Cosplay 101: A Guide to Photoshoots || MangoSirene

[@nighteyesiv]

"Ah yes! I brought some pose references for you..." //scrolls through labeled folder for character "Yaoi, yaoi, yaoi, oh god he's completely naked sorry, yaoi, yaoi, OH THEYRE WEARING CLOTHES WE COULD TRY THIS ONE!"

[@Sc5990]

ikr

[@almatapia4533]

Omg X3

[@helenrenee7919]

+Night Eyes Cosplay Yesssssss.

[@na-imah4261]

Lol me

[@AfflictionMediaProductions]

I laughed a little harder than I should have at this

[@pathaorion]

Here's why I'm so happy to have a dad who is a photographer, it's free and a guarantee to get my photos back

[@imtryingmybest8342]

dang you're lucky!

[@Lily-wk1dw]

me too :D!

[@marshiethe6th104]

Same here

[@mirat8485]

Same :D

[@pusheenbelle]

I'm just lucky to have a friend that is hella good at taking pictures

[@bbtank3000]

I'm a photographer and I really enjoyed listening to the cosplayer's side of the photoshoot experience.

[@insanimegamer]

Story time! I had a friend who was a photographer who would host a mass Homestuck photoshoot. EVERYONE who was in a Homestuck cosplay would show up and it would be around 20-30 people sitting around in one spot. That being said, my poor friend had to endure so many headaches they stopped doing the mass photoshoots. IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN A MASS PHOTOSHOOT: 1. COSPLAY IS NOT CONSENT. Don't touch other people without asking first. Don't take their props without asking first. It's extremely sad to watch people's props being broken because someone took it and broke it. It's also not fun to hear someone felt uncomfortable because another cosplayer lifted them up without asking prior. If you ask and they say no, DON'T PUSH THEM TO SAYING YES. 2. RESPECT THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S RULE. If they tell you "please don't sit on the stairs, the con-staff will yell at us if you do" and you don't want the photoshoot to be prematurely ended, PLEASE LISTEN TO THEM. Two of my friend's photoshoots (from different conventions) had to end early cause people didn't listen to the "stay out of the walkway" rule and the con-staff told everyone to leave the area. 3. TRY NOT TO BE LOUD. My friend had to use a megaphone in order to get people to hear him and people STILL couldn't hear him because people were shouting. I know you're having fun, but PLEASE be considerate. Thank you for reading. ^^

[@caylius1463]

I'm so afraid of asking (or even paying!) someone for a photoshoot cause usually I don't like how I look on pictures and often don't know what to do with my body or my face >.< would be kinda ridiculous to stand in front of a photographer only able to make derpy faces... I think I chose the wrong hobby :'D

[@MangoSirene]

caylius A lot of photographers (especially paid ones) are really, really great about helping you pose! Like I said, just be sure to let them know you're a beginner and would appreciate some coaching help. If you're ever at the same con as her, I highly recommend working with Elemental Photography, she taught me everything I know back when I first started doing cosplay shoots! facebook.com/Elemental.Sight

[@Fyrienwood]

caylius getting a professional photographer to take your photos may change your mind! I have always hated how i look in pictures too, trust me, I am an unphotogenic potato, but there is one photographer in particular who literally can snap one picture of me, and edit it and I love it. Having a photographer who knows what they are doing, really makes all the difference.

[@caylius1463]

***** thanks, maybe I'll really look for some nice photographers that are at the MMC :) Oh, thank you, but sadly I can only join cons here in Germany. Flights are so expensive ;-;

[@ibbygames5284]

+caylius in the basics of posing and facial expression, i would say give it to how your character is, if they are cute, give a cute smile with a cute pose like making a heart or something, or if its a professional just listen to what they tell you to do, basically try your best to be the character when posing and using facial expressions if this makes sense, btw i know this comment is 5 months old but XD

[@theAkildare]

+caylius Here in Germany are some nice photographers at the Cons, too ;)

[@beaker1969m]

Hi Mango. I just want to thank you for one of the most important meanings in your video. Its that at 5:46 . I am a photographer and i have done several shootings with cosplayers and at LARP´s. The better a "model" is prepared for the day the shooting is placed, the better results she/he will get. We as photographers might not know the charakter you´re playing. So please folks, before you hire an photographer , make sure that you know YOUR stuff. Poses, attitudes, general acting and so on. Then and only then you will have the shoot of your life and great images at the end. Greetings from sweden // Frank

[@shaec8342]

Great tips as always, Mango (Sirene, Nina?? Idk i'm a mess.) Your "Cosplay 101" videos get me really pumped of for cosplay! Also, your vlogs are just great. I know you think most of them are terrible but vlogs get me all excited and happy - as if I were there!! I am 13, black, and has never cosplayed before (Because money was made to torture people). I've never been to a convention, or to a cosplay group. I do, however, have cosplay friends! We are all hoping to attend Kumoricon this year, which is very exciting. One of my literal goals is to meet you in person and take a picture with you someday. I would literally sob my eyes out. You are such an inspiration and I love the way you handle situations. Your cosplay is what I wish to achieve one day. Thank you so very much for your videos, I hope you continue making them and I am eager to see what you have in store. Also, I am terribly sorry about this whole letter. If you're even reading this i'm sorry I just wasted like a minute and thirty seconds of your life. Ok i'm done now hhaha bye.

[@MangoSirene]

Nia Calloway Oh gosh, thank you so much for the kind words! I really appreciate that! And yeah, I tend to be hard on myself when it comes to my videos and I'm constantly trying to improve, but it's very reassuring to hear things like this! ;A; I hope we get to meet at a con one day, that would be so amazing!

[@shaec8342]

***** Oh gosh you actually responded-!! Aaaah this is awesome! I'm glad I helped reassure you that every single one of your videos are fantastic! I love you and your cosplays so much!! Thanks for replying, it made my day!

[@JustineBCouture]

As a photographer who started in the cosplay community for about a year, I thank you for your video. :) It gave me confidence too!

[@tamsinokumurataylor8462]

I'm so thankful my best friend is getting a professional camera and we have planned to do lots of photoshoots. She's a keeper! lol

[@xenapaprika4555]

Ahhhh same!

[@SemaiKouWolf]

This little tid-bit will be coming from me as a photographer. Not all of us have DSLRs or at least carry them with us at conventions. I myself cosplay in addition to doing photography so carrying around a camera that's almost the size of my head would be more of a pain than anything. This being said, don't judge a photographer's skills based on their camera. A photographer's skill has nothing to do with their equipment. I have a friend who has been a professional photographer for over 2 decades and some of his best photos weren't even taken with a DSLR and instead were with a phone camera. We photographers work hard to refine our skills no matter what we work with so next time you're looking for a photographer, look at their skills, not their equipment. You could miss out on some amazing photos just by being judgmental.

[@midnightcassiopeia5735]

+Wolf-Isa THANK YOU FOR SAYING THIS! I totally agree! My camera is so much smaller and people are always shocked by the quality of my photos -_-

[@Tamaki742]

In Singapore, there are lots of cosplay photographers who work for free. But I gotta say they are pro. There's this one guy who recently just retired and his hobby is cosplay photography. He event set up a Facebook group specially for cosplayers and the photographers.

[@neilkeogh1551]

I just wanted to say great video overall & some great tips for cosplayers looking to some images to build up their portfolio. However one small point I just had to take issue with is your point of suggesting that only paid photographers can be relied upon to guarantee receiving images back. Personally I have been doing photography for a number of years & whilst the majority of shoots I do today are paid shoots, I started of doing shoots for fun as a hobby & to gain experience. Regardless of whether I am doing a shoot on a paid or TF basis for fun, I always ensure the cosplayer or model has access to download any high res full size images they want & will even provide them with a password to download the full album of high res full size images from my website if it is a private shoot. I have a friend who has been doing cosplay for a number of years working with photographers on both paid & TF basis. Surprisingly after setting up a shoot with a number of photographers after a large UK con last year, out of 5 private shoots only 1 photographers ended up dragging their feet providing images back. I know what you're probably thinking "yeah it was probably one of the TF's", but surprisingly it was the paid shoot she had to chase up. This took several emails back & forth, with plenty of excuses & even now she has probably only received a quarter at best of the images for a quite hefty price when she was promised all the images. Just some food for thought.

[@MangoSirene]

Thank you for sharing those thoughts! Unfortunately, most free photographers aren't always as diligent about returning photos as it sounds like you are. And there's nothing wrong with that! Especially as most of those free photographers do cosplay photography as a hobby and their own form of art. If they aren't happy with the photos, then they have no obligation to post them. And that's okay! They shouldn't be forced to return photos if they aren't happy with the outcome. But doing a paid photoshoot is a way to guarantee that a cosplayer will get photos back, so if that's something a cosplayer is truly concerned with, I advise them to look into paying a photographer for the time and effort needed to take and edit photos. This is all based on my personal experiences within 10 years of participating in this hobby, so if your experience is different, that's cool beans!

[@neilkeogh1551]

Thanks for your reply MangoSirene. I guess it would be nice if you could always rely on everyone who you shoot with to return some images to you regardless of the shoot was paid or TF, but unfortunately this is not always the case. I can understand your point that sometimes people doing cosplay photography as a TF hobby might not want to post certain images if they are not happy with them after reviewing them. Personally this is why I advise anyone I know who is new to getting into photography to take time to & review images with the person they are shooting with to ensure both parties are happy with the shots. There is nothing worse when you are starting out than reviewing images on your pc only to have to scrap a couple of images due to something being off which cannot be fixed post editing, a pose being off or item of clothing/prop which is out of place. Personally I usually head out with my iPad + a card adapter packed in my camera bag so I can view images on a large screen straight after shooting a set so that any shots which need reshooting can be done straight away. Whether shooting paid or TF, the best advise I can give cosplayers thinking of booking a shoot with a photographer is check references & ask the photographer for the expected turn around time. Personally I usually advise I will aim to edit roughly 50 of our favourite images as a preview album in a couple of days, followed by the remaining images by the end of the week.

[@sarahtyler2196]

YAY! another Cosplay101 Video!!!!!! I love these! keep it up Nina!

[@mycobacteriem2540]

I'm not one for photoshoots because I really just cosplay for fun and my pics are mostly selfies and sometimes my friends and I will take pics. I did my first real shoot this weekend tho, and it was hella fun and I see why cosplayers love them lots. great tips~

[@dcdriveinn]

Great advice. Having poses already in mind will definitely help, maybe even storyboard certain shots beforehand if you want to get a particular look.

[@denmark1142]

I lucked out and I have a friend that I've know for almost ten years who's into photography.... He was very excited when I asked him if he wanted to do a photoshoot for one of my cosplays.

[@JackErufu]

Could you make a Cosplay 101 video about what types of fabric you recommend?

[@Daydreamroses]

everytime i think of how do i do such and such in cosplay you make a video explaining it. you are an angel

[@jabberw0cky13]

thank you so much for this! As I steadily become more I involved with cosplay, I have had this dream to do a super professional photo shoot. I had a simple one as Fionna at an arcade by a photographer who is well known in the Chicago community, and i felt immense satisfaction when I saw the end result. My cosplay wasn't perfect, it needs a few fixes, but it made me so much more confident I really want to step up my game so I can get photos of something truly awesome that I make. I loved this tutorial because I have a much better insight and just solidifies my resolve to have the awesome photo shoot experience. I admire you a ton, stay awesome!

[@pekoeji]

I'll keep this in mind for the future! Your videos are always so helpful! Here's my personal tip: • Always bring a friend, if you can't, make sure the photoshoot is in a public area, or a friend knows where you are. Assuming you've never met the photographer before, don't let them bring you back to a hotel room alone!

[@kasumikat]

i remember when i went to a convention for the 3rd time (like when i was 16/17 and at MCM comic con london) i went in my pikachu onesie and then this guy invited me to a photoshoot with all these other people in pikachu onesie ( there was even a mum, dad and a baby in a pikachu onesie) and then a charizard and a digimon was play fighting each other and i was like "WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING!?!" And then a deadpool guy came to us with his pokeball and was like "now which one of you guys want to me my pikachu?~" and we were like "PIIIIKA CHUUUUUU!!!" and then he got ontop of the charizard (after it won his battle) and he was like "now lets fly away!" @_@ i was sooo confused that day....

[@katiemacwhereuat]

In the past I have had my photos taken by a photographer who did photoshoots for free, and when we gave him a really good tip, he was much faster to getting us our photos than when we expected, which was great! However I would suggest booking a photoshoot with a photographer who you're paying through paypal or in person. I really like these tips and this video series overall! Though I've been cosplaying for a few years now, I still learn so much by watching this series.

[@ashlitchi]

A friend and I were planing to do a photoshoot in a couple of weeks, so this really helped! Thanks, Mango!

[@Touchmon]

I agree that communicating with the photographer is very important. A couple I've worked with didn't communicate well with me and I felt very lost. Sure I can pose on my own but I don't know if it looks good on camera(especially with hyper-extending limbs). I also love seeing the previews. As someone who edits photos and does a bit of it on the side, I know the raws aren't "ready" but I do like being able to see what my costume looks like on screen. Also, it really helps in knowing if something is out of place.

[@profiad]

This is actually perfect timing as I've just had my first cosplay photoshoot experiences over the weekend! One with a free photographer and one with a paid photographer (found through my college! she was a photography student and I an art student so I knew I was in good hands) Bringing my own poses was by far my biggest downfall. I knew what my character was like, inside and out, but finding a pose I could actually pull off was much harder than anticipated. One thing I experienced that I'd really stress as important is asking the photographer AND the cosplayer if you can take a photo should they be in the middle of a shoot together. It takes away from the time they have and in some cases that time is money. On my shoots I had multiple different people come up to us and ask to take photos while I was working with my photogs and both times I just felt so uncomfortable answering alone, because my time wasn't the only time being used. It's widely regarded as good etiquette to ask the photographer if you can snap a photo of their client, and yet people don't seem to know that. Sorry to be a downer pffft. But great video Nina! Keep up the awesome work, you're a true inspiration to me c:

[@StarsOfCassiopeia]

I'm definitely all about the private photoshoots for showcasing one cosplay, but another thing I'd recommend that new cosplayers check out are the fandom-specific gatherings at cons. You'll meet other people who like your series and you'll nearly always be able to track down some shots, if you don't mind being in giant groups with other people!

[@carolineboer5218]

This is SO helpful. I remember when I fist started cosplaying in 2010 this was one of the biggest questions I had and I would always spend so much time on my costume and only get a couple dorky selfies in it which was really disappointing. But you know now im in college and can barely afford to eat 3 meals a day much less cosplay currently but Im really happy this video exists to help others! :D

[@admiralgenki3573]

Watching this video makes me think of my first ever photoshoot. I was quite nervous with all honestly. Most people I know who does photoshoots were mostly older than me. I was lucky to have found a amazing photographer who offers free photoshoots at the time being. As a thank you gift, I gave her some special chocolate candies (who doesn't love chocolate?) and a totoro hat for her daughter, since she's a big studio ghibi fan. I continue to love this photographer's work and her friend's work (who was just getting into photography herself and wanted some shots of my cosplay). I think when you met photographers who brought their kids with them to the photoshoot is such a nice feeling, in my opinion. I can't help it, but I love children. Sure some may be really shy when meeting a person, I do my best to give them a friendly and positive attitude and let them know that your parent's are awesome. Overall, awesome experience when it comes to photoshoots. I hope to do more photoshoots with other photographers. I will never forget my first photographer, and I hope she continues to do what she loves doing. :)

[@sorbaecos8145]

I just recently came across your channel and you are inspiring me to be a better cosplayer. This is my favorite video to date mostly because I love every photoshoot I have been in. They are so much fun! You hit the nail on the head with this one with great tips and tricks for people just starting out!! :) Great work.

[@Yuuko1993]

wow this is so different from cosplay photoshoots here in germany! almost everyone i know only does TFP, and we always get the photos back. if one doesn't, it tarnishes the photographers reputation quite a bit as he took up the cosplayers time for an hour long photoshoot, without letting the Cosplayer have access to the photos afterwards...that sound so rude to me. i mean it's called time for print for a reason. of course there's also cosplay photographers who do paid photoshoots but those are usually not at conventions. and they're usually already pretty well known photographers so it's a bit strange for me to hear that 'booking' photoshoots with paid photographers seems to be the go-to method in the US

[@jenshertog1702]

we once were at a con with a group but none of us knew how to find a photographer and indeed the phone camera woks very well. also, to prevent endless walking around the con to find sceneries, you could go with your group to a pretty neutral location and (if you're from different series) use the same scenery in different ways

[@Padawan_Kestis]

I have a shoot booked for next month with two friends one is taking my photos and the other is basiclly the person that is to show me photos for the poses that Nero does in DMC. I have been doing shoots with her for 5 years now and I love how we live in the same town and helps me to find locations and looks up the characters I cosplay.

[@LoweVonLicht]

Thank you for making this video, I am a photographer looking to get into cosplay photos but I was unsure where to start connecting with cosplayers.

[@HollyJollyAru]

This was very helpful! I’m just now starting to take cosplay more seriously and kinda wondered just how people got such nice photos if nobody at the con came up to them.

[@sdshadrick]

Thank you!! I was seriously just going through this issue. I'm going to Ikkicon and want to find a photographer so this ready helped. And I'm getting the APP.

[@paigeloomis1971]

thank you for this video. It helped me know what to expect.

[@Rawrzyyz]

thank you so much for this video. its really helpful and super informative. ive always wondered how the heck to find photographers for conventions and whatnot. the only time ive ever gotten my photo taken by a professional photographer was one that appraoched me during a convention. he was super nice and my cosplay seemed to have caught his eye. even though it was one of those on the spot pictures, and i was obviously clueless about all these things, he was really nice and already had everything planned out. he requested certain poses and took AMAZING pictures. if this ever happens, remember to give them your email or ask them for any of their contact info! when i received my pictures omg i was so happy!!

[@kawaiipeacock1777]

The way I have found my photographers in the past is go to the con's forum page (most cons have them) and post on there. Heck, there may already be a page for that where photographers can post their pages! Many con also have Facebook pages. Check into those as well! I know for one of my cons the forums have died but the Facebook page is constantly going! Just post on there that you are looking for a photographer and they will come out of the wood work! Also, make sure you do your research on the photographer. Not only to make sure you will be getting quality for what you are paying for or taking time out of your day for, but also for personal security. Unfortunately, there can be some shady photographers. Protect yourself from these people. This is also a good reason to bring a friend with to photo shoots!

[@rebeckatorvik]

This was really helpful, just like all your cosplay 101 videos are ^-^

[@SimplyRosee]

These tutorials are actually so helpful ^.^ thank you thank you thank you you rock!!!!

[@moneyclown1970]

I just got back from a convention where I did my first photoshoot! This should be very helpful for the future...thank you!

[@OreoWeirdo]

Thanks for putting out a great video! I'm slowly learning how to cosplay and was overwhelmed by all the info at first. I found your channel and am so grateful for all your content, especially your cosplay 101 videos. I'll be sure to get the app and try to actively use it when I can force myself to not be shy. >.

[@alisengant1819]

I was so lost about this because I thought the only way to find a photographer for cosplay was to go to the convention and I was not planning on banking on that chance. Thank you so much for posting this

[@animeluvsinger]

I am trying to break into being a cosplay photographer myself. Though I personally do not use tumblr and I hardly use my Twitter. I should probably get that new app though! I didn't know you could use it as a photographer!

[@akumahimeotaku]

Cosplay amino is really helpful. Thank you for this video, I've been wondering so much about shoots >~

[@Trampolina2000]

Hi! I think your Cosplay 101 videos are great, and this one is definitely one of those which has helped me the most, but, even after googling and attempting the "learning by doing" method, I still wanna know more about posing for photos. Have you got any tips for that, in general?

[@slothtier1]

Thank you for this video, Mango! As both a cosplayer and photographer I agree with so many points you said. I would also like to note that politeness when asking for shoots goes both ways. For example, I go to and shoot at Katsucon every year, and every year I have class the morning after (my uni is stupid and doesn't take off for presidents' day) so I don't take Sunday shoots because I never know when I'm leaving until about Saturday night, so I only do them for friends because I know they would be much more understanding if I had to cancel. I had a cosplayer ask to do a shoot on Sunday even though I clearly said I don't do them, and I politely said "sorry, I only do Sunday shoots at conventions far away from me for friends." They responded with "what time do you have to leave? We can be friends!" Not only is this VERY creepy but also incredibly rude. There's plenty of photographers that shoot at Katsucon on Sundays and while I appreciate wanting to work with me, please understand that it's not possible for me to shoot on Sundays. *Sighs* Again, wonderfully accurate video and thank you so much!

[@slothtier1]

Sloth tier I forgot to mention! I would also like to add onto your wonderful points that crediting photographers is just as important as cosplayers being credited for their cosplays!

[@Rosy23]

as a photographer who works hands on with the person. I ask if they mind being touched...because I tend to get a little touchy graby. and if the model doesn't like being touched and says no then I try explaining how I want them to pose but it's kinda hard to explain footing when most people dont understand 2 inchs to the left 45% diagonal point and bend the right knee a few notchs

[@its_me_rikichi]

I think I've been fortunate enough to have a friend who just so happens to be a professional photographer... I never had any photographing issues until I met up with some Internet friends at anime expo and was finally introduced to how normal photoshoots work. It was crazy!! Hahaha

[@StardustMegu]

your advice is excellent!

[@pumpqueen1]

Love your videos mango! They are very helpful!

[@Bubbles-f6b]

Thanks for all the help I needed it!

[@weeaboo_weirdo]

I would like to cosplay more but I have a friend who thinks she the best cosplayer ever and is quite rude to other cosplayers behind their back. She's pretty much an elitist. I don't really want to deal with her so I just avoid it and don't cosplay in front of her

[@jj_hoolio]

+Kadesher doesn't sound like such a great friend... **shrug** maybe gently tell her to be nice and have patience and compassion for the cosplayers she's rude about. and if she does it to you, just say something like 'hey, i've worked hard on this. it's my cosplay; don't judge'

[@jj_hoolio]

***** Indeedy do!

[@Rescue162]

I'm an avid photographer of models (including cosplayers) and I'd say that only a fool would not be eager to give the models their pictures. For me, seeing them enjoy the shots and share them with their friends is the most fun part. To cosplayer models, while you can certainly pay a photographer and they will more likely give you shots, another good way is to establish a good working relationship with a handful of quality photographers who love their work more than they want money. This can be done by exchanging information at events and meetups and staying connected at other events and FB. And of course go by references.

[@mysteriousshamrock]

My tip is to always carry a notepad and pen with you in your bag and make sure if you get grabbed by a photographer for an impromptu shoot (or if you just meet awesome people) that you can note down how to contact them and give them yours as well. I know some people print out business cards to hand out at cons, but this can be a cheaper alternative if you don't want to do that or if the person you're talking to hasn't done that

[@kellywhite3501]

when i first went to a convention i scheduled a photoshoot. because that got kinda hard now when i go to a convention, i'll go to any random photogropher i see, and just ask to get my picture taken, and I'm allways given their card. i even email them asking for extra pictures. usually they say yes but it realy would be nice if i could schedule a photshoot. specifically elevenphotgrophy

[@pandoraskies7695]

Thank you for the video, Mango!

[@gaymestop]

Advice I can give from both a cosplayer and a photographer's point of view: Explain to the photographer who the character is and what they're like. It's preferable to do this before the convention itself, but if that's not possible, you can do it prior to or during the shoot. Describing your character's personality to the photographer makes it much easier to figure out what type of poses to do, what type of setting to use, what editing to do, etc. Not all photographers will know the series you're cosplaying from, and it's just as important to give them visual hints (i.e. with photo references as Nina said) as it is to give them personality hints.

[@sheenaespia2983]

it is really tiring but fun at the same time xD ive done.. atleast 3 photoshoots and counting for the whole year xD hoping to see improvements as well! thanks for the tips btw! :DD

[@meriam832]

Go to the Con's Facebook page, post there that you're looking for a photographer for given day/ given time-give brief details of what you'll be cosplaying as, if it's a group etc. If someone comments, get their photography page name and check out their work- if you both agree, message each other to discuss payment, times etc. It's a really easy way for people who are going to the con to meet up.

[@harl0ttie]

I wish we had locations like those in UK cons, hell, we don't even have any photographers who do paid shoots at cons. ( The top ones don't even 'book' anything, they just tell them to find you.) But I do have a question, what tips would you recommend for someone going to an American con for the first time? ( Like how to find groups and photographers?? Or even just not how to be a loner all weekend.)

[@pipsqueak56]

Tip! If you're doing a shot at a con check on Facebook to see if there's a group for that con. Sometimes photogs will post about booking there!!

[@purplexzombie3371]

I do photography as a hobby and it is always so so amazing to photograph really out of the norm sort of things (cosplay is my dream to photograph). I can 150% agree to having pose ideas before hand. Of course there are spur of the moment poses which are rad but nothing annoys me more when a model just stands there and goes "okay now what". While I don't mind showing some photos, I get annoyed if a person wants to see every image I take. I understand wanting to make sure things are right but you can see every third or fifth. Asking to see every single one interrupts the flow.

[@AoiKitsu]

Your videos are amazing, Mango! In the future, could you maybe make a video on how to assemble a cosplay group for conventions? Like say that I would like the make a splash free! group how would I get people together when I'm fairly new to cosplay and conventions. Thanks!

[@tinacreutzburg2977]

can you make a video with the best Photos of your Shootings?

[@cathywaller9679]

Was the sultan-looking cosplayer at 4:29 Haru from Free as he is in the outro? Or someone from another show that I'm not aware of?

[@MangoSirene]

+Cathy Waller That's me, and yes, it's Haru's Splash Free! ED version. :3

[@cathywaller9679]

+MangoSirene Well then congrats on an awesome cosplay! And thanks for responding!

[@batzjokez]

omg thanks so much for this!! I'm going to my first shoot tomorrow ;u; It's for a magazine so I'm super nervous >.

[@AuroraIceCode]

I'm thinking of cosplaying, but I've never actually cosplayed before. Like I have all my cosplay made and done, but I've heard that people will sometimes ask to take your picture? I'm not sure how to react towards that, as I'm very shy, and I'd like some advice toward this subject. (I'm not sure if you've talked about this before haha since I found your channel today)

[@Grrimbark]

Alright, I was the same way when I started last year, You want to look up pictures of your character and find common poses that he/she/they do. Try to use some of those poses in front of a mirror to see if you like it. If you feel self conscious, don't worry! You probably worked hard on that cosplay and it probably looks amazing on you. Next, try posing for a picture with a family member and ask them for any advice or if they think you could do something another way. Then at con, when posing for a picture, make sure to find a place away from traffic like a wall in a crowded hallway or the edge of a crowded room. You pose for the picture, you don't have to smile if you don't want to! And you're done. Just have fun friend.

[@erikaa8200]

Although I don't cosplay (even though I want to start someday) I'm really good with photography and Photoshop, so if I did ever get into the art of cosplaying I guess the picture part is covered, lol.

[@Zachwood4430]

IM GONNA FIND YOU ON DAT APP!! Lol you always post great videos and I love your costumes :)

[@beaburton543]

I love your videos Mango and they've really helped me a lot in growing as a cosplayer.Thanks for what you do! ( OvO)b If we're already paying the photographer, should we tip them as well? If so how much?

[@mackm5565]

I really enjoyed watching this video! I have been watching lots of them so that I can learn more about cosplay photography and just cosplay in general. I am really wanting to start as a cosplay photographer and my first shoot is next month! It is with a friend so I won't be getting paid and I am really excited. She will be cosplaying Yurio from Yuri!!! On Ice. We don't have a date set quite yet but I have already emailed places and started gathering pose references for us. I really need some tips and tricks since this is my first shoot. I don't have a giant DSLR camera so I am gonna use the camera I have which is a Nikon Coolpix L840. So if anyone has any information I could use that would be amazing! Thanks!

[@phantasmagoria217]

I've never done a paid photo shoot but now have a cosplay I really want get good photos of. In your experience how much are these photo shoots cost? Is there a difference between at con price and location shooting? Thanks!

[@GamingSuccub]

My mom is actually a photographer as a hobby but she takes great portraits! If I can go to my local con (Sakura Con) this year and get my cosplay on time, I can have her take pictures!

[@Alfa162]

That sounds like a lot of fun, & a great opportunity to bond with your Mum! I hope you have a lot of fun. &, your Mum, too. (= Just make sure to ask her ahead of time so then she doesn't plan something else that day. lol.

[@GamingSuccub]

Well Idk if Im going yet lol If I am though, I will definitely ask her to take portraits!

[@ZuzannaFavesDie]

:0 I'm going to Sakuracon! If you do end up going, cool. I like to take pictures too... who do you plan on cosplaying?

[@GamingSuccub]

I am indeed going to Sakura Con this year! If it gets in on time, I plan on cosplaying as Hanayo Koizumi from Love Live.

[@ZuzannaFavesDie]

+MiyuChan ahh!! I'm going to be Eli Ayase from love live (Friday&Sunday),, so cool cool. I'm doing the idlz version of her thief card

[@manicq5328]

One thing to consider when working with free photographers, is to get a "trade for" contract signed. It's the same thing as working for money except it's a trade for photo usage, so a contract should be signed. At least from my view as a photographer. Just a thought.

[@Jasmineyb]

Can u do a video on casual cosplay?

[@goatinix8169]

i'm a cosplayer and i'm turning 13 this year and i'm scared photographs won't tack me seriously because of my age and seriously i don't blame them help :'(

[@anoukilovesceltics]

if you have the chance, please come to Puerto Rico Comic Con! We would love to have you!

[@KiaTheNerd]

You are real awesome *-* This was a real helpful video for me :D Thank you >w

[@kalechang4453]

Question, how do you ask a photographer to take pictures of you as a (young looking) 14 year old? I always feel too nervous to ask photographers at cons or online and am usually at cons alone or with friends that dont feel comfortable taking pictures of my cosplay. I am very short and have a high pitched voice so most photographers dont take me seriously even if I approach them professionally. I really want pictures of my cosplay but Im too scared to ask half the time because of previous experiences...

[@roverbernhard4489]

I did a photo shoot and broke like all of these rules so thanks for making this video!! :)

[@resid3ntotaku]

I just have a question if you don't mind! How much is the average price for a cosplay photoshoot? How do they usually charge? And if there's multiple people in the photoshoot, do they each pay, or is there just one overall total? Thank you so much for making such helpful videos! :)

[@resid3ntotaku]

Oh and also (sorry I remembered another question I had haha) you said they do edit the pictures, does that mean they do like face touch ups? For instance, if you have some "imperfections" on your face, would the photographer edit those away??

[@animejess1774]

Prices for photoshoots typically depend on the amount of time the shoot itself lasts, the number of pictures that you'll receive, etc. For example, I recently did a 45 minute shoot with 12 professionally edited and HD images which came to a total of $25. I've seen more expensive and I've also seen less expensive. It may also depend on the location of the photoshoot - typically at cons they're offered cheaper than if you were to do it in your own time at a different location! The best thing to do is look around social media for photographers in your area and see what prices they offer because it is different everywhere. Hope this helps!

[@resid3ntotaku]

Anime Jess Ohmygoodness!! This helps a TON! Thanks so much!!!

[@kaleynicole1805]

What would you say to minors (under 18) wanting to do photoshoots? Is there anything minors should know or do regarding photoshoots? Thank you!

[@marybraswell2276]

This is super late but I saw no one ever responded so,, I myself am a minor and have been cosplaying for a few years- My first cosplay shoot was when I was just 14. I think the best advice I can give you is to bring a friend or group with you(even if you're over 18) in case something goes wrong(I also find group photoshoots can be a lot more fun). Another big photoshoot tip is to know family-friendly/non suggestive poses and facial expressions for the character beforehand, as the biggest thing i've seen that can ruin a cosplay are bad poses(don't just stand there, cross your arms and smile, ect). Be careful when booking shoots and ask around to make sure a photographer isn't fishy and keeps up their end of the deal. And don't forget to have fun!

[@yumi_1067]

Do you think that paying someone for a photoshoot for a first time cosplayer is way too early? I'm going to cosplay for the first time in October, and a few months after that I'm contemplating on hiring a photographer for a photoshoot session. However, I'm kind of hesitating because I'm terribly lacking in experience and I don't want the photoshoot to go to waste. I'm also worried that the photographer won't take me seriously :/ Should I try and find a friend who is decent at photography instead?

[@Steel_blade_alchemist]

I just started following you on cosplay amino

[@isabellearts9456]

i have a question: lets say im around 12-15 years and im going to my first convention with my friends. we really want to do a Photoshoot for our cosplay, but we're nervous about getting turned down because of our age. should we stick with phone pictures and filters? or should we try for a photographer anyways?

[@IAmNobodey]

Does anyone know how much a professional photographer will usually charge? (I get that it depends on who the photographer is, but like, what's the average cost?)

[@ouijdanekhoudari6913]

i just came back from a con that lasted 3 days when i saw the pictures at home i knew how horrible i looked and all my hopes of being proud of a cosplay were shattered into pieces. i wanted to cry so badly

[@d3r1ckkw3h]

what i learned from this video is ATTITUDE and POLITE! xD

[@uwum0nster]

approaching photographers is super scary but so is approaching cosplayers. I personally love it when cosplayers approach me when I'm not busy at cons or else I'll just be loitering doing nothing and also saves me the initial nervousness xD

[@tsumihikari]

I bought my best friend a really nice camera, and I enjoy using it when she's not using it ^^' We both take really great cosplay photos of each other because we are having fun. I have attended photo shots that were free by the con and we always give our thanks and make sure we switch contact information like Facebook (I will be more rewarding next time like you advised.) Also another photography tip, SELFIE STICK! I have been in a few selfie photos at cons, but there are ones of that using a selfie stick, makes the mini photoshoot of one AMAZING!! Ps, I also agree with filters ;) so many apps to make your photos so cute or look clean and clear. Thanks so much for making the video~ :)

[@xin8217]

If possible, I'll be dragging my dad along with me to the next convention and have him help out with my pictures. Since hes been with a few cons with me when I'm not cosplaying and he keeps on snapping random cosplayers regardless their series xD

[@fruitandbubbles]

How do you feel about working with photographers who've never done cosplay shoots before?? I have a friend who's a great photographer and I'm considering asking her help but I'm not certain if it would turn out good as she's not experienced with the concept of cosplay! Thank you! ^^

[@MangoSirene]

Seray Sener Hey, everyone has to start somewhere! At the very least she has a photography background so she knows what she's doing technically. There's no right or wrong way of doing cosplay photography, but if there's a specific look you're going for, send her some examples of other cosplay photographers' work for her to study and use as inspiration (not copying, of course!). You both can learn about it and experiment together, chances are you'll come up with some really neat results!

[@fruitandbubbles]

***** Thank you so much for responding, I really appreciate it! Love your Cosplay 101 videos, they were really helpful in getting me started!

[@20seventeen28]

I need some advice. I'd love to cosplay but where I live, there are NO thrift shops or fabric stores at all. I've asked and searched it up and looked around and there's nothing around. I don't want to buy cosplays online. So how can I cosplay?

[@mysteriousshamrock]

Sarah Amplo Buy fabric and equipment online? That's what I do when I can't find the fabric I want near me.

[@VampyLuLu]

You can buy fabric online, just make sure you double or even triple check it to make sure its the fabric you need. And if the website you're ordering from does swatches I would recommend ordering one of those first as it will give you an actual visual of what you are buying.

[@pokeemz5559]

i know a free photography seevice for cons in adelaide and u get the pictures back if you want

[@XsasunaruloveyaoiX]

Just a couple of months ago I booked my first photoshoot with a couple photographers whom I knew for a couple of years now. I didn't know it was a paid photoshoot because it wasn't specified, but I luckily had a friend pay them for me and I could not have been happier. After waiting for weeks for the photos, I realized that I knew the photographers and in fact filmed their proposal at a con where I met them. I will be using them in the future because they were just incredibly nice to everyone and enjoyed taking photos of the silly moments where we were laughing, which I loved the most. If you're interested in them (and live in FL), you can find them by looking up D99 Studios on Facebook.

[@allurasayshi43]

ooh thanx for that, I live in FL so I might look them up

[@allurasayshi43]

ooh thanx for that, I live in FL so I might look them up

[@allurasayshi43]

ooh thanx for that, I live in FL so I might look them up

[@Anayal8tor]

Cosplanner - The App for Cosplayers and Cosmakers do you have this app

[@Anayal8tor]

www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=cosplanner.catokusanagi.com/&ved=0CCEQFjABahUKEwiyhrCN6rfHAhWLXZIKHS8rADY&usg=AFQjCNHPAWEImW69bOjqP72-3TuiaVP_1A&sig2=e-mV8IVq0broK6xPk_IsXQ

[@XiiaoXinn]

make friends with some photographers in the community xD its fun not to just ask for a shoot, but you can hang out casually too, and if you do end up asking for a shoot, taking them to have some food later on or watching a movie after shoot isn't that awkward too, and by ways you can pay them back and chances they offer you shoots for free because you guys are friends, another friend+photographer why not

[@maskedfoxx7173]

I would love it if my friends could do photo shoots with me with a smart phone, but I'm the only one who knows jack s**t about how to take a good photograph. I do shoots for my friends, and it's fun messing around with poses and lighting and stuff to get a dramatic effect, it just sucks because I know I'll never be on the other end of the camera. I mean, unless I hired a professional.

[@zackypoohplays8792]

yay thank you!