West Palm Beach, FL — Comic conventions are famous for being an absolute sensory overload—a vibrant, chaotic explosion of color, elaborate costumes, and pop culture. But strip away the color, and something entirely different emerges. The intricate textures of a handmade costume, the raw emotion of a fan meeting their hero, and the sharp dramatic angles of the convention floor lighting suddenly take center stage.
With my official press credentials hanging proudly from my UltraCon lanyard, I had full all-access pass clearance to work the floor and document this massive event through a completely different lens.
Friday Night: Reconnaissance and a Meeting with Royalty
My strategy began on Friday night. I worked both convention floors, capturing candid street moments while scoping out the best architectural backdrops, light pockets, and shadows to pose cosplayers over the weekend.
While mapping out the floor, I crossed paths with WWE Hall of Fame wrestling legend Rikishi. He was incredibly kind, down-to-earth, and gracious with his time. After snapping a few frames of him, we both agreed that a dedicated, high-contrast Black and White photoshoot was an absolute must for the following day.
By the end of that first evening—with nearly 12,000 steps logged on my boots—I decided to unwind by stopping past the convention's exotic petting zoo. That’s when pure street photography instinct took over.
Through the lens, I spotted a blonde woman standing inside a black cage, gently cradling what looked like a tiny, adorable deer. The lighting, the cage geometry, and the contrast were perfect. I reacted instantly to capture the candid shot. To my absolute amazement and blessed surprise, the woman in the frame was Tori Spelling—one of the show’s major celebrity headliners whom I had spent the entire day hunting for!
Creating Lifetime Memories in Just 3 Months
The remaining two days of UltraCon were a non-stop, jam-packed whirlwind of creative connections, unforgettable experiences, and some of the most striking portrait work I’ve ever captured.
I want to give a massive, heartfelt shout-out to Vicki from UltraCon South Florida. Her deep, personal love for black-and-white photography opened incredible doors for me this weekend, and I am honored that she has already extended an official invitation for Monochrome Miami to return for next year's show.
The journey of Monochrome Miami may only be three months old, but the experiences we are capturing are built to last a lifetime.
Bring the Experience Home
To see how these legendary characters and pop-culture icons look when you strip away the distraction of color, scroll down to browse our exclusive UltraCon gallery. Make sure to follow our journey across all four of our social media channels for exclusive behind-the-scenes reels.
If you see a portrait or a moment that speaks to you, you can purchase limited-edition fine art prints directly from our shop to exhibit proudly on your own walls.
See Miami Differently.
