I’ve always had a policy when it comes to comic con, should anyone ask “if I can take their photos?” My answer will be “yes”.
I think I do this because I hear from people who tried to get photos from photographers who have said no to them, and I personally don’t want to be that person who says no to someone who just wants photos. It doesn’t take too much time to snap three photos of their cosplay.
As a photographer, I have this fear that when I ask someone if I can take their photo, they’ll for some reason say no. But that no could be for a good reason like they are still getting ready, they need a break or even going to another photoshoot. If that fear in me is that real for me, I can only imagine what it’s like for cosplayers who are also asking photographers to have their photos taken.
I do believe when cosplayers hear the word “no”, they feel like that’s a reflection on the cosplay they are wearing, that it’s not good enough or not of high quality. For me, if you’re happy to have your photo taken in your cosplay then, I’m happy to take your photo, as I don’t know how long it took you to make that cosplay or what it means to you to wear this cosplay on you.
I have heard from photographers a few reasons why they say no to cosplayers, that they don’t know who the character is or it’s not a fandom they understand. To those photographers I would say you’re missing out, you miss out on potential future bookings with cosplayers, you might learn something about your photographers you didn’t know you could do and it’s a great way to expand your knowledge on fandoms.
I try not to say no to cosplayers who are asking for a photo from me, but at times I had to as I’m going to another photoshoot or I needed a break for lunch.
But at the end of the day, I’m happy to take your photo at comic con and I hope more photographers who might be reading this, will start saying yes to more people, and break away from working with the same cosplayers at every event.
Let me know your thoughts on this subject.
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