C2E2 2026 took over Chicago’s McCormick Place this past March 28–29, and the floor was a vibrant tribute to all fandoms. The sheer variety of cosplay was staggering—from “closet cosplays” pulled from everyday wardrobes to retail finds and breathtaking, high-end handmade masterpieces. Every outfit, regardless of its origin, was a testament to the passion of the community.
However, traditional convention photography often misses the full story. While the poses and photos are beautiful, they don’t truly capture the thought, care, work, and engineering hidden beneath the surface. The most intricate details—the parts that required the most problem-solving—often go unseen.
C2E2 2026 Cosplay Photos
Friday Pt. 1, Pt. 2
Saturday Pt. 1, Pt. 2, Pt. 3
Sunday Pt. 1
The Backside of Cosplay
Previous Years Cosplay Coverage – 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
This weekend, I decided to try something a little different and I decided to focused my lens on the lesser seen parts. I walked around taking photos of backsides, well actually the backs of the costumes. I captured connection points, hidden artwork, complex stitching, and the clever ways cosplayers structuralize their builds. If I was curious about how these pieces were held together, I figured you would be, too.
Note: Out of respect for the makers, I made sure to ask for permission before taking any “backside” shots!
To see what cosplay conventions are coming up
be sure to check out our Cosplay Convention List!
