Why You Should Hire A Cosplay Photographer

Krista Lindner
May 31, 2017
3 min read

Cosplay Photography is a topic of intense discussion you'll hear as you’re making the rounds at conventions! While there are many Photographers out there to choose from, a lot of people tend to choose an ametuer friend who will "do it for free." While that does get you pictures, it can lead to unflattering pictures of not only you, but the costume you might have spent months on. And that’s just to say the least. Which brings us to our topic: why you should hire a cosplay photographer.

For me, getting a picture taken of a very elaborate costume I've spent months on is a no brainer. However, after having many conversations with some of my cosplay and photography friends, they all had varying opinions on the matter. Now I'm by no means saying, "Don't shoot pictures with your friends!" Nor am I stating that having professional pictures is somehow an elitist requirement. Not at all! In this article, I will lay out a few reasons you might want to schedule a photoshoot with a professional photographer.

First, let’s take a moment to talk about that amazing cosplay of yours! When you really break down a cosplay--whether you made it yourself, commissioned it, or simply bought it off line--a lot of money is likely dropped into it. When you take everything into account from the wig, contacts, and outfit to the props, shoes, makeup, etc. you're spending a whole lot to show off your transformation into the character you wanted to be! Whether you put your own blood, sweat and tears into a costume or you spent your hard earned money into a privately commissioned one, what better way to capture this moment than a professional? Especially since you’re likely only going to wear the costume a handful of times.

You might be saying to yourself, "But my friends shoot pictures all the time!" That is likely true and if so, that’s awesome! I’m not trying to say some phone shots or some with a point and click camera aren’t awesome to have to. Such as convention floor photos (people in the background) vs

professional photos (specific location, lighting setup). What I'm saying is it's always nice to get someone who views you from a totally different perspective. A professional knows how to pose you to make you--and that costume--look as perfect as possible! There's even photographers out there like Deegan Marie Photography or Tony Julius Photography who have the ability to photoshop an entire image to make you and your friends look like you've just stepped right out of your character’s universe! How cool is that?!

"But they're so expensive!" Most Cosplay Photographers run anywhere from $30-$150 for mini shoots at a con to a dedicated shoot just for you elsewhere. I hate to say it, but you get what you pay for! To be fair though, just because a photographer only charges $30 doesn't mean they're going to be bad. It can mean you might only get a handful of edited photos back. Someone who charges $60+ you're more likely to

get more for your dollar. The most important thing to remember is DO YOUR RESEARCH! Different photographers charge differently, have completely different styles, and offer completely different services. When you shop around, you’re sure to find a certain style you like for your character!

Not hiring a cosplay photographer after spending hundreds of dollars on a costume is not only doing yourself a disservice, but your fans as well! Not to mention, if you’re a cosplayer selling prints, a professional print almost always sells better! There's nothing more exciting than seeing one of your favorite characters come to life, not in just the cosplay, but the photo as well!

Think of it this way! You go out and buy a brand new computer, top of the line graphics card, all the fixings, but then you go and buy a 780p monitor for it. Why would you spend all that money on high end graphics when you can't even display them? Same goes with that cosplay! Now get out there and let's see your cosplays come to life!