BronyCon 2013 photo booth: The many faces of ‘My Little Pony’ fans
With thousands of “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic” fans flocking to Baltimore for the annual BronyCon convention, Baltimore Sun photographer and videographer Christopher T. Assaf wanted to look at the individual convention-goers.
To capture the true “brony” spirit, Assaf set up a black backdrop and took portraits of costumed “My Little Pony” fans using the Hipstamatic app on his iPhone. He also asked the subjects of these photos why they came to BronyCon and why they chose their various costumes.
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- “It’s a good show,” Kayla Cutillo, 17, said of ‘My Little Pony,’ “but the fans make it such a cool fanbase to be in.” Kayla and Shane Cutillo, 13, of Lancaster, Pa., pose for a photo at BronyCon 2013, held in the Baltimore Convention Center. (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- “This is, I think the largest brony gathering as far as conventions and I didn’t want to miss it.” said Jackson Yuen, of Burlington, N.C. “Everything that the show embodies… there’s no room for negative feeling. As long as you are interested in the show and show a passion for it, everybody just treats you like family. It’s really nice.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- “It’s strangely just really addictive,” Matthew Williamson said of ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.’ “The show is really cute and adorable, but it touches parts that kind of hits my nostalgia from when I was a kid – but at the same time relates to current things I deal with every day.” Williamson, who is from Lexington, Ky., dressed as DJ Pon-3 on the Saturday of BronyCon at the Baltimore Convention Center. (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- “It’s really fun.” James Whitehead, of Sharon, Vt., says of dressing up in costume at BronyCon. “It’s like performing improv. And then people come up to you and say, ‘Hey, you got an awesome costume’ and that’s always good, isn’t it?” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- Stephanie Kaplan, of Staten Island, N.Y., dressed as ‘My Little Pony’ character Pinkie Pie on the second day of BronyCon at the Baltimore Convention Center. “I identify with this character so much, because she is so fun and lovable and wants to give everyone hugs and smiles,” Kaplain said. “Even though it is a kids’ show, some of the background stuff is clearly straight up for adults.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- Robert Sallee, from Lawton, Ok., dressed as ‘My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic’ character Trixie on the second day of BronyCon at the Baltimore Convention Center. “I like the character — it is almost like a cult character. She is hated as much she is loved,” Lawton said. “It is one of those characters everyone loves to hate.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- “The only reason I really do this is to make people smile,” Sykesville resident Brittney Drummey said of participating in cosplay at BronyCon. “They’re all people that are like me — super geeky and maybe not the most socially-able to talk to people real easily. It gives you something to talk about, and it’s just wonderful to be around people who are just like you.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- “I love honestly the bright colors, the happiness within it.” said Violet Solberg, from Levenworth, Kan., about ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.’ “There are sad times, but those sad times are always overcome by friendship.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- Jason Lenowsky, from Washington Township, N.J., dressed as ‘My Little Pony’ character Fancypants on the second day of BronyCon in Baltimore. “I really enjoy dressing up as characters who do not get very much love in the show. We see way too many people dressed up as the main characters,” he said. “Fancypants was featured in only one episode, and although he had a very major role in that episode, he isn’t given much attention in the community.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- Derek Robbin, of High Point, N.C., walked around BronyCon carrying Noi, one of the background fillies. “She stood out to me because I really like warm colors, and she’s pretty much all warm colors,” he said. As far as why he likes ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic,’ he said “a couple of friends watched it, I liked it and liked the community, so I figured why not come down and meet up with some people.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- “I have always wanted to go to BronyCon.’ said 12-year-old Elisa Musacchio of Orlando, Fla. “And I dressed up because I always wanted to dress up as something, and this is actually one of my first cosplays.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- Andrew Newsome of Southern Maryland said he saw something different in the ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’ community compared to others. “This one sparked a different interest,” he said. “I just wanted to offer anything I had to be part of that and better everyone’s experience for that. I am here basking in the presence and sharing what I have. This is how I have fun.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- Zachary Ketaineck, of South Windsor, Conn., dressed as ‘My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic’ character Iron Will on the second day of BronyCon. “He’s very open and very loud, and I am very loud. It also wasn’t a very hard costume to make. That was definitely a plus,” he said. This was Ketaineck’s second BronyCon. “It’s just a lot of fun times, partying, meeting celebrities from the show; it’s just a good time.” (Christopher T. Assaf / Baltimore Sun Photo)
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- “As a little girl, I always played with My Little Ponies,” Marilyn of Keene, N.H., said. “I am dressed as Princess Luna, she’s my favorite princess. I decided to go full body because it was a challenge for me. I wanted to be that cosplayer that doesn’t quite look the same as everybody else.” (Christopher T. Assaf/Baltimore Sun Photo)
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magic 2013 booster packs
Sep 10, 2013 @ 00:11:07
I’m looking to sell my Magic the Gathering Cards through an online auction but I do not wish to use ebay because they charge for using it. What I’m looking for is something like ebay but without being charged, any one have ideas?
brendan
Sep 12, 2013 @ 19:17:04
you could sell them to me 😀
Sm938
Aug 13, 2013 @ 22:30:33
Grown up men’s response to this cartoon is enough to try to shelter my daughter from it…last thing I want is those 2 worlds connected in any way. Nice work creepers
Mary Cris Kohn
Aug 04, 2013 @ 17:47:56
I went with my two teenage sons and had one of the best times of my life. What everyone needs to understand is that this convention was completely about friendship and acceptance. If anyone was wearing the Bronycon blue lanyard this weekend, anyone else could approach and be greeted with warmness and openness. The con was chock full of teens and young adults wanting to have good, clean fun. I didn’t even hear one curse word the whole time I was there. Everyone was so polite and considerate, registration of hundreds of people in one room didn’t require ropes to keep everyone snaking around the open space half a dozen times. Being here supported and encouraged everyone in their uniqueness and interests. Panels advised young artists, writers, actors, musicians, etc., and inspired them to “brony on.” Love you guys who organized this. I am proud to be the momma of two bronies.