Should you’re new to the cosplay, you must know that pictures is a HUGE a part of the group! As a result of with out photographers, we wouldn’t have the ability to recognize the great thing about our costumes via social media. Behind the lens is somebody creating magic with the pictures taken of cosplayers!
However is cosplay pictures actually any totally different from different types of pictures?
On this submit, I’ll offer you 10 issues about what’s cosplay pictures. That means, you may have a greater understanding of this excellent interest, whether or not you’re a cosplayer or photographer.
With out additional ado, let’s get began!
1. Cosplay pictures doesn’t must be costly

If you see all these lovely cosplay pictures on social media and all of the cool devices that photographers, you would possibly assume that cosplay pictures is pricey. Whereas shopping for a bunch of lenses and lighting tools can drain your pockets shortly, it doesn’t essentially must be means. Actually, you’ll be able to merely your use smartphone to start out off!
Like with many hobbies, you solely purchase newer and higher tools whenever you really feel like it’s essential to. That is no exception with cosplay pictures.
So to reply the query. No, cosplay pictures does NOT must be costly for you for those who don’t need to.
2. Creativity is an efficient factor!

On the subject of one thing like wedding ceremony pictures or sporting occasions, doing a variety of modifying and Photoshop would most likely look cheesy and bizarre. However not with cosplay!
Since we’re normally cosplaying fictional characters, it’s really cool so as to add particular results and experiment with uncommon angles and poses. Creativity is certainly inspired with cosplay pictures.
So whilst you ought to positively observe good pictures practices, don’t be afraid to check out new stuff. As a result of cosplaying is so huge and numerous, there aren’t too many boundaries with what you are able to do.
3. It’s mainly portrait vogue pictures
Alternatively, it’s also possible to simplify and TLDR cosplay pictures = geeky vogue portrait pictures. So no matter strategies you employ to take pictures of one thing like various clothes, you’ll be able to positively apply it to cosplay pictures. Should you really feel overwhelmed on getting began with cosplay pictures, then simply keep in mind it’s similar to vogue and portrait pictures.

Taking pictures of cosplayers, in addition to getting your cosplay pictures taken by a photographer, is an effective way to socialize and meet new folks. I personally have gotten to fulfill superior folks locally, each as a cosplayer and photographer.
It is perhaps a stretch to say that cosplay pictures is a life-style, however that’s how I really feel about it! Should you’re seeking to socialize and have nice outings with folks with cosplay, then positively get into cosplay pictures!
5. Variations between common pictures and cosplay pictures
Let’s break down the similarities and variations between “common” pictures and cosplay pictures:
Similarities of cosplay pictures | Variations of cosplay pictures |
Lots of the time with cosplayers, you’re doing portrait pictures. Up shut and private | For the reason that costume may be unique and eccentric, you’ll have to regulate your pictures settings accordingly (e.g. vibrant costume colours, massive wigs) |
You’re taking pictures of individuals, very similar to common pictures | Cosplay normally includes fictional characters in fictional worlds, so the picture modifying can range significantly |
Primary ideas reminiscent of lighting, facial expressions and posing nonetheless apply in cosplay pictures | There are an enormous number of cosplayers with totally different attributes and expertise |
As you’ll be able to see, cosplay pictures has some distinctive options. Taking a photograph of a cosplayer can really feel acquainted, however it’s additionally distinctive in its personal means!
6. Apply makes excellent
Like with any interest or talent, observe makes excellent. Cosplay pictures isn’t any exception, so don’t anticipate to be an expert in your first photoshoot. However the extra pictures you are taking, the higher you’ll get. And also you’ll additionally get a a lot clearer concept of the kind of pictures you get pleasure from doing (e.g. out of doors vs indoor, vibrant vs. darkish, and so forth.)
7. Are you able to earn a living from cosplay pictures?
Should you’re seeking to make some money from doing cosplay pictures, then you definately’re in luck! There may be all the time demand for photographers to take footage of cosplayers, particularly in case your value is nice. Whereas charging for cosplay pictures might be not going to pay your mortgage, it may be a enjoyable facet hustle you do whereas at a conference or in your time off. Clearly, the extra expert and skilled you’re, the extra money you’ll be able to cost.
For more information on how a lot to cost for cosplay pictures, click on right here.
8. Character and background analysis is far more vital.

On the subject of cosplay pictures, doing a little analysis is essential! Remember to test which character the cosplayer is dressing up as. Do a fast Google search on-line and lookup the character that your mannequin cosplayer goes to decorate up as. See the kind of gestures and facial expressions they do. What’s their persona? A lot of these issues will enable you to consider poses you are able to do with the cosplayer.
It doesn’t take lengthy to do a fast search, however it makes a large distinction! Realizing your character can assist you determine the kind of pictures you need to take, and the atmosphere/background you’d need to shoot in.
9. Shallow depth of subject is the most well-liked alternative.

A well-liked type of cosplay pictures (or portrait pictures typically) is the “shallow depth of subject.” That is when the topic/mannequin is concentrated, whereas the background is blurry.
You are able to do this together with your digital camera by merely utilizing excessive aperture (i.e. decrease f/stops on the digital camera) and shifting the cosplayer and background away from one another as a lot as you’ll be able to. That means, the background can be blurry however the cosplayer can be shining fantastically within the picture!
10. Conventions are the place to be.

If you wish to do something associated to cosplay pictures, then you definately gotta attend cosplay conventions! Whether or not it’s training cosplay pictures, assembly new folks or doing photoshoots, then you have to know that conventions are THE greatest place to do all this.
Whereas attending a conference, for those who see somebody sporting an superior cosplay, ask for those who can take their picture and provides them what you are promoting card to allow them to discover you on-line. Not solely is that this an effective way to community, however you additionally get some observe taking pictures of cosplayers. I do know a variety of cosplay photographers who received began this fashion; they merely attended a conference, took a bunch of images of cosplayers, and the remainder is historical past!
I hope you discovered this submit helpful!
Try these different articles I posted to be taught extra about cosplay pictures:
When you have any questions or strategies, let me know within the feedback under!

My title is Roger Senpai. I’m a cosplayer that’s been locally for effectively over a decade now. I’ve traveled all around the world to Anime and Comedian conventions and hosted my very own cosplay occasions. Now I’m writing articles for brand spanking new and skilled cosplayers such as you to assist encourage, prevent cash and enhance your cosplays!
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