Like it or not, cosplay has become a worldwide phenomenon. Potential Cosplayers are constantly busy seeking for their costumes on the market or making their own accessories. They try their best to look the same as their favourite character, no matter how big that task may seem. If you are a photography devotee, you may well be interested in taking some pictures of these cartoon copycats, below are some tips to help you capture those unique cosplay moments forever.
Tip 1: Have a clear theme.
There should be a clear motif for a cosplay picture. What do you plan to photograph? Is it the cosplayer, an immobile item or another subject? Your photo should have some sort of content or plot. If you don’t have a distinct subject, you will only express an equivocal sense on your picture.
Tip 2: Draw the cosplayer’s attention.
A great photographer must attract the attention from the shot subject. The photographer also needs to draw the audiences’ attention towards your cosplayer, because he/she is the reason they are their, so getting their reaction, as well as your target’s pose, will work wonders.
Tip 3: Design a concise frame for your cosplayer.
This doesn’t mean you have to painstakingly arrange a scene . What you are required to do is just to cut down or remove elements that don’t make the subject stand out, or even worse, distract the subject’s attention.
Tip 4: Avoid wide-angle lenses.
This is crucial if you don’t want a distorted portrait. While photographing, you need to keep some distance from the shot subject. Wide-angle lens shouldn’t be used, unless you wish to express a rather unique effect. Under normal circumstances, 80-90mm focal length is the best option when you take a beauty shot outdoors.
Tip 5: Make the cosplayer feel comfortable.
The famous photographer John Loengard had once said: “When I take photos for people, I always want them to forget they are being shot.” Obviously, it’s crucial to make the shot subject feel relaxed, so just communicate with your cosplayer. He/she can stand, stoop, sit down or lie down depending on the scene, but just let them know what you have in mind, and find out if they are happy with your plan.
Tip 6: Pay attention to the source, direction and strength of light while taking a photo indoors.
Photographer’s acuity for light takes a significant role in a successful photograph. You need to use different photometry methods and seek for usable optical sources. Most freshmen choose exposure modes like Auto, P or various contextual models. But while taking a photo indoors, you have to abandon all of these driving methods. AV (aperture priority) and M (manual exposure) should be chosen.
Tip 7: Choose the right photometry method.
You won’t find a decent light source standing still, so before you shoot, scope the place out. Are there any big windows, large lights or open doorways. Find where the light is and move your subject towards it.
For more information of cosplay, costumes and photography tips, be sure to check out the Mic Costume online shop and blog.
