Scattered meets throughout October part 1 - Colin Farrell, Gary Numan, and more

In early October I would go for actress Eva Marcille. She isn't nice but was doing a meet and greet for her marijuana merch. Went in line and got the photo op. Then went to a venue for Natalie Grant. Never saw her and waited I then left assuming this was cooked. But after I left a van pulled up and she got on it before doing a photo op. PUNCH. But based on where she got dropped off at the airport, I was able to guess her flight. I went there and she was nice as can be.

Eva Marcille

Natalie Grant

Next day tried for Rene Rapp at a flight. But she was not having it and did nothing for no one. Went to Fairfax Anime Con which was very close to the airport. Got inside and tried to mooch a photo op with Mark Hildreth but to no avail. 

Later in the evening I went to an easy music venue. This is more quantity than quality. I got the opening band King Youngblood. I got an upgrade with Stephen Perkins of Jane's Addiction, Derek Day, Norwood Fisher who is an original member of Fishbone, Scott Page who played with Pink Floyd, Kenny Olson who played with Kid Rock, Will Champlin of The Voice, and Roberta Freeman. 

Full list of photo ops

Fast forward around mid October I'm trying to get a photo op with Charlie Kirk's window, Erika Kirk. While waiting randomly spotted is Jack Carr just sightseeing. He is the author of The Terminal List which got made into a TV show. Also got Pat Eilers and Paolo Zampolli. Sadly when Erika Kirk came she was surrounded by guards. On exit they  came out a different way but it wasn't much better as the same guards prevented us from getting Erika. I got Tucker Carlson who I already had. 

Later that evening I went for Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords. He was also in the Lord of the Rings movies and The Hobbit. After his show he was walking around and he was nice.

Bret McKenzie

Full list of photo ops

Next day I start at a venue for singer Gary Numan and the band Psychedelic Furs (two originals the lead signer and the bassist). Numan is best known for the classic song "Cars". I see barely valid drummer Zack Alford walking around and get a photo op. Also saw Amanda Kramer but she declined saying she didn't look good. 

Went to another venue where I got Sean Spicer and Stephen A Smith. Then go back to waiting for Gary in the evening. It was looking dim but finally see him and he signs and does photo ops. This was very good fortune because after the show ended, he only did send ins. 

Leaving the venue I got Amanda Kramer, Peter DiStefano (original member of Porno for Pyros), Richard Butler the original lead singer of the Psychedelic Furs, and Rich Good. Sadly, could not get Tim Butler the original bassist of the Psychedelic Furs as he didn't come over. 

Gary Numan

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

There was a film festival and it starts with flights. First flight is for Zoey Deutch. I got her before so this is mainly for autographs. Got 2 things done and other photo op.

Zoey Deutch

Autographs

Next day starts with a flight for actor Colin Farrell. I have the photo op but I wanted an upgrade since my photo op from NYC isn't too great. Plus of course autographs. When we saw him there was an airport greeter trying to stop us. Literally using her hand to stop us and when I shoved her hand away so it doesn't come in my photo she goes "don't touch me". Despite all that got the photo op and autographs as Colin was cool.

Then I go to the venue. I missed Dianne Warren stopping but it's ok I met her before. Wait in the lobby. I see Joel Edgerton, someone whose autograph I need. Got him to sign my photos including a Star Wars photo already signed by Bonnie Piesse (which he commented on). I got another photo op as well. Elizabeth Olsen was around and people got her but thankfully I didn't need her. Went a little off site for actress Nina Hoss and she was nice. Came back to the main venue and waited for Colin Farrell and got an even better photo op. He said "didn't I get you at the airport" and I said the handler ruined it.

Colin Farrell

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Full New York Comic Con 2025 week report

In October I would attend New York Comic Con. But my trek would start a couple of days before the actual event.

Day 1 

My first day's main theme was a rather ambitious goal. Try to upgrade my Jennifer Lopez photo op. Start my day at a spot and it's off to a bad start as I miss actor Mason Thames. PUNCH. But I do get actor Lukas Gage. J Lo comes in with shades and did a little bit but I fail to get anything. Leaving she uses the garage. Tried another spot for J Lo and she garaged in.

Since she garaged in the assumption is she would garage out. At this point I focus elsewhere. I got to the hotel for the tv show The Last Frontier. The spot for the premiere was packed. The hotel was less than 5 people. I liked this better. I got producer Jon Bokenkamp, actress Simone Kessell (Yellow Jackets), my main want from this spot actor Jason Clarke (John Conner in Terminator Genisys), and actress Haley Bennett. Dominic Cooper was there but didn't need another photo op. And I missed actor Dallas Goldtooth.

Later I found out that J Lo actually WALKED OUT of the previous spot and there was almost no one waiting. PUNCH. But I guess can't be in 2 places and not like I wasn't successful in my choice. Tried J Lo at another spot where she drove out. Tried pleading for a roll down at a light to no avail. 

After being defeated by J Lo (a recurring theme for 15 years now), I shift to the "easy" show spots. First one is Kathleen Chalfant (Law and Order) and Ellen McLaughlin. Have Ellen need Kathleen. They came out and were nice as can be. Next one is for actor Chris Bauer and actress Dylan Gelula. Sadly, Dylan isn't performing. PUNCH. But I get Chris Bauer, singer Nellie McKay, and Mary McCann. This ended my evening.  

Simone Kessell

Jason Clarke

Haley Bennett

Full list of Day 1 photo ops

Day 2 

Next day would be a horrific day. It stars with a spot for Ryan Reynold and Jared Leto. Never got Ryan and could use a Jared auto. Both use the garage. Went to another spot for singer Jewel and she too garages. 

Next up I try a very low-key spot for Jodi Fister. I bailed on a spot for Ricki Lake for that. When she came it was just me and Radio Man. She declined photo ops and used the excuse she was late. When she went inside the elevator was not there I tried to go in and plead more but got shot down again. I then botched the exit as I never saw her, but I heard she did sign (the theme for her as of late is signing and no photo op). And in doing so I missed Ricki Lake doing photo ops. Double PUNCH. 

After this horrific day went to another event where lots was happening. I got a fresh photo op with actress Bridget Everett (Trainwreck) and another photo op with Julia Fox. Saw Mick Jagger and pleaded for the photo op but of course he denied. 

Went to a hotel to see what could be had but there was nothing. As the saying goes in NYC, if all else fails, go to the "easy" show spots. So, I went again for Madeline Brewer and yet again she was not performing. So, I bailed and quickly went to another show for actor Sam Robards (AI, American Beauty). He was super nice and got I others in the show. 

Went off to the next show got singer Kurt Elling and Brazilian singer Paulo Szot. Some other actors were there but they didn't come out. Then to the final show for the evening. Some of my main goals are actresses Erin Darke and Kate Burton. But there's 2 shows exiting and lots of people to get. Sadly, I'm the only pro grapher there and everyone else is regular audience so I would suffer a lot trying to get people. Because if the celeb didn't stop on the railing the idiots on the railing didn't call them over.

Luckily there was one African guy who actually knew his stuff, and I was able to get help from him to point out people. So I would show him photos of my main targets, and he was able to tell me if they walked out or hadn't walked out yet. And when I showed him Erin Drake he pointed her out to me she was just in the middle of the room chatting with someone and no one was even asking her! Same for Kate Burton. She was about to leave but thanks to this guy pointing her out I quickly went up to her and got the photo op.

Despite the struggle, the spot was a sweeping success. Besides Erin and Kate I also got Dariush Kashani (Ghost Whisperer), Stephen Kunken (The Handmaid's Tale), Natalie Gold (Birdman) and several others. This ended my evening. 

Full list of Day 2 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 2 photo ops Part 2

Day 3 

This is the first official day of comic con. But it starts away from comic con for actress Emilia Jones. Wait for her and she is nice as can be. Even removed the shades. Waited at another spot then headed to the Javits Center. I didn't go to a morning spot for the NCIS cast (Michael Weatherly who I have and Cote de Pablo who I need) and that would be a fatal error. More on that in a bit. 

First NYCC get is illustrator Tom Richmond from Mad and Cracked magazine. Then I get vendor guest Chris Casamassa who played Scorpion in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie and a free photo op with vendor guest Carla Perez from Power Rangers fame. 

Next I go to the Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly NCIS panel. Sadly they closed the lights as they exited. I went up to Cote and her handlers were trying to stop me but she was nice. I got the op while it was pitch black and it came out blurry. I did try to fix it a little but damn I should have gone to the morning spot where they walked and did ops. 

I did a free signing for the Jujutsu Kaisen cast and got a poster signed by Adam McArthur (Yuji Itadori), Robbie Daymond (Megumi Fushiguro), Anne Yatco (Nobara Kugisaki), Kaiji Tang (Satoru Gojo), and Kayleigh McKee (Yuta Okkotsu). They were strict on no photo ops. 

I get actor Wes Chatham (with Alona Tal photo bomb) and get actor Ioan Gruffudd (Mr Fantastic in the 2005 Fantastic 4) in the paid area. Got a photo op with screen writer Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Lab, Powerpuff Girls). And from the Alien Earth panel I scored 2 people out of everyone, namely Alex Lawther and Alex Lawther.

Next, I try again Madeline Brewer at her show. This time she was there looking like a million bucks signing show programs. I ask her for a photo op and she says she is sick! WTF! I am cursed with this woman! I could have chased her down the block but the security guard there has been working this venue for as long as I can remember. So I didn't dare try anything as I don't need to have a place in his memory. Got combos from other people in the show but I had them from before.

Went to the next spot for actress Betsy Aidem and she was nice. Got her and some barely valids in her show.

Emilia Jones

Cote de Pablo

Ioan Gruffudd

Full list of Day 3 photo ops

Day 4 

The starting point is some author panels at NYCC. First is Veronica Roth from Divergent fame. Got her and author Marie Lu but she declined autographs. Next up is Ann M Martin (The Baby-Sitter's Club). She was cool signed with her own pen, and I managed to squeeze in a photo op.

Then I did a free signing for Bonnie Gordon, Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman, Brett Gray of Star Trek Prodigy fame. Easy going and they were all nice got multiple ops. Screenwriters/producers The Hageman brothers also did Hotel Transylvania and Lego Movie.

Went for author Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files) who was super nice. Then got horror actress Ruby Modine and director Mike P Nelson. Then I saw some AEW stars. Got Swerve Strickland update and an upgrade with Tony Khan. Couldn't get Dean Ambrose but that's ok I have him.

Stumbled upon people giving out free Muppet sketches. Got combos and art in the hopes that there would be a diamond in the rough but no such luck. Now here is where I botch NYCC. First botched Invincible panel cause by the time I got there it was only the moderator. 

Then I decided to bail on the Blumfest panel at the end for the "easy" show spots. No names had been announced for it but turns out Mason Thames was there. Marking my second botch on him for the week. Jason Blum, Ethan Hawke, Madeleine McGraw, Demián Bichir and Miguel Mora were all there as well. But I have all these minus Miguel Mora. 

For the show spots I go for actress Helen Shen and unlike the last time she was actually performing. She was super nice. Also got another photo op with Andrew Barth Feldman.

The final spot for the evening was for something I've failed on many times for the past 10-15 years, Bradley Cooper autographs. I got the photo op 2 or 3 times. Every time I tried to get him on my Hangover photos, either he sneaks, or he doesn't stop, and there was even a time I saw him by chance and didn't have my items. I arrive at the spot and turns out he stopped earlier in the day. Wait for him to leave he exits one building and enters another. 

The car moves to the back and wait there. Bradley Cooper exits and I manage to score a total on THREE autographs. One on my magazine and two on my Hangover 8x10s, completing them (aside from the baby). Laura Dern did nothing but thankfully I had no need for her. I got a much needed upgrade with Andra Day. Needed actress Christine Ebersole but never saw her. Overall not a bad day aside from a couple of NYCC botches. 

Ann M Martin

Full list of Day 4 photo ops

Day 5

This day starts at a hotel for the cast of the IT TV show before they head over to the Javits. Got actors Jovan Adepo, Taylour Paige, and Kimberly Guerrero plus screenwriter Jason Fuchs. A good head start as I head to the Javits. 

Get to the Javits and start with a signing for artist duo Akira Himekawa (A Honda and S Nagano). They did photos and got a signed print. Went to the IT panel and was successful. Got actor Stephen Ride (Also in Daredevil), the creator of the show Andy Muschietti (who also did a sketch) and his wife Barbara Muschietti. After the panel I scored actor Isaiah Mustafa.

After the IT cast I got 15-year-old actor Yonas Kibreab, an upgrade with Wayne Brady (no shades), and I got a better shot with Stephen Rider than in the IT panel. Now came the most mind-blowing thing. Brendan Fraser, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Annie Murphy, and Elizabeth Hurley all came through. None were announced for NYCC. WTF? 

At first, I asked Brendan because he was the only one I instantly spotted but he declined. The one I never got in this bunch is Elizabeth Hurley. So when they left, I immediately called for Hurley and she was nice! What a fantastic and unexpected score that was! Thankfully I had the other three so no loss in not getting them. 

I go to another panel and get actor Connor Ratliff (2024 Mean Girls), and I also get another photo op with Krysten Ritter while she was walking about. I had asked her earlier she said on the way back then as I was sitting down, she saw me and called me over for the photo op. What a nice lady. Not often celebs keep their promises much less go out of their way to do so. 

Then hit up the Star Trek panel. Sadly, with all the people there I had to focus on what I wanted the most. That is actor Paul Giamatti. I run to him and get him to pose for me! I'm the only one that got that. I also got actor George Hawkins but wasn't able to get much else. Even botched an actress as she agreed to pose but moved away quickly. 

After this I got actor Jack Haven (Bill and Ted Face the Music) then would try one last panel for Jurassic World: Chaos Theory but they shut the lights as they exited and wasn't able to get them or find them. FAIL! This ended my time at the Javits as I quickly went to the hotel for the Mortal Kombat II movie cast.

At the hotel a few of us are waiting and it is looking hopeless. But eventually a van comes. I chose to leave Karl Urban to those who needed him while I focused on people I needed. I got photo ops with Adeline Rudolph (Kitana) and Martyn Ford (Shao Khan). And I decided to not ask Ed Boon (co creator of Mortal Kombat) for photo ops and instead focus on autographs as I got him to sign blanks (I got the op years ago at NYCC). Told him how I was a fan since the early 90s and he thanked me.

The final late-night spot for the evening had Amy Poehler and Role Model. And randoms also show up. Both Amy Poehler and Role Model were not accommodating but thankfully I have them both. From this spot I got Mary Beth Barone and Benito Skinner. Then came actresses Annie Murphy and Kathryn Newton which are good names to get if I didn't already have them. My final op for the evening would be young actor Kam Patterson. Based on who was inside there was nothing worth me waiting for. So, I decided to call it a night and sleep.

Elizabeth Hurley

Paul Giamatti

Full list of Day 5 photo ops Part 1

Full list of Day 5 photo ops Part 2

Day 6

The final day of NYCC. And this day would be relatively laid back. My first and only panel would be Little Shop of Horrors where I hope to finally break my Madeleine Brewer curse (for those keeping track, I failed three times. Twice she wasn't performing and once she declined photo ops). In the panel were other actors from the show who I already had and composer Alan Menken (original versions of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin). 

After the panel I finally break the damn Madeleine Brewer as she agrees to photo ops. And I get another Alan photo op as well as autographs on blanks. My final photo op at NYCC would be actress Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World, Spiderman 3, 2016 Pete's Dragon, Rocketman) in the paid area. Overall, my time at NYCC 2025 was full bumps and bruises but I'm glad I went.

Despite the rain I decided to try for a couple of "easy" show spots to round off the evening. First, I go up to Nathan Darrow (Billions, Mr Freeze in Gotham). He was very nice. Next show I decide to go back and try for actress Dylan Gelula and this time she was performing. Get that photo op as well. This would be my final NYC photo op of 2025.  

Madeleine Brewer

Bryce Dallas Howard

Full list of Day 6 photo ops

Now to showcase autographs obtained:

Kamuda Art Print

Jujutsu Kaisen poster

Alan Menken, Andy Muschietti, and Ed Boon signed blanks

Ann M Martin signed books

Bradley Cooper autographs

Quick New York City round and Cardi B in September

In September Cardi B would do a CD tour. I also had free tickets to the Charlie Sheen book event at Bookends. I wasn't driving and my crew wanted Sheen. So I was along for the ride on that one. 

First stop is Bookends and I get my free Charlie Sheen photo op. This marks my third photo op with him. Wish it were Matthew McConaughey that's an upgrade I could have used. Then it was off to NYC for some meets. 

I target two "easy" show spots for two meets. First one is actress Helen Shen. She is in a show with Andrew Barth Feldman who I have. As the show breaks, I found out she was replaced and is not at this performance. PUNCH. So I bail and head on to my next target. Namely actress Madeline Brewer. Wait for that show to break and yet again she is replaced for that performance. DOUBLE PUNCH. I got Jeremy Kushnier and Thomas Doherty who I already have. Spoiler alert, I would make up those punches in the future. 

Go to the next spot for actress Michelle Rodriguez. I already have her but the others I was with didn't. As she came out chaos ensued and I stayed out of it and let people that actually needed her get some. I do get actor Ray Santiago. But this shot is an upgrade as I have him already. I leave and get a call that another actor came out. Namely Santiago Douglas. So I parked the car legally and ran back. I also got another female actress who I can't identify. After this is had some $1.25 slices of pizza and left the city towards Philly. Overall, this is probably the worst day I ever had in NYC. 

Charlie Sheen

Full list of photo ops

After a good nights sleep, before Cardi B stopped at a sports show where I got nobody. There were some minor actors but decided to bail on that to drive out for Cardi B. In hindsight that was a terrible decision because she came 3 hours late! Once we got to her it was photo ops no autographs. Headed back towards home and tried a spot for Steve Winwood but it seemed like he was already on the bus.

Cardi B

Scattered meets throughout September part 2 - Lenny, Wyclef, and more

This day would be largely a bust except for the best name of the day. Tried for actress Issa Rae at a venue but never saw her. Then went somewhere else in the hopes of seeing Lenny Kravitz. He went out the bus to the venue to rehearse but told us on the way out. He came out to go back on the bus and despite rain he kept his word. This was the third time I ever tried for Lenny Kravitz. First time only got the auto. Second time it was a mask shot in a car. And third time was the charm.

Went back to the venue for Issa Rae. Got denied by Yvonne Orji in back. Then ran to the front and got denied by Issa Rae. It was Groundhog Day as I got denied by the same 2 actresses at a different venue years ago. Went to another venue for Papa Roach but never saw him. So it must have been too late. 

Lenny Kravitz

Next day starts with a flight for actor Jimmy Smits. I have him before so this was mainly for autographs. He was a strict one per as he usually is. Then to an easy venue where I got a photo op with singer Ron Sexsmith. 

The final venue for the evening is for the band Garbage. I have a group shot from years ago. But my priority was a solo shot with Butch Vig since he is not next to me in the group op. Plus I wanted him on my Nevermind vinyl that I have David Grohl on. Wait for them to leave and Butch comes out first. Nice as can be and I got the combo. Shirley came out and did stuff. I got an autograph but failed on a photo op with her. It's ok as I am next to her in my group op. Never saw the other 2 as they probably went in the bus while we were distracted. Overall I would say a success. 

Jimmy Smits

Ron Sexsmith

Butch Vig

Autographs

Next day I attended Mid Atlantic Nostalgia Show in Towson, MD. My only wants were from the Dazed and Confused reunion. Namely, Christine Harnos, Michelle Burke, and Deena Martin. Got two photo ops with them as a group and positioned myself differently so I'm next to everyone at some point. Also got a free photo with Mary Deese who was in Harold and Kumar. She was there at a table representing her husband James Hampton who I met in 2013 and died in 2021.

I didn't get Haley Mills, but I was taking someone else's photo. I then showed her our photo from 2018 and she said I didn't change a bit. So that was nice to hear. Left the con and went to the airport for singer Al Green. We see him and it's the calmest setting. No bodyguards no nothing. He listens to us talk but declines but photo ops and autographs. What a bust. 

The final venue for the day is someone I sadly already have. Jerry Harrison from the Talking Heads. He is nice as can be as I get as slightly upgraded photo op.

Christine Harnos, Michelle Burke, and Deena Martin

Christine Harnos, Michelle Burke, and Deena Martin

Mary Deese

Jerry Harrison

A few days later go to a venue for Robert Cray. The current line up also has one other original member of his band, Richard Cousins. Richard is the first one out and he is nice. Get some barely valids. And finally Robert who is nice as he signs and does photo ops.

Full list of photo ops

Autographs

Next day wait a spot in the hopes of seeing Michael Dell (as in Dell computers). While waiting randomly see Katarzyna Bromirska and Mikolaj Rybacki of the band Percival. Go to the next spot in the hopes of seeing Wyclef Jean. Only see Roland Martin and I get the op. At this point it's time to mooch inside the event. While there wait for Wyclef Jean to do his speech. After his speech I manage to get the photo op. Also got two other names I never heard of. 

Went back to see if Michael Dell could be spotted but no luck. This was a mistake as I missed out on possibly scoring a Nicole Ari Parker upgrade at the previous spot.

Wyclef Jean

Full list of photo ops

Next day I start a venue for Kym Karath who was the youngest child in the original Sound of Music. Never see her enter so I go to a school where Percy Jackson author Rick Riordan was stopping during a book tour. Find his car and wait for him to exst. Barely got the photo op wasn't able to score an autograph. Also got Mark Oshiro, another author who was there. 

Go back to the venue for Kym and get a photo op with her as she leaves.

Rick Riordan

Mark Oshiro

Kym Karath

Next day is a flight for singer and soon to be actor Tucker Pillsbury AKA Role Model. Went up to him and he was nice as he took a photo op and signed for me.

Tucker Pillsbury AKA Role Model

Autographs

Lastly for this report, next day went for a Steve Wozniak flight but he was a complete dick and was having none of it. His wife said these are graphers and he said she's the boss. I got The Woz before so this was mainly for autographs. The consolation prize was getting a slight upgrade with singer Vance Joy and some autographs from him.

Vance Joy

Autographs

Scattered meets throughout September part 1

In early September there was a book festival with several authors. One of them was John Green author of The Fault in Our Stars. He had no signing just a panel. So, I found his flight coming in the day before. He was cool and signed and did photo ops. 

John Green

Autographs

The day of the festival there was also a bottle signing for Ciara. So I had to juggle both. I start at the book festival by entering the panel of author Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children). I ask him for the op before the panel starts, and he is nice as can be. Then I did the signing for Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Sadly, they were strict with no photo ops and only signed books. VE Schwab (whose work made it into tv and film) had a huge line and sadly didn't get her.

Then I headed out to go for Ciara. Took a while for her to get there but when she finally did she had hat and shades. PUNCH. I don't understand why even do appearances like this if you're not going to look your best. Makes no sense to me. The photo is essentially a step above a mask shot. Had I known this in advance I probably would not have bothered. 

Back to the book festival and sadly I arrive 15 minutes too late to get any Geena Davis signed books (I heard her line was nonexistent). She was strict no merch which made that miss less painful. I went to RL Stine's line and got a signed book and another photo op. His line was huge, and they even limited it to one book per person no ops. Ended this event with ops from authors Ron Chernow and Paul Tremblay.

Later that evening I wanted to go for John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. They did music for Rocky IV, Cobra, and Eddie and the Cruisers. Besides John himself there is one other original member, Gary Gramolini. 

The venue staff were being dicks, so we had to beat them to the hotel. I got both John and Gary who were super nice plus some other barely valids. I even got Gary to sign the album cover where he is actually pictured. 

John Cafferty

Amy Barrett autographs

RL Stine autographs

John Cafferty autographs (plus Gary Gramolini on the album)

Full list of photo ops

Next day I go to an easy venue for singer Grant-Lee Phillips who was also in Gilmore Girls. He comes out after the show and is nice as can be.

Grant-Lee Phillips

Next day a screening for the director of Wicked and Crazy Rich Asians, Jon M Chu. Wait for him to come out and he is super nice as he signs and does photo ops.

Jon M Chu

Autographs

Next evening to another venue for British pop star Sheen Easton. Among other things she recorded For Your Eyes Only for the James Bond film of the same title and even has acting credits. After the show she came out and to my shock did photo ops for all 8 of us waiting. She event signed. Beat her to the hotel and got another item done. 

Sheena Easton

Autographs

On my way back from Ohio for horror hound I go directly to Baltimore for a flight for actor/comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. He made headlines when he made a joke about Puerto Rico at MSG during Trump's 2024 campaign. He was cool. Signed and did photo ops.

Tony Hinchcliffe

Autographs

Next day starts with searching for Victor Willis of the Village People. But looked through several hotels and found nada. Then to Baltimore for "Please Don't Destroy" actors/comedians. On entry only saw Martin Herlihy. Never saw the others so they must have been inside already. 

To kill some time till exists, checked nearby hotels and found Steph Curry. Sadly, he was a dick. Back to the venue for exits. Got both John Higgins and Ben Marshall single and dual shots. Success! 

Go to another venue for the band 10cc. There's basically 3 original or core members to get. While on the way we found out Rick Fenn left with his daughter. And as we arrived the bus left with Graham Gouldman and Paul Burgess. Basically, we missed 1 member and made it just in time for 2 members. We beat them to the hotel, and they were nice despite the tour manager harassing us.

Full list of photo ops

Next morning I go back to the hotel for 10cc and mooch some breakfast. While eating I see both Graham and Paul and they tell me hello, remembering me from the prior evening. Later on, I asked one of the band members about Rick and he told me he left for the airport very early and always does his own thing. Damn. 

But later in the day I went to the airport for the lead singer of the Village People, Victor Willis. Waited for him. He was rough and didn't want to do anything but eventually broke down for the photo op. He refused autographs. Now I have 3 original members of the village people. Missing 2 that are still alive.

Victor Willis

Amidst other meets, a 15 year quest completed

I've been combo hunting for roughly 20 years now. I can safely say that no one I ever tried for I've failed as many times as Bill Gates. For the past 15 years I had so many wasted early mornings, so much bullying from cops and security guards, so many denials and blow offs, so much time wasted. Even a $25 traffic ticket (that I paid for and by miracle did not incur me driving points probably in part due to it being from a different state).  

But finally in September of 2025 I broke the curse. He was attending a government function and about 5 minutes away was a hotel for an awards function. The day before the events I do one flight for the awards event. Namely Cheech Marin flying in. He signed and I got another photo op.

Now it's event day and I start at the government event. I get Lisa Su (update) and a couple of others. Also get Tim Cook to sign (I would see Tim cook throughout and only got autographs since I have a photo op). 

Then it happened. Bill Gates walks out the car to go in. I begged and pleaded for the op as he continued walking. I skirted around his security guard and even ignored being yelled at by secret service. Yes, that's right, secret service. This was the one name I wasn't going to comply on! I positioned my camera for the selfie and lo and behold Bill Gates was posing for my camera for the first time in 15 years! I literally thought I was seeing things.  

Secret Service even told me "Don't try this again" and I replied, "This was the one guy I would try this for". If you look closely in the photo op you can see someone from secret service almost stopping me. I guess they figured it's easier to let me snap the photo than to tackle me. Right there and then my entire evening was made, and I was in bonus mode. 

Go to the hotel for the awards event, I get Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, actress Paulina Chavez (update), a dancer who goes by Crazy Legs, and designer Henry R Munoz III. I miss Gloria Trevi and Mayan Lopez.

Back to the government event I get former Facebook executive Chamath Palihapitiya, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and another huge photo op score, co-founder of Google Sergey Brin! He refused autographs. But glory didn't end there. Leaving the event Bill Gates was standing there with his security guard trying to stop things. He comes up and by miracle he signed and I got an 8x10 done. I've had that Costco print in my possession for almost 15 years! It may very well be the longest gap ever between printing an 8x10 and getting it signed. I told him it's just the 2 of us to which he said "as long as more don't show up" as he signed. I also got more Tim Cook autographs.

Back to the awards event success went on. Got Gloria Trevi who was nice and event called me over. Tried to get another photo op with Rosie Perez but she wasn't being nice like she used to be. Photo came out bad but that's ok I have photos with her from the past. Got Cheech Marin looking all nice and suited up. Was about to leave the event but decided to stay a little longer. I see George Lopez's daughter Mayan Lopez and she is nice about the photo op. 

It's not often things work out as well as they did tonight, but the timing of both events worked out, people stopped, I got lots of autographs and photo ops, AND I finally got Bill Gates. Wow what an incredible evening! 

Bill Gates

Sergey Brin

Gloria Trevi

Full list of photo ops part 1

Full list of photo ops part 2

Cheech autographs

Bill Gates and Tim Cook autographs

Steel City Con in August, Horror Hound Ohio and Retro Con in September

In August I would attend Steel City Con. This con would be a nice treat for me. Amy Smart from awesome movies such as Road Trip, The Butterfly Effect, and Rat Race, the two kids from Jurassic Park, and two actresses from Rosanne. 

From Pawn Stars I upgraded my photo op with Rick Harrison. He didn't seem too happy to be there. I even mentioned that I was once an extra on pawn stars he didn't seem to care. 

From Jurassic Park I got Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzello adding to my collection of cast members from that iconic movie. And for Rosanne I got Lecy Goranson and Sara Gilbert which is awesome since I had recently gotten Rosanne Barr. I also got Zoe Perry from Young Sheldon since I got many of them over the years. And of course, Amy Smart. 

On the artist side I got free photo ops with Rick Law who did illustrations for Disney, Marcella Spear and Krista Kay from Lego Masters, visual artist Kevin Kobasic, and Denny Finicke.

Amy Smart

Full list of Steel City ops 

In September, one of my top music related wants was announced for Horror Hound in Ohio. Namely the front man of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson. So this was a con I had to go to. In hindsight, while he ended up doing Steel City Con in December, he wore a horrific winter hat as if he was trying to explore Antarctica. So, this was the better photo op where he only wore a cap.

The con is off to a good start where I mooch a photo op with Leigh Whannell (SAW movies) in the lobby. I had regular admission for the con but they let anyone with regular admission early with the pre-show people if they were getting Bruce Dickinson autographs. And I was commissioned for 10 albums, so I definitely had items.

Got up to Bruce and got the autographs. He wasn't too fan friendly all business, but I personally don't care. After that it was time for the photo op. Again, simple hello and I'm fine with that. I finally got a photo op that I've never been able to get over the past 15 years. 

Aside from Bruce I got girls from M3gan. Namely, Violet McGraw, Jenna Davis, and Madeleine McGraw. Then I got Max Laferriere from Scream 6. A friend of mine wanted Nick Castle but didn't care for the autograph. So, he got the photo op and gave me the autograph. Nick offered me the photo op as well which meant I got a free update after over 10 years.

Last photo I got at the con was Jasmin Savoy Brown from the Scream movies. Before leaving the state of Ohio I mooched selfies with Fede Alvarez and Rodo Sayagues of Evil Dead and Alien: Romulus fame. 

Bruce Dickinson

Full list of Horror Hound ops

Autographs

In September I would also attend Retro Con. I needed only one name there. Joey Cramer from Flight of the Navigator. I had someone driving there and he had items for Joey so that gave me a combo split. Win on all fronts! Went in, got Joey, left. 

Joey Cramer