Cosplaying, or costume playing, is considered one of the most fun and exciting forms of self-expression for people who enjoy fantasy and fiction. It involves dressing up and pretending to be a particular cartoon, film, or TV show character. Sometimes, it means attending conventions like the famed Comic Con. where cosplayers from all around the world gather to showcase their chosen alter egos. Which is why, if you’re a photographer, it’s a prime time to practice cosplay photography.
Photographers wishing to take cool photos at the next convention or a cosplayer who wants to know how they can look great in pictures, can use these few easy tips for cosplay photography.
For some, taking really good cosplay photos can be more challenging than being on stage as you’re given literally one shot to show the essence of your character. However, these helpful tips should help you understand what it takes to capture and make the best of that costume.
Cosplay Photography Tips:
Cosplayers benefit from posing for photos as they typically need it for their modeling portfolios. Some of these are photographed in studios or during conventions and similar events. And for photographers, it’s always an exciting opportunity to expand their horizons and improve their photography skills. Here’s how you can ensure great cosplay images.
Ask for Permission
If you’re shooting at a convention or any other event where there are cosplayers, it’s always best to ask for the cosplayer’s permission before taking pictures of them. Sure, you can usually take photos at comic conventions. However, you’ll have much better shots if the shots are not candid. They’ll be much more willing to strike different poses and maybe even allow you to direct the shot so you can have more control over the final image.
Allow Your Subject to Get Ready
Comic conventions can be very exciting. It’s easy for newer photographers to want to take as many photos of their favorite characters as they can. However, as with photography in general, it helps to take the time to compose your shot and wait until your subject is ready before clicking your shutter. Allow them a few seconds to put on their masks, fix their costumes, and get into character for your shot. This also shows respect for the craft and for their hard work in putting their costumes together.
Create a Scene for the Character
Good cosplay photography has harmonious image elements. This means also minding your background and picking one that complements your character. You may not have much time or freedom to move your subject around. But, there may be better options than capturing them exactly where and how you found them.
First, familiarize yourself with your subject. Then, quickly think of how you can make them connect with the available space. For example, if you’re shooting a Spider-Man cosplayer, you can simply ask them to pose next to a wall and pretend to climb. If there are no walls nearby, you can suggest that they work with the floor and pretend to crawl on it. You can plan this ahead and have much better background choices when you’re doing a full photoshoot.
Use Natural Lighting
Avoid using your camera’s pop-up flash and stick to natural lighting. Shoot near doorways or windows that allow sunlight in to make your subjects look as natural as possible. You may even need a reflector to minimize shadows, especially under your subject’s eyes, and make your scene look warmer.
If you’re shooting in an indoor studio, you’ll do much better with external flashes (usually with flash diffusers or softboxes). They don’t produce harsh shadows and you can manipulate them to create different kinds of lighting that will complement your subject.
Highlight their Unique Characteristics
For superhero characters, this may mean making sure that their costumes (or logos) are fully visible in the photo. For action video game characters, you may want them to hold out or place their weapons where they can be easily spotted in the photo. Being in character and doing signature poses generally work well for every cosplayer, as long as it helps viewers quickly understand who your subject is portraying.
Shoot from Different Angles
Take as many photos as you’d like and experiment with image orientations and angles. Don’t be afraid to take angled close-ups, especially for villains and other mysterious characters. This type of shot will work well for a character like the Joker, as the zoomed in perspective can highlight the makeup and the distorted angle will give viewers an unsettling feeling that matches his presence on screen.
Talk to Your Subject
Don’t just snap away. Also, take time to communicate with your subject and ask them about how they wish for their photos to be interpreted and shot. Depending on your skills and experience, this can open you up to more options that you previously may not have thought of. You can also help the cosplayer achieve their goals and attract their target viewers.
For professional tips on how to create a personalized studio setup for subjects in character, check out this episode of AdoramaTV below:
