Please be respectful of everyone at Otakon, and obtain consent before photographing or videoing anyone at Otakon. Otakon staff will be documenting the event for archival and promotional use. 

As a reminder, drones are illegal to operate in DC.

The usage of photographic devices is prohibited within certain areas of the convention, including but not limited to video rooms, within Main Events and/or concerts, in the Art Show, in/or near Otachan, in Gopher Ops, and all 18+ events. All such areas will be marked, so please pay attention. Otakorp, Inc. reserves the right to remove the individual from the event and revoke access to the convention for failure to comply. 

• Prohibited devices include, but are not limited to, cameras (both film and digital, including recording with cell phones) and camcorders.
• Photography within the Artists Alley is only allowed at the discretion of the individual artist. Permission must be obtained from the artist for photography of any kind.

Otakorp, Inc. reserves the right to ensure deletion of recorded material.

Events that allow photography will be marked as such.

Please make sure you are not taking photographs in narrow hallways or other high traffic areas. Otakon staff may ask photographers and subjects to relocate less crowded locations for taking photos as needed to accommodate traffic flow and other safety reasons.

The photography rules applies to any location used during the Otakon event. This includes the badged areas of the Marriott Marquis (M1-M4) and the entire Walter E. Washington Convention Center (WEWCC), and the spaces immediately outside of these locations.

Where not prohibited, Otakon attendees may take photos and video within the Otakon locations using handheld equipment only. Equipment cannot extend greater than a 16-inch radius around or above the photographer or subject. There is no freestanding equipment allowed, which includes tripods, lighting with light stands, ladders, backdrops, signs, running cables/wires, etc. Photographers, subjects, and/or equipment cannot block any public area or impede the flow of traffic, including the staircases around the event. Photographers cannot use any power receptacles within the locations to run lighting or other photography equipment.

By participating in Otakon or other Otakorp, Inc. events, participants are granting their permission to be photographed or recorded by authorized Otakorp, Inc. individuals. By purchasing your membership you inherently grant Otakorp, Inc. permission to use such images or footage for archival or promotional purposes.

Please refer to the Impromptu Gatherings section below for more information.

Note: Otakon’s guests have the right to maintain their privacy and publicity. Convention members may be asked to refrain from photographing guests if the guests would prefer to not have their picture taken.