How To Get Started In Cosplay Photography

[@258awesomeness]

One thing that I find rather important is knowing how to network yourself in different groups. Every year I do photos for my state's renaissance fair, primarily shooting the guests that are all dressed up. I'll ask people if I may snap a few shots of them, thank them for their time, then I hand them a card with my social media info and offer to send them copies of the shots I took. I get some awesome portfolio shots, and I get to get my name and work out more. I'll just bring a stack or two of business cards every time I go so that if there's someone interested in doing a shoot or contracting for other projects, I'm always ready.

[@niwka]

I think new photographers should experience working with some more experienced cosplayers. As you mentioned cosplayers are not typically on the same standard as models, shooting with cosplayers that do photoshoots a lot will help the photographer with poses/sweet angles for inexperienced cosplayers. Always work with the cosplayer, they know the character better than most other people (typically), dont use the same pose for every cosplayer as it may not be in the characters personality (eg you wouldnt use a happy/sexy pose for a dark/broody character), ask for signature poses and dont be afraid to ask the cosplayer to tweak the pose to make them look more flattering (arm higher/lower, look more left/right etc), we appreciate the extra hints on angles & positions!

[@thecaseclosedpikachufiles2446]

Hey I just wanted to say that I finished up watching the video and I just wanted to say thank you so much for the tips and all. With the +12 years of photography experience And snapping photos. I have been wanting to do cosplay photography for quite a long time now and I never had the chance to get around to do it. Now I think that in my opinion out of all of the tips and tricks that you mentioned. I think that for me the two best ways to get started for me will defiantly have to be asking friends and doing cosplay photo shoots. Because for me I do not think that I would have the time to go to the conventions or meet ups. But that is just my opinion and all. But anyway once again thank you so much for the video. I will defiantly keep this video saved in a playlist. And I will also keep all of the tips and tricks in mind as well. Thank you Martin! :)

[@sopranomusingsphotography3077]

Thank you so much for this video! I've only done one cosplay (ish) photoshoot and covid completely ruined my plans to go to conventions after that. But after seeing this video, I feel more knowledgeable in getting started again with cosplay (especially when it comes to editing and etiquette).

[@MartinWongPhoto]

Hopefully they will all come back soon

[@bigatenkai797]

I love how he explained the rules, tips on how to shoot, light and or pose the subjects in this video. /s But really, I might be in the wrong video but I feel like most people searching for stuff like these generally want to know HOW to shoot, not just the general flow of A cosplay shoot. Might be just me but still, the tips in the video although not what Im looking for, still helpful.

[@deculturee1876]

Suddenly, KZbin started recommending me your videos. These videos should have more reach. Not long ago, I started in the world of photography as a hobby (it still is), and I was already involved in the cosplay world, but as a companion to friends who made costumes and participated in group activities. That's when I built a network of contacts. Like many, due to the pandemic, we set aside these activities, but now I have returned to take it up again. The truth is, I had become quite rusty, and picking it all up again is challenging, but thanks to your videos, I have been taking notes on how to improve. One detail that I find interesting and have seen in photos that other photographers publish is that they cut off the cosplay. I understand that for composition, some photos need to be cropped or adjusted, but not all. I am one of those who admire the smallest details of the costumes, from the hat to the tip of the shoes. Sometimes it pains me to see that happen. When I upload a photograph of a cosplayer I see at an event, the last photograph is a full shot; it's the only advice I can give: plz don't cut off the cosplay. And above all; enjoy the hobby.

[@danielledenton7384]

I have been cosplaying for 15 years and doing cosplay photography for maybe 10 years professionally. As a cosplayer, I love when I am asked to take photos but as a photographer, I am always nervous about asking others for their photos. I also see a lot of photographers charging for photos. What is up with that? I always found cosplay photography to be mutual art. They do their part making the costumes and we do photos of their work. Now I am seeing more photographers charge for shoots.

[@estebancid1275]

Bro love your photos and i also noticed on the background of your video i was there too :p

[@ryuukusensei]

Dude, I have been waiting for you to start doing these kinds of videos! Been following you for a while on Instagram. Would love to see videos of how you take photos; gear, settings, mindset, etc. and also how you edit the photos, too.

[@kodiecole9643]

Do you have any advise about angles and lighting for newbies ?

[@akisasaki6661]

I was hoping for basic lighting setup for comic cons.

[@wiseman3806]

hello bro, tnx for tips, please make a video on photoshop coloring and editing the way we see on Instagram, regards

[@fluxvector]

Yess!! Martin you should do commentary over your color grading process! That would be awesome!! Always beautiful work

[@ScubaShark--8964]

Zhousan!

[@MartinWongPhoto]

JoSun!

[@ScubaShark--8964]

Not me having a cosplay photoshoot the day after tomorrow 😂 ​@@MartinWongPhoto

[@levynchannel]

Hello may I know your lighting setup in this video?

[@othales6325]

Thanks you so much for making this video, 1 question tho: will a 24-70 mm f2.8 lens is good enough at the convention or should i look for another fast prime lens ?

[@MartinWongPhoto]

24-70 2.8 is one of the holy trinity, it's definitely a good lens to walk around at con and do hallway shots. You might want a faster lens if you want to isolate people out unless you can get the cosplayers away from the crowd

[@othales6325]

@@MartinWongPhoto 🙏again thanks you so much ❤️❤️

[@sir_glob7133]

uhh, does anyone have any camera recommendations for newbies? I now there's a bunch of videos but i cant find one that i can afford, along with saving up for my sister's and my cosplay for cons. any recommendation helps! Cosplay is expensive in itself, so id settle for just about anything.

[@MartinWongPhoto]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnW7m4SBicl2d9k This might help