ATEEZ SAW MY PHOTOGRAPHY?😱

Yes it's true!

I was fortunate enough to have the ability to see Ateez perform at CFG Bank Arena on July 16th, 2025 with Ultimate VIP. They put on an incredible performance and I'm so thankful for this experience.

Now picture this: The show just ended and it's time for Send Off; one of the perks of the VIP package. My adrenaline high from seeing my favorite artist performing fan favorite songs and up close, heart rate at an all time high, feeling kinda sick to my stomach from nerves of wondering if luck is going to be on my side and getting barricade. The pure shock when I realize my row hasn't been called last and as I make my way to where send off is being held, I see that there is SO much space left on the barricade, and I get front row, dead center.

Hands sweating and clutching my binder of the photographs I spent HOURS editing and obsessing over cause they had to be perfect! The nerve-wracking moment as I wait for my favorite idols to see my creations.

What will they think? Will they love it as much as I do? Will they appreciate the blood, sweat, and tears I poured into these pieces? Or will they politely smile and move on?

As the moment arrives, the members walk out one by one, slowly making their way down the line towards me. The anticipation is killing me!!

Jongho

The first member I got to present my photography to was Jongho. Cue the internal screaming! Seeing as it was my first time speaking, I did not really know the best way to convey to them in a short amount of time "Hey, I love you. I took this picture of you, could you please sign it?" cause I did not want to take away time from another fan who deserves this experience too, so my brain ultimately settles for:

"Hi Jongho, could you please sign this picture I took of you?" He gives me a smile and I say "Thank you so much" once he is done signing.

Purchase a copy of Jongho's picture for yourself here: Jongho's Photo

1 down, 7 more to go!

Yunho

The next member to see my art is Yunho! He had been eyeballing me the whole concert, so I was curious how this interaction was going to go~👀

"Hi Yunho!" "Hi!" "You did so well today!" "You too, thank you."

"Could you please sign this?" Yunho exclaims a small "ooooo wow" seeing my work as he signs it quickly.

"I took this of you last tour!" "I love this photo!" "Thank you so much!" "Yeah! Thank you!"

Purchase a copy of Yunho's picture for yourself here: Yunho's Photo

EEEEEEKKKKK! How exciting and cute he is! I wonder who's next?

Wooyoung

The next member is Wooyoung! During Good Lil' Boy, he sat down RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME on the stage, so I felt this was gonna be good!

"Hi Wooyoung!" "Hi~" "Could you please sign this picture I took of you last tour?" "Yeah" Wooyoung quickly finishes signing some photocards for Atiny. He glances over at my photo once he's done and he lets out a cute "Ack!" sound. A big smile emerges on his face and he says "Thank you" as he signs it. Before he walks away, he pats my hand and says "Good job"

Purchase a copy of Wooyoung's picture for yourself here: Wooyoung's Photo

Wooyoung touched my hand?! Oh my god I feel so honored.

Hongjoong

The next member is, omg, IT'S HONGJOONG! He's my ULT bias so I can't mess this opportunity up.

"Could you sign this picture I took of you last tour?" "Wooowwwww I love it!" Hongjoong looks in amazement as he signs the bottom corner of the photo. "Thank you so much Hongjoong, I love you!" "Thank you~." He gives me a thumbs up and waves as he walks to the next Atiny.

Purchase a copy of Hongjoong's picture for yourself here: Hongjoong's Photo

San

The next member is San and omg did he come quick! Hongjoong and him were crossing paths at the same time and it happened right beside me so I had to be quick! Thankfully I had pulled out my photos for them ahead of time so I was ready to switch quick.

"Hi San! Could you sign this please?" San nods at me and signs my photo. "Thank you so much!" "Of course!" He smiles and moves on to the next Atiny.

Purchase a copy of San's picture for yourself here: San's Photo

3 more to go!

Mingi

Next member is Mingi! During the concert, he claimed to have some sort of eye infection so he was mostly seen wearing sunglasses. I wanted to tell him what a great job he did especially with the his ailment.

"You did such a great job today Mingi." He waltzed over to me after finishing with an Atiny and saw my photo and goes "Oooo" "I took this of you last tour." He finishes signing the photo. "Thank you." "Thank you!"

Here is where I thought my interaction with Mingi was done, BUT he pointed back to my photo and said "This photo is from last tour?" "Yes!" "Oh my gosh, thank you."

I could not be happier right now!

Purchase a copy of Mingi's picture for yourself here: Mingi's Photo

Seonghwa

Next member is Seonghwa! His photo was my personal favorite out of all of the photos I had for them. The colors and ethereal element his photo has is just so captivating.

"Hi Seonghwa!" "Hi~." His eyes are so sparkly and he is so smiley, omg I could cry. "I took this picture of you last tour, could you please sign it?" Seonghwa looks at the photo and lets out a quiet but audible "Oh my god!" He takes his time signing it, making sure his signature looks perfect and fits nicely on the photo. "Thank you." "Thank you so much, I appreciate it!" "I love it!" He looks back at the photo one more time before stepping away to the next Atiny.

Purchase a copy of Seonghwa's picture for yourself here: Seonghwa's Photo

Yeosang

Last but not least is Yeosang! Unfortunately my phone ran out of storage sometime between Seonghwa passing my section and Yeosang arriving to my section😭 I was devastated when I pulled my phone out after send off was over and saw that my recording ending. Thankfully, there was an Atiny near me that was kind enough to send the video they got of my moment. I was so appreciative of them!

"Hi Yeosang! I took this picture of you last tour." "Really?" "Yes!" He finished signing my photo. "Thank you so much!" He gives me 2 thumbs up as he steps off to the next Atiny.

Purchase a copy of Yeosang's picture for yourself here: Yeosang's Photo

The completed collection:

As I watched them sign my art, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. My pieces, once just files on my computer, turning into edited pieces, and are now adorned with the autographs of my favorite idols. It's a surreal experience that I'll cherish forever.

Artistic Validation and Fan Connection

Having Ateez see and sign my art is not just about validation as an artist, but it's also a way to connect with them on a deeper level. Through my creations, I was able to express my love and admiration for the group in a unique and personal way. It's a form of communication that goes beyond words.

So I just wanted to provide some advice. The next time you pick up your pen, brush, or whatever tool you use to create, remember that your art has the power to transcend boundaries and bring you closer to the things and people you love. Who knows, maybe one day your art will be in the hands of your idols, too!