My WORST Cosplay Photography Experience | Cosplay Storytime

[@clairegolde9266]

Definitely have heard similar stories about people editing photos taken and edited by a photographer. I feel like if she was planning on putting a filter on it, she should have communicated that during or after the photoshoot, that way you wouldn't have had to waste your time. And in her caption she could clearly say, photo by you, edited by her. Clear communication is such a key thing to make sure no one's time is wasted and everyone's work is properly represented.

[@AnyaPanda]

Amen! 👏🏻

[@suzusparkles]

The problem with working with other photographers as a cosplayer is that your vision of what you want the photos to look like and what photographer wants it to look like can be so different. Some people also want their appearance to be edited because they feel self conscious about certain features but they feel uncomfortable to ask for it. I had many experiences where I absolutely hated the result of the shoot and how I looked and it’s such a waste of time for both me and the photographer. So now I only shoot with photographers that will give me raws and I edit them afterwards myself. But it’s always discussed before the shoot.

[@Boxofcare666]

This is how it should happen, not expecting the client to know what is and isn’t ok if that has not stated by the photographer!

[@ElDumarey]

Hiii, please never stop talking about things like this! As a photographer myself I understand how much work goes into editing. When sending the photo's out I always include a terms of use, and if people don't respect the boundaries I have set (editing over my editing or posting without credit,...) I ask them to take it down. I think we should normalize crediting photographers much more, they put so much time and efoort into getting the cospmayer nice photo's!

[@AnyaPanda]

Thanks so much for your comment, I appreciate the support! I've gotten some negative comments on this video, so I got a little discouraged, so hearing from you means a lot!

[@IsNotAYeagerist]

I get so excited everytime you post a new storytime, your cosplay storytimes got me through my (chaotic) early cosplay years.

[@mocha45375]

It's good to see this video because I hadn't even considered it could be bad etiquette to put filters over photos taken and edited by others. I've never been on either side with this kind of thing but it makes sense that it would feel bad to have one's work edited and I would be horrified if I ever accidentally did that kind of thing to someone!

[@Boxofcare666]

Tbh, the photographer should tell you what you can and cannot do with the images. I am a photographer too, btw. In some cases the photographer can give you permission to do whatever with the images you get, but how can you know if they wont tell you? Of course it would be a good etiquette to ask if you can edit the images before you do that, since they are the photographer’s work, but since there are many different photographers, you cannot know what they allow you to do with the images if they are not communicating it with you.

[@_Italianna]

I am so sorry this happened to you. I think a lot of people in the community really don’t understand how much work goes into photography, and it really shows! I really hope you can have some really encouraging experiences soon!

[@victornikiforov2088]

i had a story like this where i spent so many hours editing these photos for someone because they paid extra for it i even went beyond and fixed the sky cause it was raining and i made it look like it was sunnyand a bunch of other things they asked me to do. only to have them use the raw photos and edit those really badly and didnt even touch any of the edited ones that i spent hours on

[@victornikiforov2088]

that same person then got another set of photos from me (they were back to back so i didnt know they would do this with both of them. im never letting them book me again.) and they just told me to completely scrap that entire second shoot after i had started editing them again (luckily i didnt even get to finish them) and told me to just trash them all and that they just didnt like any of them even tho i was really proud of some of the shots we got.

[@AnyaPanda]

That's so upsetting, it seems a lot of people don't understand how much time and effort goes into photo editing. 😔

[@victornikiforov2088]

​@@AnyaPanda they really don't. They seem to think it takes nothing at all and it's so upsetting to not be appreciated for the hard work you do

[@suzusparkles]

That’s why you never send raws to people 🤓 If they want to choose themselves you can just pop them in Lightroom and then export the entire batch at like 700px on the biggest side.

[@saralada7599]

As someone who loves to cosplay, I agree with this. If I don't like the work I don't post it or tell them no photos. She probably did not know better, I would tell her your wants before taking photos. Having some thoughts on letting random photographers take my photos. I ended up wearing a bunny suit to a con for the first time & I got crowded at the entrance by a lot of photographers. They ask to see my tail so I turn very slightly so my butt is not in the photo and there was one photographer who moved all the way to the side to get more than I anticipated. I ended up wearing my bag to cover up the back whenever someone asked for photos. I would prefer a female photographer I pay honestly, especially for more showy cosplays I had a good experience with a female photographer in Japan. She was very respectful and gained my trust. My interesting experience as a cosplay lover.

[@reizak8966]

I think it's more just sad when people feel they can't post photos of themselves without a beauty filter. Natural faces are beautiful, people!

[@ohnocrow]

I have high respect for cosplay photographers and have found out in a very awkward manner how difficult it is. My friend is a cosplayer and photographer. One of our friends (and also the only other capable photographer) wasn’t feeling so good so had to go sit down. So he asked me to take photos of him. I tried really hard man but it just did not… He’s so talented but I somehow managed to make his hunting dogs cosplay look like the vampire from hotel Transylvania. I laugh every time I look at it 😭

[@drsteggy]

This is how you get photographers to stop taking free photos :( I dink around with photos but if I’m paying someone or somebody rolls up with an actual camera- they are the expert and I would not dream of changing up an image I got as a result. I’m sorry this happened to you.

[@klsmuddluvr]

Thanks for sharing this story! Always love the cosplay storytimes but also this super important to talk about so everyone can learn and be better. I have my second photoshoot at the end of this month and am so worried about offending someone or not having the proper etiquette on things like this.

[@yasm1n_vamp]

NEW ANYA POST YIPPEE!!

[@Guidrysphotography]

Making clients sign contracts is crucial, and in those contracts make sure you specify that photos cannot be edited or tampered with in any way. Regardless of if the shoot is free or not it’s still your work, have them sign a release form. Photography is art. An artist wouldn’t paint a picture for free to give to someone else just for them to add to the painting or paint over it. I completely agree with you! Don’t listen to the negative comments! - (Me, a portrait / cosplay photographer)

[@wow__mel]

Yayyyy I made it early this time! It’s really unfortunate how people treat photographers. My best friend is a photographer so I hear all kinds of stories of entitlement and rudeness. It’s such a shame! I’m sure the photos you took were beautiful the way you edited them 🥲

[@AnyaPanda]

Aww thank you! 🥲 I was really happy with them. 😭 It sucks to hear I'm not the only one who has had negative experiences being a photog. 😔

[@LyraPegasus24]

Love your videos I’m getting my very first cosplay at some point this summer and you’re amazing

[@SeerOfTime577]

I'm so sorry this has happened so many times, Anya! Thank you for shedding some light on it. Wishing you all the best.

[@chronicallyonlineena]

i can’t imagine the pure amount of pain you gotta get hit with after you spend so long editing only for someone to completely disregard it! the punch in the gut was the cosplayer not even crediting you that felt so low😭specially cause you did it for free, if someone helped me take photos at no cost i’d thank them a million times over haha

[@Pinklarz]

Panda posted!!!!!!!!

[@lorelaimorace-kk1xz]

sick pfp you 1st

[@Pinklarz]

@@lorelaimorace-kk1xz thanks:)))

[@lorelaimorace-kk1xz]

YAAAEEES photos WOOOOO (idk what to say but this is gonna be good)

[@christopherburse1167]

Love this vlog. I want to hear more stories (the good and bad) of your photography experience. And please don’t let some of these bad experience stop you from photographing.

[@Akhhmorn]

First off, I would like to say I appreciate how honest you were about being a people pleaser (I am one myself). It can be very demanding on you, and people love to take advantage of a kind soul like yourself. One lesson I had to learn and learned to accept was that I do not need to bend over backward for free. Our hard work is ours and deserves to be respected. It blows my mind that people take the finished edited photos photographers work hard on and ruin them with overlays and terrible filters. Especially in your case, as they didn't even credit you. She should have told you from the get-go that she would be editing them. It would have made your life a lot easier. But even then, she should still credit that you took the original photos. It might be a stretch but, Hopefully, they will learn proper ettiqute in the future.

[@chameleonhrt]

As someone who edits their own photos, I agree. Putting all that time into figuring out how you want something to look, having someone change it is disheartening. Thankfully I haven't had that experience yet as far as I'm aware of. I haven't done it professionally yet, and only one person so far has asked me to send them the photo I took.

[@Pyrotusboyh]

I can relate to this so much. I am a photographer (officially) and also a Cosplayer myself. In one con this year I was asked by my "friend" and her friend to take photos for them, ofc I said sure for small price of 20€ (that is small price compare to what I normally do) because it was gonna be fast photoshoot outside in the winter weather. I already told them my normal contract and there was couple of thing they asked me like 1. Can they edit their own pictures cus they want beauty filters on them and 2. When they will get them. 1 I told them that normally I would not like them to edit the pictures cus its MY job to do those thing but I ended up givin them a premission to edit their own bodies how they like cus things. 2 I also told them that my computer was sh*t and was not able to edit the pictures till week later from the con and they said they were fine with it. Everyhing went well at the time I took the pics and thing they were kind but ou boy did the things start to go wrong after it. Very next day I asked the other girl when will she pay her part of the pics for me cus my "friend" already did pay her part. Welp she said she won't pay the pics till the pics are done and I told her I do not feel comfy about that but as a people pleaser too ended up giving up on that. Sended them the raws to review and pic what pics they wanted to be edited by me got, the numbers, edited and then they said that that they were "Not that good" pics thanked me thats all. End of the day I got paid and only 1 pic got to see day of the light out of those pics. Tho they were nice at the photoshoot itself they ended up being pretty rude for me while I was editing and that was not nice at all for me and got to know they ended up also going to a different photographer after me cus they were not happy with my pics that day :3. After that photoshoot I haven't really felt like doing photography at all.

[@KatieoftheNight]

Wow, you struck a chord with me actually! I was traveling with my friend last year and took a really cool and creative photo of her!!! Like I was really proud of it and wished I’d had a photo of myself like that. Anyway I send it to her bc I want her to enjoy it… and then she Facetunes herself skinny as a stringbean before posting it. I was appalled. Esp bc it was my photo - I’m not a photographer like you or anything but for some reason that felt like a gut punch too.

[@yodarchernia9944]

Personally, I have really bad acne scars on my face that I'm really self-conscious about so I was tempted to use one of those filters but since my photographer said she would also edit my photos I decided not to, feeling it was disrespectful. Thank you for making this video it made me realize I've made the right call and I'll try to communicate better about my aspirations for future pictures I'm a ש21 artist with a 33-year-old brother that is also an artist, and every time I show him a picture I draw hell correct the mistakes I've made although I know he had good intentions trying to teach me how to do better younger me felt so disrespected that I no longer show him my works.

[@Ernelion]

What was even worse shock for me - other photographers doesn't treat photographers well as well. Everytime someone posts something in the photography forum on facebook, there is at least 1 or 2 people who absolutely trash their work...

[@lucodak]

thats so frustrating and upsetting! ive always wanted to do cosplay photography or cosplay vlogs but the fact that people will take something that you've worked so hard on and not even credit you and then to just slap on a filter to undo all the work makes me nervous to do something like that. i really hope that more people appreciate your hard work because the editing that you do for your cosplay photos are really outstanding!

[@lucodak]

I got a free cosplay photoshoot once before covid and i had never had my photo taken before so it was awkward as hell but i was honoured that a photographer went out of their way to photograph me of all people. and i wish more people saw photographers like that and treated them like people who have lives and commitments and responsibilities other than taking a photograph and editing for you

[@AnyaPanda]

That means a lot, thank you! I've spent years fine-tuning my photo editing style, so it's really nice to have someone recognize it. 🥺

[@Boxofcare666]

Just communicate with your customer! Tell them what they can and cannot do. They can’t know something if you are not talking. A tip from another photographer.

[@uncanny_mac4660]

I've taken photos at comic-cons. When sending photos to peoples picture i try to say "Please credit me @ etc..." Some do edit themselves, it's a bummer but i don't take it to personally. One person actually asked if she can edit the picture herself because she was self conscious of how she looked and i said sure. Also had someone ask me to take it down for similar reasons. I feel bad when someone asks for a photo and realize that the one i took is just too awful to share >_>

[@tkfire8201]

Hahah yepp I feel this. I have tonnes of photography story times Ooo boy Hahaha great video!

[@AnyaPanda]

Thank you Theo! ☺️

[@suzusparkles]

In regards of the videos story, the girl most likely didn’t mean any harm. In her eyes you just offered to quickly snap a few photos of her and she didn’t even expect you to do any time consuming editing, just send her the photos (which should take 10 minutes max so asking for it sent next day shouldn’t be a problem) that she can process later to her own liking. She wouldn’t know the rules or the etiquette if she never worked with a professional photographer and if you never took or edited photos with a proper camera you wouldn’t know if the photo is really edited or not and what really goes into editing. Lots of people imagine that you throw it into photoshop, choose filter and it finishes everything else for you 😂 Because if their beauty app can do it within seconds photoshop should do it even better. It is an awkward situation either way and I’m sorry it happened 😢

[@skivie9833]

Now I am really curious what sending the RAW photo's is about EDIT: do you post the photo's you make as an photographer?

[@AnyaPanda]

No, I leave that to my models. My page is exclusively for my own cosplay.

[@ariri415]

Nice to hear from the photographer’s pov. Not that I’ve been on the other side either very much. But Just one of those things I never thought much about. Anyways that sounds so disheartening. Like that’s your work!! And it’s been so disregarded!! Anyways anyways love your story times 💖

[@Boxofcare666]

This is why photographers need to communicate, because their models might not know anything about what goes to photography. It is naive to think that customers know these things before hand.

[@primabunny]

I've been on the other side of this, but this video made me reach out and apologise to the photographer who did an amazing shoot with me at a comic con once. When the photos were ready and came back, I was mortified with my body image, and the lighting at times I felt were super unflattering on my face shape. I did not want the incredible photos to go to waste, so I made my own edits, posted them but did credit the photographer. I did not know the unwritten rules about this kind of thing, but hoped that it would be seen positively. Looking back at it now I feel so mortified if the photographer felt their work was not up to my standards, because that's not the case at all, everyone i've worked with has been so amazing. It's really simply because I have so many insecurities that I am mortified to see sometimes when someone else takes a photo of me. I hope you understand that the girl you took photos for did not mean anything malicious when she edited the photos, I know how much it sucks to be insecure and use filters and such. I do think however she shouldn't have pressured you regarding a time limit, especially if it's for free. I think sometimes it's a nice lesson to learn, and had I known sooner how photographers feel about this kind of thing, I wish I could've done something about it at the time.

[@ValyriaLuna]

i can speak from the other side, ive had my face photoshopped into the moon....like 80s style, i was so ashamed. i just wish there was more communication on both parts as to what they envision and what they both want. i personally will try to talk more with the photographers i work with.

[@Boxofcare666]

I think the problem here is that you offered to take photos and she accepted, but you didn’t discuss about it. YOU said that you will edit them even tho she didn’t ask for it, she wanted the images probably to edit herself, she thought she was going to get the photos as easily as it is to take with phone (as in, unedited), so quickly. She might have not known what goes into that kind of photography, and since you didn’t seem to discuss about how this work would be done (editing, giving guides how to use your images, how long it would take, and to mention you). For us photographers those things are clear, but to novices who might think that cell photos are the same thing, they might not know anything. She might have thought that editing is as easy as putting a filter on. Maybe those were the images she wanted, waited, and she might have seen your edited photos as unedited. So I wouldn’t entirely blame the cosplayer here. Communication is important when providing work for others. They can’t read your mind.

[@Boxofcare666]

Also, they might not even think that they can’t edit the photos you have edited, that also must be said outloud. They might think that since they own the photos, they can do whatever they want with them.

[@rylie4783]

Hi Anya, I was glad to see you on my YT homepage today! You may have already done this, but a lot of the photographers that I have worked with send a link to a third party website with the photos rather than sending them directly. The link will lead to a list of basically how I have the rights to use the photos (can post them on social media, can't edit them, must credit, etc) with a checkmark or signature line that I have to fill in before accessing the photos on the next page. I'm sure it's helpful for the photographer to have acknowledgement of the terms in writing, and being the client I always like having the expectations clearly laid out (as a fellow people-pleaser who is afraid of accidentally doing something wrong.) Not to mention that having everything clearly stated really draws a line between those who are well-meaning but inexperienced/ignorant, and those who are willingly taking advantage. I'm not really sure where the person in your story falls on that scale, but expecting the photos back with a quick turnaround when they weren't even paying is definitely entitled. I hope your future photography experiences are better. If we ever end up going to the same con I'd totally book with you.

[@samgiacomini470]

I only edit my photos if i have permission from the photographer. otherwise i just leave them alone.

[@thepersonwiththepanels5351]

This is a very good video! I am also SO bothered, as a cosplay photographer/portrait photographer when people slap over my work with free filters ‘n shit. I really think a contract is the way to go for both of us, stating that while they own the images they pay for or agree to, they must disclose when the editing they do is theirs, not mine. I do not want my hard work made to look cheap

[@AnyaPanda]

That's a very good point! I now include a Read Me document with all the photos I send out, telling people to please reach out if they'd like any changes, rather than editing over my work, but a contract would be a more solid way of ensuring that.

[@Sailor1088]

Okay so Question: I recently got some Sailor moon photos back from a photog, however i did not put filters on any of them. Is it still okay to crop the picture? I mean so it can fit instagram and ect.. The photog didnt put thier handle on the pic but i did credit them.

[@PanteraBaneada]

This is not related to the video but, by any chance, do u happen to have hollow eyes?. I mean no offence, just that i have and find good makeup and cosplay tutorials with eyes like this is kinda hard.

[@KarasuCosplay]

Some People had no respect 😅😅 Thats very disrespectful of his part to have modified the photos already edited by you ..

[@rubyrose7628]

mhm. Yes I love salt!. :)

[@haphazardlye]

"if Taylor Swift can credit her photographer so can you" - smthg i saw today

[@rella543]

That's so weird to me why have someone edit the photos for you just to completely change them?

[@AnyaPanda]

A great question!

[@Boxofcare666]

The cosplayer didnt even ask for them to be edited

[@AnyaPanda]

@@Boxofcare666 If she didn't want them edited, couldn't she have just said so? I made it very clear at multiple points in the transaction that they would be fully edited.

[@kyokichii]

​@AnyaPanda tiktok and Instagram has distorted people's views of what an edited pic looks like

[@junichinomura4810]

The filters from your friend or clients ehen you edited the photos you like there's no way you can stop them doing that, I experienced it myself but it is their own choice if they edit their own ways or put filters over your edited photos, yes it is hurt to see it, you spend time with it to edit but it's their choice. That's it. Move on 😅📸👍

[@avevee9708]

No this is just unacceptable 😞 I do wonder… are you going to ECCC this year, and if you are, are you doing photos? I love your photography

[@AnyaPanda]

I'm not going this year unfortunately. 😭

[@alisonturjancik]

Blegh… I’m sorry 😞 I’ve def been in that position before, having done photography for free for others, for them to change the editing & not credit me. It’s disappointing and disrespectful to your time & effort.

[@DarkSailorEisblume]

I'm here for the tea and to be educated 🫖🙏 But omg I'm so gagged?! All her rudeness aside, she could have at least offered something in return 🙄 like how uneducated can a person be 😒 the bare minimum is so low and she walked right under that bar

[@AnyaPanda]

I don't think she should have offered anything in return, that really isn't necessary. I just ask that my work be respected. 🥲

[@DarkSailorEisblume]

@@AnyaPanda you better learn how to read minds because this person didn't communicate shit 😭 I can get so worked up with such people, I hope you never interact with her again

[@deniseramirez4047]

This definitely feels like a huge misunderstanding. Both parties did not communicate intent explicitly. You are creative and love to create, when it seems as though the cosplayer just wanted some quick pics on their cellphone because they had their own vision. I don't think it was a waste of your time, I think it was a teachable moment or a "live and learn" moment for sure!