I know how much time and effort you have put into your cosplay. To get that perfect, magical shot you’ll also need to put in some time and effort into research and preparations before your cosplay photo shoot.
CHOOSING A PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION
THE BASICS
Depending on who you are cosplaying choosing a location for your cosplay photo shoot could either be a breeze or a dilemma. Obviously you want the location to be true to your character, but realistically how many medieval castles are there in Arizona?
This will definitely be something we discuss during the consultation period, but you’ll want to really get a good idea of what you want and find around 5 possibilities.
And remember – the location doesn’t have to be exactly the same as locations your character has been in. Maybe your character wasn’t shown in a winter setting with the outfit you cosplay, but if they realistically would have been found in such a setting and you really like it, go ahead and choose that spot!
Be sure to visit your locations beforehand too! The spot may seem perfect on Google Street View but what was once forest may have been hit by a fire, or that river may be in its dry season.
WHAT TO RESEARCH
One big thing to keep in mind if your shoot is in a park or other public location is what laws they have regarding firearms and other weapons. Even fake weapons can be expressly forbidden on such properties.
Some sites may even forbid photography (shocker!).
What sort of facilities does the spot have? This is especially important if you plan on changing cosplays or if there is a long shoot.
If a location you are looking into involves private property, you’ll need to contact the owners for permission to shoot first. If you are unsure how to go about this I will gladly help out!
GET YOUR POSE ON
RESEARCH, RESEARCH RESEARCH!
Do not leave this till last minute!
Instagram and Pinterest will be your friends here. Save any photos that you absolutely love. Don’t just stick to images of your character, look at other cosplay photo shoots (or even fan art!) as well. Another great source of inspiration are movie and video game promotional images. Create a folder of all images you save. Once you have a sizable amount, go through and cull them out. If there are similar ones, delete all but the best one or two. If you can’t decide which you like better between two similar poses, keep both.
Follow the genre! If your character is part of a horror genre, follow some instagram accounts who specialize in horror. Fantasy accounts are great for many medieval style cosplays. Doing so will give you some great ideas on how to add different elements and angles to really set your photos apart.
You’ll be amazed to know that there are even posing guides that are geared exclusively to cosplayers. Look for those and save any that apply to you and your cosplay.
Once you’ve created your dream album of shots, you’ll want to send me the finalized set before the shoot so I can get a good idea of what looks you are going for.
NOW TO PRACTICE
Don’t just research poses, practice them. Stand in front of a mirror so you can see how the pose looks for you. You’ll be able to see where you can make adjustments in the pose. Don’t just hold the pose, move through it or into it – many times the best photos are the ones that capture a moment from movement. Yes holding an axe like you are swinging it looks cool, but getting the movement of your hair and clothing really captures the act and looks much more genuine!
Practice lots of times so when cosplay photo shoot comes around you’ll be able to hit the poses instinctively and with ease.
DON’T FORGET YOUR PROPS!
Props are major parts of most cosplays – be sure to practice with them! If your prop is on the heavy side, make sure you can hold a pose with it for at least a minute so I will have time to find just the right angle for the shots.
BUT WHAT IF MY COSPLAY HAS MAGIC OR DRAGONS?
THE MAGIC OF PHOTOSHOP
This is another reason to take the time to research poses and ideas beforehand. There are many different styles that you can aim for when it comes to the final product and knowing what you want from the beginning will make the entire process easier.
When it comes to creating special effects in photoshop, you need not fear my capabilities. I’ve been working magic in for over 15 years and know a thing or two about turning a shot into a fantastical piece.
Are you wanting to fulfill your lifelong wish of riding a dragon or flying on through the air on a broom to catch a quidditch? Just let me know and we can discuss what exactly will be needed for the shot and how we’ll be able to attain it.
This step of the process is one of the main reasons why cosplay photography is generally a bit more expensive than regular portraits. While editing for cosplay shots is more intensive, the results are well worth it and I know you’ll love the results!
THE MAGIC OF EVERYDAY ITEMS
You’ll be surprised how many special effects can be achieved through using everyday objects! Want to show a fireball burning in your hand? Holding a small light in your hand will create the correct lighting effects for the final shot. Want to look like you’re facing off a dragon? All you’ll need is a toy dragon and some forced perspective to get a great action shot!
This is another reason to research and collaborate with me before the shoot so I will know what to bring in order to help create these effects.
WHAT IF I’M UNCOMFORTABLE DURING MY COSPLAY PHOTO SHOOT?
BRING A BUDDY
This shoot is all about you, and you should feel as comfortable and at ease as possible while it happens. One great way to do this is bring a friend (or significant other, parent, whoever you would feel best with) along. I actually suggest bringing a friend for another reason – they can join in on the shoot as a secondary character (think fighting scenes) for your character to interact with. Just remember that if your buddy does want to jump in on the action, make sure they have the appropriate clothing to fit in with your character and shoot. If they are uncomfortable with showing their face, just let me know and they will always be either a shadowy figure or have their face hidden.
LET ME KNOW BEFOREHAND
If there is anything that will make you uncomfortable in any way, let me know beforehand or during the shoot. Hate heights? Don’t want to climb that rock? Hate that one angle? Let me know!
Being in front of a camera can be nerve-racking, especially if it’s your first cosplay photo shoot. You can review the photos throughout the shoot if that helps and we can do a warm-up period so you can get a feel for things. I want things to be as stress free and fun as possible for you!
See the full cosplay gallery below!
Be sure to check out my social media too!
