The world of cosplay is a lot of fun where you get to play out your favourite character and be surrounded with like-minded people within the same franchise/fandom. But whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, feeling confident and prepared in front of the camera is part of that cosplay experience, and I thought I would share some tips and view-points from what I have learnt over time as a Cosplay Photographer:
Before the Shoot:
- Preparation is Key: Research the photographer’s style and the type of shoot, knowing their skills and limitations. Knowing what’s expected will help you come prepared.
- Booking your Photographer: Where possible, see if that photographer has a booking schedule system or if you’ll have to grab them when they are free. Having a clear time and date will help you find each other and be prepared to work with the photographer to maximise the time with each other.
- Know your Poses: Make sure you know the key poses that the character you are cosplaying does. Not only will this help when shooting with your photographer who you have scheduled with but also anyone you bump into who wants to get a photo with you. If you can’t think of poses, use google image search to create a “mood board” of your character which you can pick out at a moment’s notice.
Shooting at a Comic-Con:
- Embrace Positivity: Project confidence and enthusiasm! A positive attitude translates into captivating photos.
- Listen and Adapt: The photographer will guide you through poses, but don’t be afraid to suggest your own ideas and find what works best for your body or even ask for directions from your photographer.
- Move with Intention: Avoid stiff or awkward poses. Make small, natural adjustments to keep your body dynamic and fluid.
- Embrace Angles: Don’t stand flat-on straight all the time. Experiment with angling your body, head, and shoulders to create more dynamic compositions. Avoid awkward arm placement. Try gentle bends and creating space between your limbs and torso to flatter your figure.
- Eye Contact: Powerful eye contact can make a photo truly captivating. Look directly at the camera or follow the photographer’s instructions for where to focus your gaze.
- Location, Location, Location: Make sure you and the photographer are happy with the area you are shooting your cosplayer against. Don’t be afraid to inform the photographer that the background doesn’t suit the character and suggest an alternative location which better suits the character.
- Review and Reflect: Don’t be afraid to ask to see the back of the camera shot, this might help with posing for the next shot, spotting any out-of-place item, clothing or areas of your cosplay which can be easily rectified.
How not to be black-listed:
- No-Show: Understand that unexpected delays can happen. If you’re running behind schedule, communicate with the photographer as soon as possible. They may be able to adjust the shoot time within their availability. However, keep in mind that consistently being late or, even worse, no-showing, can damage your reputation as a reliable cosplayer. Photographers value their time, and being late disrupts their schedule and potentially prevents them from taking on other bookings.
- Respect Time Limits: Be on time for the shoot, and aim to be ready to go when it’s your turn. Being late or taking excessive breaks can throw off the entire schedule and frustrate everyone involved.
- Listen and Learn: Be receptive to the photographer’s vision. While you can suggest ideas, avoid being argumentative or constantly questioning their expertise.
- No, adding Filters or Editing Photos: While it’s natural to want photos to perfectly reflect your vision, editing them yourself after receiving them from the photographer can cause frustration. This is because the photographer has put significant time and effort into editing the photos according to their artistic style and your initial consultation. However, open communication is key! If you have specific changes in mind, talk to the photographer. They may be able to make adjustments for you, or they might suggest edits you can do yourself within their overall vision for the photos.
Remember:
- Relax and Have Fun!: Cosplay Photography is a creative collaboration. Enjoy the process, experiment, and don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through.
- Take Breaks: Stay hydrated and take short breaks to avoid fatigue, especially between shoots and during high heat. This will help you maintain your energy and focus throughout the shoot.
- The Patience Game: After the comic-con has finished, it is very easy to want to see the photos you’ve taken with the photographer but please bear in mind that many cosplay photographers are doing this as a hobby and have a day job. Different photographers will have different timelines and the amount of editing they’ll perform on each photo, depending on how many photos were taken and how much of a backlog of photos they already have. Please give photographers an appropriate amount of time before contacting them, about 2/3 months and be polite about the whereabouts of your photos.
By following these tips and fostering a collaborative spirit, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable photoshoot experience. With practice and a positive attitude, you’ll be striking stunning poses and captivating audiences in no time!
For more cosplay photos, visit our BSky, Instagram, Threads, Facebook and Twitter page
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