Although many people Cosplay at these events, there are always plenty of people, sometimes in Cosplay themselves, sometimes not, who focus on photographing other cosplayers. Some of them organise specific shoots on-line before the event and meet at a particular time while many of them just go walking around and take shots of as many cosplayers as possible. Many photographers will take photos during the big events such as the Masquerade, Omake and opening and closing ceremonies.
If you are in cosplay it is very likely you will have your picture taken at some point. Same for if you are wearing Lolita, Steampunk, Visual-kei…ect.
Of course, feel free to take as many photos as you like as that way you will meet all your favourite characters!
However, it is important to keep these in mind while snapping photos;
Always ask to get photographs/videos
Although most of them would accept, it is still considered good manners to do so. Also, giving them the heads up would allow them to strike a cool pose!
Give the model time to get ready for a photograph and never rush
Photographs last forever so it is important to make them as special as possible. Give the cosplayer time to fix their wig, change from trainers to heels and move their bags and conbadge out of site. It can be easy to make the wrong facial expression or look distracted while being rushed to pose.
Watch your surroundings!
You'll never know when you'll run into a costume you would love to shoot but in that case it can be pretty easy to fall into the habit of blocking hallways. Hallway photography is perfectly fine but please try to keep to one side.
A lot of this is due to health and safety and even at conventions there are times where timekeeping is important. For example, someone could be running late trying to get to a panel or making there way to the cosplay competition judging.
The right to say ‘no’
Unfortunately there may be people who are either camera shy, tired, ill, eating or dealing with a wardrobe malfunction (hope not) so be be sure to be respectful to those who would have to decline the offer.
In particularly large costumes, such as fursuits, they are often perfect photography material so imagine the amount of camera flashes they would have to endure. As awesome as it it to be photographed, it is vital to take breaks as it can be surprising tiring to stand around for hours.
I may add that if you are declining photos be sure to be respectful to the photographer. Some of the shyer goers may have to gather the courage to ask a stranger!
Getting it right!
For the best results, make sure you are happy with the lighting and camera settings.These little things can make a huge difference to the final results. Sadly it might not be until you get home you might realise the photos are blurry or too dark.
Outdoor photos are my personal favourites when I look at old convention pics but they may provide the opposite results at night unless there is a fancy light source.
‘Cosplay is NOT consent!’
I have noticed that this has been a huge issue lately. Just because someone dresses in a skimpy outfit simply does not give you the right to treat them like a piece of meat. Cosplay harassment for both genders is strictly unacceptable behaviour and should not be tolerated. A huge number of costumes tend to show off a fair bit of flesh and many tend to take careful precautions to avoid any flashing. This doesn’t involve just skimpy costumes being sexualised, but inappropriate touching and lewd comments even towards modest costumes and male cosplayers.
The Masquerade is the perfect time for photographs
Walk on, pose, walk, pose, pose, walk off. Most entrants go by this routine (or similar) and the stage is always set for really splendid pictures. It is expected for entrants to get photographed during this event so as you enter on stage, be sure to look your best at all times, while all you photographers make sure to take many wonderful photographs!
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