Choose Wisely! The Difference Between Photo Ops And Autographs

Your favorite celebrity of all time is going to comic-con: OH. MY. GOD.

You want to buy everything: photo ops, autographs, maybe both for more than one session…literally nothing can stop you!

The only problem is you can’t afford all of that. Bummer. I guess something can stop you.

Now you have to choose. What are you going to buy?

There’s a surprisingly big difference between photo ops and autographs that could actually make or break your decision on purchasing them. One thing they do have in common, however, is that they are both very, very expensive. At most comic-cons, autographs and photo ops tend to run at about the same cost with maybe only a $10-$20 difference between them. Prices vary depending on the celebrity, but I've noticed that "big name" celebrities tend to cost between $200-$300 per ticket. So how exactly are you supposed to decide which one you want to buy when you don’t even know what they’re like?

Let me break the experiences down for you quickly.

Photo ops are very short, limited interaction experiences where you can pose with your favorite celebrity. You can hug them, high-five them, and even bring in some fun props to use in your picture. You do get to talk to them for a bit but it’s nothing more than exchanging pleasantries and pose details. With your photo op, you will get a physical copy of your picture as well as a digital copy. Digital copies can either be free or purchased ahead of time when you buy your ticket for a low cost depending on the convention.

Autographs are simply that: autographs. You can’t take pictures with the celebrity or ask to take a video of them. For autographs, you have a bit more of a conversation with the celebrity. Typical exchanges include pleasantries as well as asking about the comic-con, what item you brought, and any short, simple questions you have for the celebrity. Depending on the comic-con, you can get either one or several items autographed per ticket.

For both an autograph and photo op, you can bring a friend with you on line and even into the booth. One photo op ticket will allow multiple people to be in the photo, so that can really cut down the cost if you and your friend decide to split the price. Autographs work differently at every comic-con, but the typical procedure seems to be that even if you and a friend go into the autograph booth together, only the ticket-holder can get their item signed.

As someone who has done both photo ops and autographs, it’s a pretty hard choice to pick between them. Both have offered me really unique and fun experiences, such as Tom Hiddleston talking about literature with me during an autograph session and Jake Gyllenhaal personally apologizing to me for looking “too serious and scary” in our photo op. Just because your time is limited with the celebrities doesn’t mean you won’t get to have some fun.

Photo ops are great for having a lasting memory of being in a photograph with your favorite celebrity. Especially if you’re brave enough to ask for a silly pose, you can definitely have some fun with photo ops. If the photo op is what you choose, I highly recommend bringing a prop with you. This makes for some great memories (and sometimes, even a longer time in the booth because the celebrity can’t hold back the giggles at what you’re doing).

But if you really wanted me to choose which one is more worth it, I would personally say the autographs. Not only do you get more time in the booth but you can get more bang for your buck – several autographs for the price of one. Remember, it’s not like this as every comic-con so make sure you check the autograph policy prior to buying your ticket.

In my opinion, autographs give you a better chance to talk with the person who has inspired you for so long. You can really share a personal moment. You can ask them a question you have always wanted answered or present to them some art you made for them. In addition to this, you can also bring the celebrity a gift, something you can’t do at photo ops. You can give them letters, art, books – anything that is easy to transport, really. While it’s not a guarantee that every letter will get read, it’s nice to know that you were able to share some words of thanks with that celebrity.

If you’re looking for a chance to hug your favorite celebrity, definitely go for the photo op. But if you’re looking for the chance at having a little conversation or being able to share something personal you made that you’re proud of, go for the autograph. Both are memorable experiences, but the autograph holds more weight to me. It gives me a chance to share a piece of myself with my idol. Because of that, I’ll always put my money towards an autograph first.