PMX 2009

I didn't take too many photos at the PMX because the lighting was just horrendous, but I saw this when I was walking through the Hilton Hotel and it for me was so filled with symbolism I had to shoot it.

These are four Gothic Lolitas from the convention.  From a distance, they are dressed quite similar.  T wo of them are taking pictures of the other two (and yes, they did then swap afterward). But it's almost like a reflection, taking a photo of oneselves. If you walk through any heavily cosplay populated location you begin to see the blending of watcher and watchee. The stars and the fans begin to blend fluidly. And as they say: "It is the shape of things to come."If you're not sure what a Gothic Lolita looks like, here is an up close shot of a girl who was selling Gothic Lolita trinkets and such while dressed the part.  She was very charming, I wish it were a better environment for photos, but I liked this moment because it looked like the was faking her smile and it just sort of lent a strange interpretation to the whole thing.  I always feel like the real secret to Gothic Lolita is for people to not realize they're secretly holding a blade up their puffy sleeve.  :)