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The fascinating hidden world of sci-fi conventions by Daniel Lewis

Beam me up Scotty! This special series by acclaimed London photographer Daniel Lewis uncovers the world of sci-fi conventions, bringing us a fascinating insight into a unique culture which continues to grow across the world.

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Six stormtroopers in white and black armour pose together against a corrugated metal backdrop, holding various weapons in a black and white photograph

With Star Trek fans, comic book obsessives and Star Wars lovers galore, Lewis captures the ambiance of the convention, documenting those who attend and especially those who love to dress up as their favourite characters. Think Doctor Who, Wonder Woman and the entire cast of Star Wars.

After graduating with a BA Hons in PhotoMedia from Salisbury College, Wiltshire, Daniel began his professional career in 2004 as a photojournalist at Solent News and Photo Agency, where he covered national news and features for all the major UK newspaper titles including The Times and Daily Telegraph, producing multiple front page images along the way.

He moved to London in 2007 to pursue a freelance career, focusing his energy on commercial photography. Since then he has worked on numerous international projects for media and design agencies on behalf of global companies such as HSBC, Barclays, Anglo American, Intercontinental Hotels Group and Glencore. In October 2014 Daniel presented his first solo exhibition entitled 'Open House' featuring a series of portraits focused on 10 professional artists in south west London, each pictured in their studios. The project will continue this year, expanding to other areas of the city. Something Creative Boom will be covering soon. Discover more at www.daniellewisphoto.com.

Via a friendly chat over on Twitter

Star Wars costumed characters including Darth Vader and a Stormtrooper crossing a zebra crossing at a sci-fi convention, with buildings and a large screen in the background
Two people in cream and white robes wearing black masks and ornate accessories pose on a rooftop with urban buildings in the background at a sci-fi convention
Stormtrooper cosplayer holding a blaster rifle against a cloudy sky, photographed by Daniel Lewis at a sci-fi convention
A line of sci-fi convention attendees stands against a stark white wall in an industrial venue, many wearing costumes and formal attire
Two cosplayers dressed as Star Trek characters in blue and red uniforms with insignia badges, waving at the camera in a modernist corridor
Five figures in Star Wars Mandalorian armour and costume standing in a line against a minimalist sci-fi convention backdrop
Four people in Star Trek uniforms stand in illuminated display panels, wearing yellow, blue and red costumes against a dark background
Display window featuring eight action figures dressed as Star Trek characters, each wearing coloured uniforms and labelled with character names
Two people wearing white Clone Trooper helmets stand at a sci-fi convention, one in a striped shirt and cardigan, the other in a red Puma jacket and white trousers
Man in formal attire poses inside a blue Police Box costume at a sci-fi convention
Crowds of visitors gathered in a large convention hall beneath bright overhead lights, with signage for autograph areas visible in the background
Person in black and yellow superhero costume with cape and mask poses in a confident stance against a white wall
Five framed pop art prints of DC superheroes including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and the Joker displayed on a tan wall at a convention
Two cosplayers dressed as Wonder Woman and another character in a white sci-fi corridor at a convention
Person in patterned jacket interacting with a black robotic figure against a bright red backdrop at a sci-fi convention
Someone holding a smartphone displaying a selfie video call, with a blurred figure wearing a yellow shirt visible in the background at a sci-fi convention
Three cosplayers in elaborate dark sci-fi costumes with gold face paint and long black wigs pose together at a convention venue
Person in Klingon costume with ridged forehead prosthetics, long hair and grey-and-black uniform at a sci-fi convention
People pose in front of a large display of Marvel and DC superhero merchandise and clothing at a sci-fi convention
Person in elaborate black cyberpunk costume with goggles and mechanical attachments stands on convention floor surrounded by attendees
Two attendees wearing headphones sit facing a large screen displaying sci-fi convention content at an indoor event venue
Star Trek merchandise and collectibles displayed in a white crate at a convention, featuring branded packaging with blue and gold accents
Crowds of visitors browse merchandise stalls at a sci-fi convention, with illuminated signage advertising Star Trek, Star Wars and Babylon 5 overhead
A man in a red and white costume entertains a group of attendees on the convention floor, with exhibition stands visible in the background
A Star Trek convention attendee holds up a trading card of Levar Burton's character while others browse around them in the background
Three people wearing Star Trek Starfleet uniforms in blue, yellow and red against a white brick wall
A man in a yellow shirt holds a camera up to photograph a packed crowd at a sci-fi convention, with attendees in casual and colourful clothing seated nearby
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