Featuring the 501st Legion Midwest Garrison

When they say, “It’s good to know somebody who knows somebody,” they aren’t lying. A while back, my good friend Joe introduced me to Rex — someone I can now proudly call a friend for over five years. The funny part? In all that time, I never once made it out to any of the conventions Rex was part of. Honestly, I don’t think I ever had much interest in going.

That all changed when Rex asked me to photograph the 501st Legion Midwest Garrison at Fan Expo 2025 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. And let me just say — I had no idea what I was walking into.

The Overwhelming Start

The moment I pulled up, I realized this wasn’t going to be just any casual event. The Fan Expo was packed. It took me almost an hour just to find parking, and another thirty minutes to track down Rex in the sea of people. Everywhere I turned, the energy was buzzing — lightsabers glowing, capes flowing, masks, helmets, armor, and everything in between.

As an introvert, I’ll admit, I felt nervous. Asking strangers for photos isn’t something that comes naturally to me, even with years of photography under my belt. But the creativity in the cosplay was too good to pass up, and by the end of the day, I found myself breaking out of that shell — camera in hand, capturing moments I never thought I’d enjoy as much as I did.

A Creative World Brought to Life

What blew me away most was the level of detail. These weren’t just costumes; they were works of art. You could feel the passion, the dedication, and the hours people put into every piece. The 501st Legion Midwest Garrison stood tall among them — their Star Wars armor and presence brought the galaxy far, far away right into Rosemont.

Everywhere I looked, I thought, “That would make an incredible shot.” I didn’t get to capture everyone I wanted to, but that’s the beauty of it — there’s always a next time.

Not My Last Convention

What started as a favor for a friend turned into a brand-new experience I never expected to enjoy this much. The Fan Expo wasn’t just an event — it was a creative community I’m glad I finally stepped into.

So, to Rex: thank you for the invite, and to the 501st Legion Midwest Garrison: thank you for showing me what happens when creativity, fandom, and community collide.

My first convention won’t be my last — and I’m already looking forward to the next time I get to step into that world, camera ready.