I'm pretty sure the con opens at 8 and the dealer's hall at 10, but I could be wrong... that was just how it was last year. I think doing the photoshoot around 9 in the park is a good idea, that way it's early enough we won't miss anything and those of us who need to leave early to get back home can still do so without missing the shoot.
btw, you guys mentioned the schedule... I can't figure out where on the site it is, help?