My personal 9 points to being a good Cosplay Photographer!

I get several request from people asking my how to do some of the things I do in  Photoshop. Well truthfully PS is not the only program I use. I also use GIMP and other, but since PS is what I use for the bulk of my work I thought I would start this blog to off tips and tricks I have learned to help other digital manipulators and photographers with things I have learned. What you don't know about me is, by all accounts I am a bad photographer, I don't use my camera the way I should, and I make many more mistakes with photography than I do getting perfect shots. That being said, I have also learned that presenting an image your proud of doesn't necessarily mean the photo has to be perfect coming out of the camera. I can't tell you how many blurry images, color cast issues..ect ect I have had over the years, but what I have learned is always keep tinkering in program and eventually I find ways to improve my methods and my overall presentation.

Photography, just like the artist who paints, or writers who write, is an individual process. The world is full of critiques and some will always tell you things about your work you don't want to hear, and unfortunately many will give unsolicited critiques as if they have something to prove. I always smile at these because they are never the one creating my art, so how in a million years could they ever know what my intentions were. When I get these I usually just ignore. The main thing is to just be proud of what you do. There will always be somebody better and worse than you, but there is still only one you and what you create will be special if its your vision.

Most people know me from my Pin-Ups and Cosplay work. These two genres are similar in ways and worlds apart in others, I personally don't have a favorite and love to shoot them both. I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by several people who are my great friends and love to model for me. I have had lots of practice you might say. People who dress up in costume always amaze me. I think if more people dressed up and had fun like these folks do then the world would be a happier place. Come on now, what wouldn't we all give to be in a room with thousands of people who shared the same hobbies we have. These cons are like that. I now include myself in these groups even though I don't cosplay myself. I still feel the pride and the energy they have when in costume and I believe this makes me lucky!

Here is what I think it takes to be a good Cosplay Photographer

1. Visualize what you want even before the shoots. We never know what costumes we will see all the time, but you can still form the ideas that can apply to many.

2. Learn and share what you know with other photographers. I personally will talk to and share any of my methods with others. I have no secrets and love meeting other photographers. The way I see it is, every painter can have a brush and paint, but we will all paint different pictures.

3. Realize that what you do isn't a competition. The only person you need to make happy with your work is you. Its not about likes on pics, people sharing it, or even virility. Its how you feel about it. My favorite pics are never widely liked by the public, but regardless they are still my favorites.

4. Create a positive reputation for yourself. Be honest with you subjects on time to get pics and what you will deliver. Don't wait months to finally send photos. You may not like the pics you shot, but the people just may, so you never know. Ask permission to take pics and explain what you are trying to get. Never use a Cosplayer for your own benefit. If you plan to sell your images let them know first ( Everyone will have an opinion about this).

5. Coach when needed, even though these costumers are usually experts in their characters, that doesn't mean they know how to pose. I always use phrases like "Look behind you like you hear a noise", Look like your looking at the top of a building", ect. ect...

6. Don't think any idea you have is original! There is a difference between just outright copying another persons ideas, but then again, Superman can Fly, Batman is usually in an Alley, and WonderWoman crosses her arms. I always chuckle to myself when I hear other photographers getting upset because someone else shot in the same place or did a shot similar to theirs, Trust me it happens all the time, you can look at it as flattery or contempt the choice is yours, but ask yourself where did your idea come from? If you do copy another though you should always credit the the artist as such. A good example is the pick of Wonder Woman below. I was inspired to shoot this after seeing a pic that Scott Blair had drawn years ago. It is not exactly like his but the inspiration was there so of course I credited him.

7. Don't be afraid to try. Whether you have a DSLR or a Point and Shoot camera, you can still get the shots you want, just keep practicing until you are happy with your results. We are not the same, nor will our photos be. It's more in the eye of the photographer than it is in the equipment he owns.

 8. Appreciate all Cosplay. I personally don't know much about Anime, but I do appreciate it, I still don't know what are all the mouse heads people wear at cons, but they are pretty cool and most of all I have never turned away a costumer who ask me to take a pic.

9. Most of all just have fun. Costumers are some of the friendliest and smartest people I have ever met. They want to help you get the right shot and they love to entertain. If your not having fun then stop doing it. It will definitely show in your work.