshows. But last year I decided to check out other activities and kind of feel out how other event gatherings are in store for me. In this blog I’m wanted to share my unique experience with you of the Days of the Dead (Chicago).

Well first off, what I like about this is that it is sooo local for me!! hehe Yeah I live in Northwest Suburbs of Chicago. It looks like Days of the Dead (Chicago) made its home here in Chicago Marriot Schaumburg hotel. I am thinking that they will do another one this year on the same location. The place is not too big and not too small either. It is perfect for con-goers who just wants to check out for one day passes. Lucky for me, I manage to get and work with Tribe 3 Productions for this event where I get to take photos of the event, I would like to thank Adrian Ibarra our CEO of Tribe 3 Productions for making this possible! Don’t forget to follow us and like us in Facebook!! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tribe3productions/

It is definitely not one of those conventions with a LOT of walking to reach one end of the convention to other end. In fact, you can cover the whole convention within 2 hours…. minus the distraction on each passing booth you passby and some celebrities that happen to roam around.

My first impression of this convention was that just like other typical anime or comic conventions where people get to wear their costumes. More or so are in scary outfits from your typical Dracula, to Mummy, to iconic Ash from Evil Dead, Freddy Krueger, Jason, Hellraiser and Mike Myers. But you will still find room seeing people in other genre of cosplay. Pretty much the experience is like Halloween on steroids.

The crowd is good. There are ample of space to move around and not elbow to elbow with another person near you. I went on a Saturday so I expected the people traffic should be super heavy but it wasn’t so bad. The security were pretty proactive with the badges and will stop a person if and when someone happen to sneak in. There are areas that could be crampy in between booths, but its not like that all uncommon in other conventions.

There are several booths to visit and even worth checking out. Some booths sell novelty collectibles from Beetlejuice figurines and just plain out of this world collectibles. What I like about the local crowd here is that I see people pay to support the business and especially to those who are artist that happen to sell their artwork to their customers. Of course, besides all the creative artist out here, you will encounter several well known celebrities booths. Most of them are obviously from horror and sci-fi flicks and meet them in their full glory without their scary makeup and costumes. Most of them are friendly and approachable and some will have their managers keep your distance. So it is in your best behavior to respect their space. Some of my personal experience with celebrities has been memorable. I met this actor from the movie Terrifier (you should check out this very scary and creepy film) named David Howard Thornton (yes he is Art the Clown!!!) a very friendly and funny fella! So hard to imagine not seeing him not donning the costume! Lol Another artist I encountered and met was Coolio (yes old school I know but we hipsters lol) is a rapper with his record breaking “Gangta’s Paradise”, really cool guy and I hear from some peeps that his manager tries to keep everybody’s distance… but luckily I didn’t get that experience and even sang with him and the rest of the crowd were singing his song on his booth!

There are also side features in this convention too where they have scheduled on different part of the convention from adult burlesque show at night, costume contest and bands. At night is where everyone gathers on a huge tent outside the hotel where it turns into a nice dance party to conclude the night. It was a special night as well that the main organizer/owners have to pass on the trophy to another person after all these years that he’d been throwing the convention in place. I forgot the guy’s name but you can check out their facebook site (link) and the website to know more info.

Check out their website. https://www.daysofthedead.com/

I even did a small photoshoot with Gianna Dizon (IG: @gg88.dizon) in her Elektra cosplay and Xhaiden (IG: @chivalryisexistent) with his gear. I had fun making the composite and made it where its futuristic Tokyo. The gear I used on all these photos were Nikon D7000, Nikon AF-S DX 17-55mm f2.8 IF-ED Lens, Lume Cube and my Vivitar speedlight. You can purchase these in Amazon the same setup I did, see the worded links below. Until next post everyone!

Camera Setup: (Below are Amazon Affiliate Links)

Nikon D7000 DSLR
Vivitar Digital TTL Auto-Focus Flash Black
Lume Cube
Nikon AF-S 17-55mm DX f2.8 IF-ED Lens

Thanks!