An Introvert’s Guide to Cosplay Photography

So you’re getting ready for a convention or maybe you even want to do a solo shoot with cosplayer but you don’t know how to make it comfortable for yourself and the cosplayer? Even at a convention, it can be hard to ask. So after doing this for a little while in both the convention center and outside.I also asked an amazing Richmond based cosplayer that I did a model shoot with, Laura (@laurabluebyrdoffical on Instagram, her old IG was taken down so be sure to show her some love!) for some dos and don’ts that can help you figure out how to shoot, and how to act to get some amazing friends and photos. 

First off, I’ll go through my gear tips as well as general photo tips. 

Lens Recommendations 

• • 35mm f1.8 
    •  if you aren’t afraid to get close for headshots or want to show the full scale of a complicated armor, a 35mm is a great choice and the low f-number makes you able to blur out the people in the background and it will look better if you are doing night/low-light shoots.  
  • 50mm f1.8
    • Usually, the cheapest lens in any company’s lineup, it is seen as the lens that sees what you see. If you are looking to have a candid and realistic look for a good price this is your guy. 
  • 85mm f1.8
    • The go-to lens for many professional portrait photographers. It compresses facial and body features in a flattering way while completely blurring out the background 
  • 24-70 f2.8
    • Similar to the 35, If you are into that wide-angle look this is the upgrade from that. It is also good for group shots or if you’re trying to document the con more than specific cosplayers. 
  • 70-200 f2.8 
    • This is just an all-around good lens for any need if you have the means to buy/rent it, it has all the features of the 85 with even more blur and compression at 200mm but be warned this isn’t the lens to bring into a crowded convention hall, you would need at like 3 yards between you and your subject and that can be difficult in a crowded con 

 

Should you Rent Gear? 

This depends on what you are doing, are you only taking photos at a few cons a year and you wouldn’t use a camera or a lens at any other time? Or can you simply cannot afford the hefty price tag of buying gear? If either of these are true, renting is probably best for you. I would recommend LensRentals for variety (use code NERDALERT15 for 15%off!) and BorrowLenses for more discounts but a more limited range. Make sure to do research, the photography community on YouTube is massive (I personally recommend Tony and Chelsea Northrup, DPReview and Roto). There is most likely a detailed review with sample images with every camera or lens you are considering, watch a few, make sure the AF works well and it’s sharp enough for you before paying for the gear. 

Tips From Cosplayer and Photographer

Now that we’re done with the tech, time to talk to people! I have some tips and I asked cosplayer Laura for some tips she has for people trying to get into cosplay photography

Here is Laura’s list:

1. “Have cards or a way to share and receive info. Even if this means carrying a notebook to have people jot down emails and social media handles. 
2. Ask permission before every shot. 
3. Don’t take a candid unless you know the subject won’t mind. Which means you have to know them and have asked previous permission. Don’t just run from cosplayer to cosplayer without stopping to even ask if it’s ok to shoot them or not. 
4. Cons are busy. But if you’re taking longer than 6 months to get pics to people. Adjust your workload and take less next time. You will lose respect if you take too long. 
5. Actually get those pics to the cosplayers. Don’t just showcase in a blog, or on social media without having sent them to the cosplayers previously. 
6. If you want to adjust a Cosplayer’s outfit, hair or anything, ASK BEFORE TOUCHING. And if they say no, honor that. 
7.  If you have specific pose ideas, ask if it’s OK to make suggestions first. 
8. Don’t ask a cosplayer to move to a separate area

My list has a lot of the same points so here is some of my own suggestions to add to hers:

1.  Take photos from angles that won’t them uncomfortable, don’t shoot from below if they are wearing short skirts unless that is the type of photo they requested or if the angle does not make them look as beautiful as they are. 
2. If its a group shoot and other photographers are in one area, trying to check out different angles, you might get a shot that no one else could have gotten. 
3. It doesn’t hurt to ask, you will be told no a few times of course but many cosplayers are open to having photos taken 
4. If you are doing professional paid work HAVE A CONTRACT WRITTEN AND DISCUSSED. Make sure both and the cosplayer are given what they want from the shoot and get it all in writing
5. Try to use a reflector, con lights can produce not pleasing shadows so the reflector will fill in those shadows and make your cosplayer glow.
6. Don’t say you are working for the con if you aren’t, it can get you thrown out and it’s just generally disrespectful
7. If you are working or volunteering for a con, make sure to talk to the coordinator for what kind of shots they are looking for and if they have specific settings they want you to use. 

Alright, we are at the end! Hopefully, you have learned something from this and you have a great time at your next con! 

Written by Julie LaRue