My Fangirl Moment
Oct. 11th, 2010 05:38 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
borgmama1of5So last year I managed to score a last minute general admission ticket to the Chicago Supernatural Convention, and I was super excited just to be in the same auditorium as the Supernatural stars, sitting in the next-to-last row, from where they appeared about 2 inches tall...
This year, in February I bought tickets to have photo ops with the stars.
Yes, it's silly. What is the point to paying somewhat ridiculous amounts of money to stand in a long line to walk up to a celebrity, have them put their arm around you, smile together at the camera, and be ushered out, for a total of maybe one minute's time?
There is no point. It is ridiculous.
And it was awesome.
First up was the photo with Jensen Ackles. A year's worth of looking a pictures of him did not prepare me for the mind-stunning effect of seeing him up close.
First off, while in line for Jensen, all I could think was how trim he looked in a black button-down, with dark denim jeans. Much different--classier and younger--than on the tv screen.
It did seem that he was on autopilot--same position, same head angle, same smile to camera for every fan. But it is such a pretty smile...It was clearly part of his job to do this, but at the same time it didn't look like he was bored or annoyed. Business-like. But he wasn't being snotty.
I don't remember if he looked at each person individually as they approached him. I know since it was just like three steps, I walked right into the facing-the-camera position. Forgetting to look at him.
Also I think forgetting to breathe...
What is weird is that I remember clearly studying him while waiting for my picture, but as soon as it was my turn my short-term memory just went kerflooey. I can't remember any of it. I know he put his arm around me and vice versa from the picture. (Thank god for photographic proof!) But I don't remember it.
When I did manage to say something like "A lot of people love your acting" as I started to walk away, he did respond to me "I love it too!"
Then I walked out and hid in the ladies' room and had a mini-meltdown. Which is so uncharacteristic for me, I can't explain it.
Next was the hour-long panel with the actors on stage, which was just amazing to watch for the hilarious interaction between them and also with the fans asking questions. They clearly feel affection for their fans and want to make it fun for us.
Then was the duo photo shot with Misha Collins and Jared Padalecki.
There was a definite difference in tone between the two photo shoots. I am sure part of it was the loosening up of the actors from doing the panel, and also that there were two of them working off each other.
Again, the wait watching Jared and Misha was as enjoyable as the actual picture-taking. They shook the hand of nearly every fan before turning to face the camera. They both had ratty jeans and untucked plaid baggy shirts. Jared's hair was amazing :) They were smiling non-stop, as opposed to Jensen looking pleasant in general and then turning a 'smile' switch on for the camera. Some of the difference was in Misha and Jared just being more animated with each other in between fans approaching.
Not dissing Jensen. Just trying to explain the difference.
They even did a couple poses for three girls ahead of me in line, who asked to hug Misha and for Jared to look jealous, which he did wonderfully twice, and the third time he pouted.
So when I walked up, I put out my hand and they each shook it , and I said "Neat to meet you!" to which one of them said "Neat to meet you too!" Then I turned for the camera, they each moved in to a side ... and sorry, here my brain shorted out again. I know they put their arms around me and I must have reciprocated, but I don't remember anything until I started to walk away and Jared said, "Neat to use neat, too."
I had just watched on hour of them being all silly and friendly to the fans. So it didn't feel as much like I stood next to a god like it did with Jensen.
Which. Sounds kinda pathetic. But it's how it felt to me.
Afterwards, several convention veterans said it takes about 3 photo shoots with Jensen to acquire some immunity to his brain-melting effect.
Happily, I am going to the Nashville and the Vancouver cons next year, so maybe by the last one I'll be able to remember the experience.
Call me silly, I don't care. Not doing this with any delusions. Just for the sheer fun of standing next to the guys who I invite in every week on the tv screen. And I wouldn't do it at all but for their reputations and behaviors showing that they really understand that without their fans they wouldn't have what they have repeatedly called the best job in the world.
This year, in February I bought tickets to have photo ops with the stars.
Yes, it's silly. What is the point to paying somewhat ridiculous amounts of money to stand in a long line to walk up to a celebrity, have them put their arm around you, smile together at the camera, and be ushered out, for a total of maybe one minute's time?
There is no point. It is ridiculous.
And it was awesome.
First up was the photo with Jensen Ackles. A year's worth of looking a pictures of him did not prepare me for the mind-stunning effect of seeing him up close.
First off, while in line for Jensen, all I could think was how trim he looked in a black button-down, with dark denim jeans. Much different--classier and younger--than on the tv screen.
It did seem that he was on autopilot--same position, same head angle, same smile to camera for every fan. But it is such a pretty smile...It was clearly part of his job to do this, but at the same time it didn't look like he was bored or annoyed. Business-like. But he wasn't being snotty.
I don't remember if he looked at each person individually as they approached him. I know since it was just like three steps, I walked right into the facing-the-camera position. Forgetting to look at him.
Also I think forgetting to breathe...
What is weird is that I remember clearly studying him while waiting for my picture, but as soon as it was my turn my short-term memory just went kerflooey. I can't remember any of it. I know he put his arm around me and vice versa from the picture. (Thank god for photographic proof!) But I don't remember it.
When I did manage to say something like "A lot of people love your acting" as I started to walk away, he did respond to me "I love it too!"
Then I walked out and hid in the ladies' room and had a mini-meltdown. Which is so uncharacteristic for me, I can't explain it.
Next was the hour-long panel with the actors on stage, which was just amazing to watch for the hilarious interaction between them and also with the fans asking questions. They clearly feel affection for their fans and want to make it fun for us.
Then was the duo photo shot with Misha Collins and Jared Padalecki.
There was a definite difference in tone between the two photo shoots. I am sure part of it was the loosening up of the actors from doing the panel, and also that there were two of them working off each other.
Again, the wait watching Jared and Misha was as enjoyable as the actual picture-taking. They shook the hand of nearly every fan before turning to face the camera. They both had ratty jeans and untucked plaid baggy shirts. Jared's hair was amazing :) They were smiling non-stop, as opposed to Jensen looking pleasant in general and then turning a 'smile' switch on for the camera. Some of the difference was in Misha and Jared just being more animated with each other in between fans approaching.
Not dissing Jensen. Just trying to explain the difference.
They even did a couple poses for three girls ahead of me in line, who asked to hug Misha and for Jared to look jealous, which he did wonderfully twice, and the third time he pouted.
So when I walked up, I put out my hand and they each shook it , and I said "Neat to meet you!" to which one of them said "Neat to meet you too!" Then I turned for the camera, they each moved in to a side ... and sorry, here my brain shorted out again. I know they put their arms around me and I must have reciprocated, but I don't remember anything until I started to walk away and Jared said, "Neat to use neat, too."
I had just watched on hour of them being all silly and friendly to the fans. So it didn't feel as much like I stood next to a god like it did with Jensen.
Which. Sounds kinda pathetic. But it's how it felt to me.
Afterwards, several convention veterans said it takes about 3 photo shoots with Jensen to acquire some immunity to his brain-melting effect.
Happily, I am going to the Nashville and the Vancouver cons next year, so maybe by the last one I'll be able to remember the experience.
Call me silly, I don't care. Not doing this with any delusions. Just for the sheer fun of standing next to the guys who I invite in every week on the tv screen. And I wouldn't do it at all but for their reputations and behaviors showing that they really understand that without their fans they wouldn't have what they have repeatedly called the best job in the world.
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no subject
Date: 2010-10-11 10:52 pm (UTC)Ok... now I'm scared *g* How am I supposed to resist what is, apparently, a well documented and unescapeable effect? I'm so screwed...
"Yes, it's silly. What is the point to paying somewhat ridiculous amounts of money to stand in a long line to walk up to a celebrity, have them put their arm around you, smile together at the camera, and be ushered out, for a total of maybe one minute's time?"
Exactly why I was resisting the whole 'going to a convention' in general and the taking a photo in particular. Hearing about the wonderful time and the unique experience of people like you really changed my mind on the matter. I'm very happy yuo had such a great time!
no subject
Date: 2010-10-11 10:59 pm (UTC)And I had a meltdown from the intensity. Haven't heard any good ideas on how to avoid that...
And it is totally absurd. But I am so incredibly happy I did it.
You will feel the same way, I'm pretty sure!
no subject
Date: 2010-10-11 11:06 pm (UTC)Hee. It does kinda feel like that...
You know I'm not going to call you silly! I'd love to see your photos when we meet again. BTW, there is less brain-melt in a duo photo with Jared and Jensen, just like with Jared and Misha. Partly because your attention is divided between the two, partly because they are so comfortable and relaxed with each other, partly because Jared is SO fan-friendly. Not a complaint at all; Jensen clearly respects and loves the fans, but Jared is willing to be a goof with them, you know? JP is just less reserved than JA.
Glad your con experience was even better this time. Hope to see you soon! (WinMid organizers take note!)
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-11 11:10 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-11 11:18 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 01:23 am (UTC)http://www.creationent.com/calendar.htm
there are cons overseas, in England, Australia, Rome, and other places, run by different companies. I can get you that info if you really need it, since I don't know where you live :-)
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:29 am (UTC)
Date: 2010-10-12 02:36 am (UTC)The way to make it theoretically affordable, if one is anywhere near you, is to buy a preferred seating pass, which means you won't be in the way-back rows, and get photo and/or autograph ops.
Word from experience: if you are intending to do this, buy the photo/autograph op the day they are listed at the con. Don't wait for the seat tickets, because Creation releases the expensive tickets months ahead of the standard seating tickets, and by then all the photo ops are sold out for the Js. I bought the photo op in February and the actual admission ticket in May.
(And the only reason I am going to the Nashville con is because my daughters live there and I can crash for free. Vancouver, on the other hand, is my once-in-a-lifetime indulgence.)
Re:
Date: 2010-10-12 06:02 pm (UTC)I've been seriously considering this Nashville Creation Con all weekend (while I was at a Starsky and Hutch con, bad me) since it's literally one state over from me and it would be silly of me NOT to go.
However, I've always sworn off any Creation Cons because of the bad publicity they seem to get from fellow fans of being "only out for the money" and "too expensive for the little you get back from it."
From your experience, is it worth it to attend these events? I know it's likely my only chance to meet J2 :)
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 06:29 pm (UTC)Not if you have to use the grocery or rent money. But in leiu of a couple of shopping trips to the mall, I personally think it is. There is no good, rational reason for it. And yes, there is a lot of standing in line, and the actual one-on-one flashes past as lightning. But. The residual high of 'they really exist and I saw them' will carry me for a while :)
And honestly, the waiting in line had its own level of exhilaration, because everyone there is united in love for SPN, and it is so easy to start up a conversation. Seriously, that connection is a good chunk of the fun.
Does Creation overcharge for what you get? Undoubtedly. They charge what the market will bear. So pick you options carefully.
But I recommend having the experience if at all possible. And I am a very level-headed, mature, 50+ woman. :)
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 06:35 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 06:51 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-11 11:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:04 am (UTC)*lives vicariously*
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:38 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:54 am (UTC)But I'd love to know more about Jared's hair! Tell us how amazing it was...
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:40 am (UTC)You're right about his brain-melting effect.
Thanks for the short conversation we had when we bumped into you, by the way =)
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:43 am (UTC)It's sort of reassuring that he has the same effect on the brains of younger women too. :)
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 07:43 am (UTC)I couldn't agree with you more my friend and thank you for sharing. Would love to see your photo ops if you care to share them with your friends.
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 06:29 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 02:30 pm (UTC)I couldn't even look at Jensen either time I got his autograph, yet I can remember every word I said to Jared!
As far as I can remember though, Jensen did make eye contact with everyone he had his photo taken with.
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 06:31 pm (UTC)Which is why I have to do it again :)
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 08:57 pm (UTC)Oh, and I also had the weak at the knees turn into a bucket of goo moment after the first time I met him!
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 06:32 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 06:50 pm (UTC)And I'm glad you got a kick out of reading about it. I love to hear about everyone else's experience.
no subject
Date: 2010-10-12 07:24 pm (UTC)hey its me france from chicon
Date: 2010-10-12 08:23 pm (UTC)Re: hey its me france from chicon
Date: 2010-10-13 02:34 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-13 02:02 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-13 02:40 pm (UTC)And for all the brevity, it was still worth every penny :)
RE: Chicago Con
Date: 2010-10-15 03:05 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-15 03:11 am (UTC)Jensen Brain Freeze--better than ice cream brain freeze! :D
no subject
Date: 2010-10-16 03:25 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2010-10-16 05:08 am (UTC)But you will have photographic proof--that's what I'm looking at every day :)
no subject
Date: 2010-11-07 11:35 am (UTC)But if you win in the lottery (you promised!), I think I won't want to have a picture with me and Jensen.
Oh, I would LOVE to go to the picture-taking-panel and say: "Hi. I'd like a picture of you, but I don't want to be in it - please just smile nicely" if that's even possible. Don't want an official pic with autograph... just a picture of him for me.
Because I really, really don't want to spoil the pic with having ME in it :-(
(You think Dean has self-worth-issues? HA!)
But I loved reading about your experience and I giggled about the brain-melting effect of JA.
This reservedness is what I like about him, even though it'll certainly make any 'meeting' with him less relaxed as with JP or MC.
no subject
Date: 2010-11-07 02:48 pm (UTC)And a private con, with just a hundred or so of my LJ friends...must remember to start buying lottery tickets!
PS--They do have cons in Europe. And they actually sound much nicer than the overwhelmingly crowded Creation cons.
no subject
Date: 2010-11-07 04:36 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 11:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 11:17 am (UTC)Whereas I was much more relaxed for Misha and Jared, and happily asked them to hug each other, so that was a fun photo op.
You know, I've now had several photos with Jensen (A6, JIB II) and I don't think it has got any easier...I don't think I've actually managed to look him in the eye once yet - that is my ambition for JIB III then, to smile and look him in the eye when I gabble at him.
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Date: 2012-01-04 02:28 pm (UTC)I didn't post them because I wasn't sure anyone would want to see them, but I have the framed 8x10s hanging above my computer where I spend 90% of my time when I'm home :)
no subject
Date: 2012-01-04 02:53 pm (UTC)Mind you, having said that I don't think I've posted mine on LJ...I did stick some up on my personal FB...*muses about sharing further*...