What is unusual is the photographs were shown to me by one of my coworkers, who I would not have pegged as a big SF fan. As far as I know, she isn't - but she knows Cyn Mason, and thereby the world.
She (my coworker) has photographic evidence of being hugged by Dragon, as well. Just for the record, you know...
Edited to add link (from IMDb, no less). Plus I should be clearer that we were only acquaintances, back when I was more active in the SF convention circuit. But he was always a sweetheart, did fantastic costuming work and was never snobbish about his talent or achievements. I had heard he'd moved south some years back, and it really tickles me (and does my heart good) to see his success.