+

[LilVamp25]

To give y'all an idea of where I'm coming from, I am new to photography in general. I got my first real DSLR about 4 months ago and have learned so much just in that short time. Most of my experience so far has come from shooting sporting events, some small shoots with friends, and various events at my school. But, honestly, I don't think I will ever have "enough" experience haha!

Cosplay photography is something I have been dying to sink my teeth into since it combines two of my passions (anime and photography). I will be going to A-Kon in two weeks for the second time and I'm ready to get started. My view is that if I'm going to pursue it, I might as well do it right! So, my real question is this:

What is the best way jump into cosplay photgraphy? Should I start off by simply walking up to someone (if they're not already occupied) and saying "Hey, I love your cosplay! Mind if I take some shots?" or is hanging around after those huge cosplay meet-ups best? I really want to get a feel for this and be able to take experience and improve as much as possible.

Also, any past experiences y'all may want to share is definitely appreciated! Thanks!

[Surfsama]

The first couple of cosplayers are usually the hardest to ask (getting over the shyness, anxiety, etc) then you just find your flow and it gets easier to ask for a picture.

The first thing I do is scout-out locations that have the least distracting backgrounds or complimentary backgrounds depending on what I’m going for. The backgrounds can make-or-break a shot. It’s a real challenge inside a convention so you just have to do your best to avoid background distractions.

The next and most important tip I can share is have a good time and make sure the cosplayer senses your good intentions. After I politely ask to take a shot I usually talk a little bit, (sincere) compliment, or just listen to what they have to say so they know I’m not just pulling a hit-and-run and want them to feel relaxed. Next, I do a costume check. I ask the cosplayer to check their costumes to ensure everything is how it should be (ribbons, ties are straight, shirts tucked in or out, skirt or pants straight, socks or nylons pulled up and straight, etc…). Having a small mirror really helps.

It also helps to project a sense of purpose. Not bossy or arrogant just a aura that you're just as serious about getting the best shots possible as the cosplayer is about it.

Now, it's up to you to find your style. Portraits, action, night, full body, edgy, or a combination of all the above. Practice, read, and talk to the other photogs who's work you admire and you'll find cosplay photography very enjoyable.

[Shoji-Aoyama]

for anybody the one word of advice I usually have is: PRACTICE. . . theres alot in just that one word, with enough of it you start to see what youre doing and how to improve, you start approaching Cosplayers more easily, and of course tricks for dealing with bad lighting, backgrounds, whatever

and Ill definitely agree with all that Surf said, so I wont repeat it

get in there, find your style, develop yourself, and most importantly, have fun

[Access]

Originally Posted by LilVamp25

take some shots?" or is hanging around after those huge cosplay meet-ups best? I really want to get a feel for this and be able to take experience and improve as much as possible.

For convention gatherings, you can shoot the gathering if you want, but what's most important is to stay afterward and ask people whose cosplay you like for individual photos.

[Hexlord]

Originally Posted by Shoji-Aoyama

for anybody the one word of advice I usually have is: PRACTICE. . . theres alot in just that one word, with enough of it you start to see what youre doing and how to improve, you start approaching Cosplayers more easily, and of course tricks for dealing with bad lighting, backgrounds, whatever

and Ill definitely agree with all that Surf said, so I wont repeat it

get in there, find your style, develop yourself, and most importantly, have fun

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Also, for the TS, just remember not to take things seriously, have fun!

[brucer007]

Any of the ways you mentioned is fine for getting cosplayers to pose for you. In my experience, by far, most will be more than happy to comply, especially if it they know they could get copies somehow.

Just start shooting in the way your instincts tell you, since photography is such a subjective activity. For first cosplay event, I kept it simple. I would usually try candid shots when they were posing for some other people, since I usually prefer they don't look at my lens. I would hand them a business card and offer to email them a copy. Now, I usually direct them to look off-camera, so it looks candid.

If you are not so familiar with the character, you can ask them some questions to find appropriate poses. They might already know a few, but be prepared to assist them with some ideas. Even generic poses can work sometimes.

Keep lighting in mind. It can make people look great, or horrible. You don't have to bring lighting, like strobes or reflectors, by they can be helpful when an area you want to shoot in has unflattering lighting. You can instead be selective and strategic in your locations and angles. Some locations might overall have bad lighting, but changing your angle, or moving them into the shade might make big improvement.s

[Araakii]

Just shoot however you like. You are only 4 months in and there's still a long way to go. Don't worry about being "good" now since that won't happen until much later. Just practice a lot and keep improving.

[Access]

One other point to make for people that are just starting out is the importance of getting back to people. A common story I hear from cosplayers I know is that they will have their picture taken hundreds of times at a con by random photographers, taking their time to pose, etc., but then had problems finding pictures of their group once the convention was over. Because it honestly seems like only about 5% of the people taking pictures at a convention get back to people, or post them in a place where they can be found.

Get back to people unconditionally, rather than trying to rationalize not doing so (ie. "My photos aren't good enough" ... "There were five other people taking photos of them and some of them had better equipment than me so their pictures must have been better" ... "I don't have the time" ... etc.) The same goes for posting your pictures online or in some place where they can be easily found by people searching.

[brucer007]

Originally Posted by Araakii

You are only 4 months in and there's still a long way to go. Don't worry about being "good" now since that won't happen until much later. Just practice a lot and keep improving.

Long way to go? That is if you stay with it, which I think you will. haha

Yes. Don't worry about being good now. Being good now is nothing to worry about. lol...but seriously, you might already be good....and regarding having enough experience...Experience is a journey, not a destination.

[Shoji-Aoyama]

Originally Posted by brucer007

Long way to go? That is if you stay with it, which I think you will. haha

Yes. Don't worry about being good now. Being good now is nothing to worry about. lol...but seriously, you might already be good....and regarding having enough experience...Experience is a journey, not a destination.

yes being 'good' is a very subjective thing, its making stuff that youre happy with, the Cosplayer being happy is a big plus though

and I also agree experience is neverending, you just keep soaking it up and learning from it, there will be PLENTY of failure along the way, but as long as you keep learning, thats what matters

[Efecss]

Another thing (Kind of off subject.) I did when I was really getting into photography, was when I was taking classes at the "local" jr. college, experiment I did was to experiment with multiple exposures on one frame of film, and/or print them on one sheet of paper. Yes, this was waaay before digital. When photo and video capture was just getting started. But, I had fun, spending 8 hours in the dark room, inhaling those developing fumes...

But, I also made acquaintances with two girls who would model for me for various assignments. If you have friends, you may want to practice with them, away from the con. Or, with your pet. And don't be afraid to stand on tables/benches/chairs/planters/boulders to get a good angle. Or even sit, or lay, on the ground/floor.

And, if you can, take a photography course, some of the best techniques I use came from stories my instructor gave the class, about his friends who work for National Geographic, or the San Francisco Chronicle.

Mainly, don't be afraid to learn more and more and more from any source you can.

[Ashurachan]

Originally Posted by Access

Get back to people unconditionally, rather than trying to rationalize not doing so (ie. "My photos aren't good enough" ... "There were five other people taking photos of them and some of them had better equipment than me so their pictures must have been better" ... "I don't have the time" ... etc.) The same goes for posting your pictures online or in some place where they can be easily found by people searching.

This.
Cosplayers are always happy to have more pictures of them, and the reasons why they like this or that particular photo is they own. You may not take the best pictures in the world, or have the nicest equipment, but if there's a good expression, or if the photo shows off a part of their costume they really like, cosplayers will be glad to have them.
Also, post-processing is an important part of digital photography, and posting your shots online will force you to work on this. Don't post everything, but try to keep at least one picture of each person you've spent some time with. You don't have to do heavy post-processing, but spending sometime in Lightroom always pays off, and spending some time analyzing your own pictures helps understanding what you did wrong.

Also, it's not because you have little equipment that you don't do nice pictures. All I use right now at cons, is a body with two small primes. No big zoom, no flash, no tripod. I don't waste my energy in carrying heavy gear around, so I can use said energy for the photos themselves, and I'm able to move around more quickly.

[brucer007]

Originally Posted by Ashurachan

... No big zoom, no flash, no tripod. I don't waste my energy in carrying heavy gear around, so I can use said energy for the photos themselves, and I'm able to move around more quickly.

I do make the effort to carry some heavy gear around. I do it because it is an investment in my energy, not a waste of it. My photos get direct benefits for this effort. I try to keep the amount reasonable for me, but I get better shots by being prepared to get great lighting no matter where I shoot by bringing strobes. As for lenses. I bring at least five of them, including some fast primes and some good telephoto zooms, up to 200mm. This really gives me more control of how much of a background I want to see, and gives me much more creative control in other compositional aspects. I admit I get sore shoulders from the bag straps, but I change them around, or take a rest. I eat very healthy food that gives me the energy to perform throughout the day...I even have enough energy to do a jumping side-kick at my subjects! > :-D

[Ashurachan]

I admire people who can carry gear all day without getting tired. I just can't !
I guess it's because I'm frail - I'm not necessarily out of shape, but I don't have much muscle above waist :/ I walk quite a lot and dance a bit, so my legs and abs and back are okay, but nothing in the arms or shoulders, which makes carrying heavy weights very tiring for me.