'togs of all kinds, post your photos and experiences here. Let's kick it off with some q&a;
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
a t1i. I had no clue what I was doing so it was cool
was doing non-cosplay stuff til around 2012 or so
practice. read. practice. read. practice also means "try new stuff"
is that roger? that looks like roger
that's sakuracon, right?
why the fuck do I recognize that
I've only been there once
also gear can often be the answer but it is not always the answer. won't magically make you good but if you use it right then you'll end up with good photos. just because you see a bunch of white lenses, red rings, or gold rings on people's gear doesn't mean they are good because of it. if they're good it's because they're good. maybe they were good already, maybe they became good later after buying it. maybe they're still not good but have expensive gear.
>>8856817
Keeping it real:
Don't do cosplay photography for any reason other than fun. You won't make money, and unless you're with a clique, you won't get any kind of recognition from it. You can't use cosplay shots in any kind of professional portfolio unless your subject's costumes are excellent, so 95% of the people you work with will not be good enough. And no matter how much you bust your ass on photos, no cosplayer will appreciate it.
Don't hit on cosplayers. They'll shit talk you. Many will just make shit up.
Be prepared for drama, drama, drama, drama, and drama. Drama is 95% of this scene.
>>8856817
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
I use a Nikon D4 and a 300mm f2.8 and a 200mm f2.
>what do you love the most about it?
I love making enough money to pay for my badge and hotel.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Don't be afraid to ask for numbers and arrange shoots. Charge what you think you are worth. If you think you are worth $200 an hour, charge that much, don't undersell yourself.
>>8857031
Ok, you have almost 10 grand in gear. Please post a picture.
If you can afford 10 grand worth of gear, why do you care about making back money for badges and hotels?
Also, I'm very interested in what your work looks like where you can charge $200 an hour.
>>8857041
I think he's saying if you think you're worth $200 charge $200, not that that is what he does himself for cosplay
>>8857052
I know. I still want to see it.
Who shoots cosplay with a D4?
Show me something!
>>8857080
Maybe he/she shoots other stuffs too, not point to buy a cheap camera to shoot cosplay when he already has a D4
>>8857006
>won't make money
Is that why every single photog at Katsu is charging nearly a hundred bucks for 3-5 pics?
You won't make professional money, no, but photographers get compensated for their half of the creative piece and get to shittalk the other half of it (the model, stylist, costumer aka fucking cosplayers) for not being grateful enough.
I wish more photogs were only doing this for fun.
>>8856817
MFW a behind the scenes phioto is bettter than my cospy photos
>>8857326
Many of those photographers aren't really getting that much. Many are shooting friends, who will cover for them, saying yeah they did a paid shoot with so and so.
I've known people who shot with AshB and Lauren Pihl at cons where they were charging and they had free shoots, but were telling people , Oh yeah they're great! Book them to shoot!
>>8857326
I mean, badges for an event are 50-100 bucks, travel is about 50-100 dollars, sometimes many times more if you're traveling far, or flying), the hotel room is anywhere from 100 - 200 dollars. This isn't counting food, incidentals, etc...
I have charged 100 an hour, and I very rarely make a profit. The majority of cosplayers balk at shoots over $50, so you'll end up having to schedule 30 shoots over the weekend just to make enough to actually go to it. Not to mention that in order to make all those bookings, you're going to have to shoot legions of uggos and fatties, and spend hours photoshopping their cutting scars and stretch marks. It's a pain in the dick.
You will enjoy conventions most if you just go there, shoot whatever and whoever you want, and not stress out about making money at all.
>>8857422
Also this. A lot of this scene is faking it till you make it.
Luckily I don't have that many friends yet, so mostly everyone I shoot is actually booking me. I don't always get 100 bucks, but I get something.
>>8856817
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Entry level DSLR with a few lenses ranging from 14mm to 85 (on the crop body it is equivalent to ~135mm). Some flashes.
It does the job. But I am almost coming to the point where I either need a more capable body to cover some dynamic range or I need to figure out what kind of techniques I should use to cover what my camera doesn't do.
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
I started roughly a year ago though I only actually picked up speed last summer. I'd say it was six months of figuring out what I should be doing and six months putting it into some practice.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Watch a lot of YouTube videos. Also, you'll never be like Seal in Kiss From A Rose so don't bother.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9aiBlIpyKU
>>8857326
Go to California, as a photographer it is irritating as shit because I can't charge for shoots because you have people with professional level D4s, D800, 1DX, 5D mkIII, coupled with 85mm f1.2 and 200mm f2 lenses, with the talent and skill to boot and they do it FOR FREE.
Fuck that state and all those stupid photographers who sell their talent and skill for free.
>>8857422
Two of my photog friends have their rooms paid for already from shoots. Which isn't a huge amount for professional level photography, but cosplay photography used to be a hobby thing, just like making costumes was a hobby thing. Cosplayers buy materials and pour in hours before con, photogs buy equipment and spend hours after con, a joint creative work in produced to celebrate something both parties love, everyone has fun and it's all good.
Now everybody's only out for fame and cash.
>>8857851
Come to the east coast, then. People greenboxing on their Rebels are charging a hundred bucks an hour.
I use an entry level DSLR, and have been doing this for a year, maybe? I'm very casual.
For one thing I couldn't charge if I wanted to, for another I don't want to. I do this as a side thing to cosplay, to give me a better understanding of shooting with other togs, and have a secondary creative outlet. Even IF I had the skills to back it up, paying would mean booking myself up and shooting things I'm not super into. I shoot with friends I've fun shooting with, or with cosplayers whose work I like. Without money in the picture, it's less to worry about. And anyway I often get paid back in like, lunch or a fika.
>>8857922
Sad about the East Coast, so many photographers just keep their shit on auto. You see them at cons chimping away on their lcds every shot.
Currently a Sony A7mkii with a 55mm zeiss
Used to have big dslr cameras with some big lens but injuries kicked in. So I still wanted to shoot and opted for a mirrored option. Quite like it for the most part. Missing on the longer battery life which the mirrored systems don't have
Started about 4 or 5 years ago and was supposed to take. Alot of street and car photography. Now since I mostly shoot cosplay I quite like meeting new people whether it be cosplayers or photographers.
Advice foe any newbie photog is to start with a cheap budget. Second hand systems are very affordable. If you're gonna upgrade, lens first the body. Also when shooting go with aperture priority. Don't go full auto ( or full retard)
So basically the two coasts can be described as thus:
East coast - better for photographers. Can charge cash even if you're horrible
West coast - better for cosplayers. Almost all shoots are free no matter the photographer skill level
>>8858333
But I'm not from usa
>>8858333
That is actually a pretty good assessment.
In general, a really good or popular cosplayer would be completely bombarded with photographers asking for shoots in the West Coast. Even an above average cute cosplayer or a guy with lots of armor would get bombarded with shoot requests.
On the other hand, a talented photographer would have a hard time breaking in to do shoots with popular cosplayers unless they know them or they got really lucky and booked the cosplayer ahead of time.
If any cosplayer paid for a shoot in the West Coast, they are doing it wrong because you can get talented people for free since there are so many photographers.
>>8858333
Not sure how it is on the West but the East Coast is full of cheap photorgraphers, so it might as well be free. You can see who the good photographers are by how much they spam and get booked up. You have those advertising nonstop a month before a con and they keep doing it while others advertise once and are booked by end of day
>>8858333
>Almost all shoots are free no matter the photographer skill level
That's the problem though, West coast is pretty much a case of quantity over quality.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
I use a Nikon D7000, AF-S Nikkor 35mm f1.8 and a 18-270mm f3.5-6.3 (you only really need two lenses most of the time)
I got a great deal for it all on craigslist and the such, and they do really well for what I want.
>what do you love the most about it?
I also cosplay, so I sort of segway'd myself into it. I love posing people and having a good time. (I'm a bit sad though since not a lot of my friends are also photogs, so they don't know how to use my camera for me)
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Do it for fun, and if you get good, feel free to charge, but don't expect to get a lot of money in the cosplay scene at least.
>>8858683
also, I know it's sexist, but it's a really good time for female photographers. People always tell me they feel more comfortable with it and choose me because of it.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Canon T3i, with kit lens and a 50mm f/1.8
I don't have a flash yet, so far I have just been shooting in natural light. While I love the look of natural light I would like to get some lights/reflectors soon, I'm just not sure where to start.
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
I bought my camera this past fall and I really love it. I haven't had much opportunity to shoot yet, so far all my photos have been of myself or friends so I'm too scared to post anything here.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
I'm still so new so I don't know how helpful my advice is but I personally really like shooting at cool locations, not at conventions. If you haven't done so, try scouting places and set something up with your friends to practice!
>>8858686
No, what's sexist about preferring female photographers? You know that they won't use a "shoot" as a pretense to hit on you, and they have a perspective and sense of space that is more familiar to us.
If possible I would do shoots with only female photographers, but it isn't possible at the moment. Maybe in the future.
>What gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Canon 5d MK iii, Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
Canon T3i, Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM
A softbox, master-slave flash setup to cover on-location shooting.
I use my wider lense for flexibility and hall shots, and my 85mm for candids. It's really my favorite combination.
>What do you love the most about it?
Started only this year. So far it's a ton of fun networking, and seeing all sorts of new people and hobbies. Also the fact that I'm a weeaboo faggot probably takes influence.
>Any advice?
Learn about lighting. One thing I've taken note about some beginners is that they struggle with natural lighting. Other than that, be sure to critique your own photos often.
>>8858686
>>8858816
Most of the female photographers arent very good. Preferring to only work with female photographers is misandrist, and getting hit on is a part of life.
But to be honest, it doesnt matter. Youre going to pay a lot of money for photos that are terrible, and we're all going to laugh at you.
>>8858873
now this is sexist
>>8858873
there's nothing wrong with preferring another photog based on gender. It's the client's own opinion, and it's a business. Sorry, female photogs are cock blocking you.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Canon 60D. I love it, especially the swiveling LCD screen. Lenses: 50 f/1.8, 18-200mm.
>what do you love the most about it?
Being able to take pictures of my favorite characters.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Go to a con and find an attractive cosplayer that's cosplaying a character you know about, and ask to take pictures of him/her. It'll be easier to pose them if you are familiar with the source material. If you start posting good work (good photography with a good cosplayer), people will follow you.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Canon 6D. I like it I guess. It's kinda pointless without a high end lens though. It'll take me awhile to save up for one.
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
Maybe four years ago. It's basically street photography without having to worry about being punched in the face by everyone.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Buy more gear. Lots of gear. People will discourage you from being a gearfag and tell you master your craft first. Fuck that. I'm going to keep it real and say buy more gear.
>>8858816
You're an idiot. Female photographers can hit on you too BAKA
In fact you probably have a better chance of being molested by a woman photographer than a male, because you're under the impression you feel safer. For all you know the woman photog could be gay or bi
Oh honey, lemme fix so and so, and here you are letting them adjust your bust, sticking your bra back into your outfit, and dusting off your ass for example, and you're just thinking, Tee-Hee she's so awesome for helping!
>>8859489
If someone grabs my boobs or ass, regardless of gender, I'm gonna be freaked out. If someone fixes something wrong with my costume, especially if they ask me or tell me first, I'm grateful.
>>8859489
>Oh honey, lemme fix so and so, and here you are letting them adjust your bust, sticking your bra back into your outfit, and dusting off your ass for example, and you're just thinking, Tee-Hee she's so awesome for helping!
Damn female privilege.
They even get to go into women's locker rooms!
>>8859489
I'd still feel more comfortable with a woman doing it for me than a guy doing it for me. It's like wanting a female gyno. You both know what it's like to be a woman.
I'm not trashing male photogs, I'm just saying how it is and I understand this reasoning.
>>8859630
As a male photog, I never understood how a woman could go to a male gyno.
>>8859753
there aren't a lot of female gyno specialists,
so, like cosplay photogs.
>>8859630
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Cameras:
Nikon D600 main; Nikon D60 backup, Samsung Note 5 selfies / groupies
Love my D600. Most affordable and flexible full frame DSLR out there. D60 doesn't autofocus with my lenses and is not so good in low light, but I can still take a hell of a shot with it.
Lenses:
Nikkor 85mm 1.4D and 70-210mm f/4D (portraits); Nikkor 50mm 1.4D, 35-135mm 3.5-5.6D, and 28-80mm f3.3-5.6G (full length and atmospheric shots); Vivitar 28-70mm and 70-210mm manual focus film lenses (rarely use them now, have them for backup and for video work, since they're extra sharp).
The 85mm 1.4D is god-mode glass Extra-sharp. The 70-210 f/4D is also pretty sharp. I most likely will only use those two, with the 50mm, during Katsucon.
Lighting:
Nikon SB-800 and Yongnuo YN-460 speedlights; Impact Speedlight Softbox, and Impact umbrella.
I've had some great shoots with this gear, and I can't wait to see what I will do with it with some awesome cosplayers.
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
Only been shooting cosplayers for about a year... to be honest, now I only do it for me. I got into this to make friends, but it's so hard. Much harder than it really should be. So now I only shoot what I want, and try to network and make professional contacts.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
There's nothing really to "get into". Cosplayers are really unsophisticated. Post some photos of your work online, and say you're charging $20 an hour for a shoot at a convention. If you're a female, or a "nice guy" photographer, they literally will not care what your work looks like. If it has recognizable people in it, your shit photography will sell to cosplayers. Shoot everything on Auto, blow out highlights, don't retouch, leave big nasty splotches and acne on their face. They won't care.
>>8859762
But... that seems so obvious a profession for women.
Or does the stereotype of the lecherous gynecologist extend to the lady doctors too? Are they all lesbians?
>>8859781
I think you have a warped understanding of what gyno doctors do... Who said they were lecherous? Women just feel more safe around other women, even if they're gay.
>>8859799
>Women just feel more safe around other women, even if they're gay.
It must suck to live in constant fear of half the population.
I'm glad I don't have to deal with that.
>>8859781
Women know how gross their lady bits can get so they'd rather not have to look at others' until the end of time
>>8859827
If you're not in constant fear of women, you've clearly never dated.
I use a 6D, 7D II, 35mm ART, 85mm 1.2 and the 70-200 2.8 IS II. I love taking Pictures of cosplayers. It`s so easy and now i have many friends in the Scene.
What i find a pity is that in the USA you have great cosplayer but realy bad Locations. The next con i atend in 2 weeks is located next to that. I haven`t see a con with a better Location
>>8856817
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Can EOS 6D. I have 4 lenses, one of which is a prime one. It's pretty decent compared to others and prime lenses make any kind of shit look appealing as long as you get a good angle.
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
Started last year but only actually shoot at 5 events so far. Used to cosplay but I realized I'm better at taking photos and I've lost the motivation to cosplay years ago but still love the hobby. I love the fact that I can walk around easily and appreciate great costumes around, I get to know new people and have new friends.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Smile.
Ask permission.
Compliment their costumes or some part of their costumes but dont do that if the costume is shit because that's just lying and they'll know.
Ask them to do different poses if needed by instructing them.
Do NOT touch them without permission! If you're a short, cute female that's dressed normally and dont reek of freak or weaboo then you would probably get away with it.
Lighting is your friend, always direct them to a good source of light.
Don't post unflattering photos.
Retouch minor facial flaws like acne or pimples.
Shoot in RAW
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Nikon d3200 with a 50mm and 18-200mm lens
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
I started last year. I got tired of making cosplays but really wanted to get into photography for a couple of years. So i picked it up.
I like to get in contact with new people and also get some good shots out of it.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Still learning myself. But I would not reccoment getting photography for money/fame. Atleast around here, nobody is willing to pay for cosplay photography
>>8857080
Um you know there is a thing called professional photographers. You know they don't exclusively just shoot cosplayers you know.
>>8856817
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Fuji XT-1 with the 18-55 2.8-4 and 55-200. It replaced my Nikon D200 which died out on me 2 years ago in the middle of photoshoot. Had a back up D40 but still...
Best thing about the XT-1 is that it's light as hell for the kind of camera it is.
>>8856817
I use a Canon 40D.My only grumbles are the ISO only goes to 3200 with expansion, and while I can unlock live view, it's a bit clunky.My lenses are a 1.8 50mm Prime, an 18-55 zoom, a 28-105mm lens with macro, and a 55-250mm telephoto zoom, I first started with a DSLR at a benefit shoot for Sloss Furnace Museum in Birmingham Alabama, on March 2013.What I like the most about it, is getting pics of the cool cosplays people come up with , and getting to hang out with my fellow geeks.The advice I'd give is to get out there and start taking pics, and to start learning how to work with the manual settings so you can master the exposure triangle(Aperture, Shutter speed, and ISO) so you have more control over the final image and can balance all three elements for better pictures.
>>8858709
Does anyone have any recommendations for a good/cheap beginners Flash?
>>8865184
Yongnuo
Sorry to derail but cosplayer/lolita here. I've recently started getting more serious about making my own costumes/outfits and now I'm looking into getting nice photos taken. Where do you recommend I look for togs or what togs to book? I'm completely lost on the whole process of where to look for togs since I'm really new to all this.
>>8865257
You should probably mention where you are located if you want recommendations of local folks.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Canon D60 and a Rebel for 'risky shit' like the Lazy river at Colossal. I started with my rebel, and i'm super fond of how light it is in comparison, but I know it's entry level shit. It's the one i'll be less upset about if I drop it.
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
Started about 3 years ago. I was my cosplay friend-group's photo-bitch, but then people started asking if they could do private shoots too, and if they could toss me some cash for my time. It covers my con costs, as well as money for some fun at the bar.
I really love getting to shoot nostalgic shit, and couples. I'm a cosplayer myself, and someone who loves sappy fanfic, so wow do I like recreating things and getting couples nice shots together.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
If you're not having fun, you're overworking yourself. Make sure you stop for breaks, and don't let a cosplayer with a shitty attitude discourage you.
.... And I ought to follow my own advice, but, don't let cosplayers walk all over you either. I'm a tiny 4ft11 girl who has a hard time saying no, but man, a pushy cosplayer can leave a sour taste in your mouth all afternoon. Don't put up with bullshit.
>>8864094
Is the whole photo made out of noise? It looks like it.
>>8865351
He's using a 40D. That is old, reliable, but my god I upgraded after using that for a 7D mk ii because I had the funds and I had used the old thing for 4 years (so it is like going from a 1989 crown vic to a 2016 Dodge Charger SRT for car analogy).
Photoshop/lighroom question. So is it ethical to use spot removal to remove pimples/belmishes? I am using it on a basic (free shoot since I am not on the level of some pros at least on the east coast, but I'm sure I could probally do some shot in the midwest). I loved my client, but I saw the blemishes and removed them since I want them to look good. Is that bad?
>>8864094
Are you me from another dimension?
Also, I side upgraded, went sony ful frame for wider shots (the sensor size as much as /p/ says otherwise matters if you want to get huge groups in one shot without distortion, its physic, and the depth of field.
>>8865523
It's good. I do it all the time. Just make sure it doesn't end up looking like she/he has weird solid spots of wrong colored flesh on his/her skin so you might want to check the opacity.
>>8865523
A light touch is okay. Don't resurface their entire face like you're waxing a car.
Consider the difference between misrepresenting something, and lying about something. Probably not the best comparison, but I'm trying to emphasize "touching up" versus "complete resurfacing".
>>8865184
Flashpoint are pretty high quality and much cheaper than most official flashes. Plus it has an external battery which is dope.
>>8865351
It was getting late in the afternoon and I had to crank the ISO up quite a bit. I'd love to upgrade to a 70D, but can't afford to at the moment.
>>8865257
If you're in Alabama, I'd be happy to do a shoot for you. I've got a Facebook page under this name,so message me there if you want me to do a shoot for you.
Nikon D2x choice of Samyang 85mm, Nikkor 50mm, or Tokina 11-16mm (it really depends on what i plan on shot at that moment)
I started shooting back in 2012, and i normally do photography for KamiCon in Birmingham, AL. I absolutely love sharing creative ideas with cosplayers and seeing the progression that a lot of cosplayers go thru from year to year!
1. Don't be afraid to ask a cosplayer for a photo. A lot of cosplayers love getting their photo made and it also helps you to get your own work out to the public. if the cosplayer likes your work unedited, then they are more likely to mention you to their friends throughout the weekend.
2. as far as people paying for shoots... you can set up shoots before you get to the con, but don't count on it to be everything at the con. I usually offer up my services and if they like it, then i'll ask them to pay what they feel is fair for the session, and if not then they can have the photo for free, but if you provide amazing work then they'll 9/10 times give you money for the session! You have to keep in mind that people going to the cons plan on buying swag, and photos of themselves does not automatically make the list of things to buy at the con. So if you are confident in the product you provide and have the skills to back it up, then you'll most likely get lumped into con goers spending budget.
3. Scout your locations!!! I usually around with my 50mm to check out some locations and get settings for that specific location. This works great when you find amazing cosplays and want to see it against a certain back ground.
4. bring a friend to hold reflectors and help with your workflow. a great assistant can really help with your photos, seeing that they set cosplayers at ease when shooting.
>>8856817
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Nikon D610. Nikkor 20 2.8, 50 1.4G, 70-200 2.8. Sigma Art 35 1.4, Rokinon 85 1.4. Nikon Speedlights, Calumet Monolights, Lastolite and Chimera softboxes.
I used to have a D3S (was shooting sports as a day job back then) and a 24-70 2.8, both of which I sold when I got out of sports photography.
>>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
I first shot cosplay in '08, some cosplayer friends from Japan visited the US and wanted to do a shoot while they were here. I didn't really become a "cosplay photographer" until '09 though, when I started dating my ex-GF, who is a cosplayer. (I was a cosplayer myself before that, and also a photographer, but not one who shot cosplay.)
I like meeting and working with new people, and getting to do a style of photography that's very different from what I do professionally. I also really enjoy the positive reactions I get when I deliver photos. It's been a while since it's happened, but I also love when my work gets published overseas.
>>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Start with the basics of exposure, lighting, and composition. Don't try to do crazy, flashy photos right off the bat, and don't worry too much about gear.
The cosplayer is priority number one in the photo. Making sure they look good is paramount, and comes before everything else. This might be more of a personal preference, but my order of importance is face > costume/body > everything else.
Learn how lenses affect the look of a photo. I run into so many people who think zooming is just a way to frame a shot from a given distance. The same head and shoulders portrait looks strikingly different if shot with a 35, an 85, or a 200.
Don't think a camera is a ticket to get laid. Don't push cosplayers into situations that make them uncomfortable. Never forget that this community is tight-knit and loves gossip.
I know photogs are nervous about touching the cosplayers, but I personally appreciate it a lot when they move parts for you (eg. tilting your face, turning your hand). In my mind, the pose I'm doing is great, but I have no idea if it's being captured correctly in the shot and sometimes when they direct me verbally, I end up turning too much or making it look even worse. As long as they're not outright fondling me, I really appreciate the help of looking my best in shots.
>>8857851
Guilty as charged, I'm afraid.
I've considered charging, but I like the freedom to choose who I shoot with, and the relaxed attitude I can take to it because of being a free photog. Charging here in CA would mean shooting with a lot of cosplayers that I honestly don't feel that I could make look good enough.
I also have trouble getting over the fact that I'd be doing at least the same amount of work as my day job, but for a fraction of the rate.
I would also, recommend, not touching the cosplayer unless you ask them first. Some are fine, but others find it incredibly rude to just grab especially their face and point it in a direction.
It's very easy to direct someone on how to pose if you know how to do it properly. (reenacting the pose, using hand gestures to direct their gaze or where to face their body)
Anyone wants to post Cosplay photography that inspires their work?
I'm having a hard time finding cosplay photographers, that I like. Most of the ones that I found are either shopped to hell or plain boring.
>>8861156
Touche.
>>8863351
I mean, I wouldn't use my 5000 dollar camera to shoot cosplay because of shutter wear, risk of accidental drops / damage, loss, etc. People who shoot professionally know that their gear is their living. To fuck that up over a cosplay shoot worth 20 dollars an hour is not smart.
If I had another decent camera body, I would use that for cosplay instead of my full frame.
Can we please destroy the trend of beta male photogs taking selfies with their clients/cosplayers they shoot with? I am so sick of seeing their fucking faces after each shoot as if they actually think they're attractive when they're at most a 5/10. Quit it. Singling out this guy although he isn't the only one guilty, I hate his fucking face.
>>8868090
What if the cosplayer takes a selfie with the photog?
I usually prefer not being selfied and I wouldn't take my phone out to do that shit (it seems more self centered than I'd like it to be) but I can't really say no when the cosplayer wants to. Feels weird and impersonal.
>>8857006
I know that "making money" is subjective to each person, so what I see as $$ someone else might not. But I made over a 2grand profit at Katsucon, adore my clients, and spend 0 time networking with other photogs/socializing with the scene. I think there's a big misunderstanding that you have to do XYZ to make money or be respected as a photog. You have to do XYZ if you want to be more well-known and climb up the shitty bottomfeeding brown-nosing latter of popularity, but if you just want to make clients happy and make good money, then do good work, and work hard. It's great money for 4 days of work, not counting edits after (which takes a while).
>>8868079
I've always had a hard on for those Asian photographers on worldcosplay. I don't even know their names, but they just seem to have that certain ubiquitous style. Or maybe it's just because the cosplayers they're shooting are fucking gorgeous that makes their photos great, I dunno.
>>8868093
I mean, that's different. But I see it's definitely a trend with male photographers doing this kind of shit and filling their feed with their faces that look like someone ran them over with a brick
I shoot with a 6D, main lenses are a 50 1.4mm sigma and a 24-105mm canon L lens. Usually shoot with natural light (mainly because I suck at lighting) I dont charge for photoshoots. I dont see myself yet because I think I still have a long way to go in terms of quality control.
I really want to get an 85mm and a 70-200mm They look fun to shoot with.
>>8868102
That face has been manipulated to hell, look at the warping in the hair around the nose
>>8868111
pugoffka is great. god level photog and post editing
>>8868104
They can post whatever they want. If you don't like it, don't visit their page.
>>8868116
destroy the trend, ty
>>8868112
Shooping doesn't bother me that much. I still like the overall feel of the composition. Just my personal preference I guess.
>>8868105
What lens did you take this with?
>>8868130
the sigma 50 1.4
>>8868133
Dat bokeh is nice as hell. Got any more photos?
The easy way for halfway good photos is bokeh. Bokeh everywhere
>>8868145
http://worldcosplay.net/member/45149/photographer/photos
I use a fuji x100t
Trying to figure out how much shooping I wanna do and how to get better at composition. I went to far with this one.
What focal length do you guys typically use to take hallway shots in crowded areas? I'm a poorfag trying to decide what lens I should invest in for cosplay related stuff. I'm leaning toward the 85 mm 1.2L ii, 50 mm 1.2L or the 135 2L. I'm shooting with a 50 mm right now and it's fairly comfortable on a full frame camera, but it doesn't have as much of a shallow depth of field as the 85 mm. 85 mm is my first choice, but shooting with a 50 mm of crop I can already tell it's going to feel awkward in crowded areas, but it's the most expensive. 135 is relatively cheap compared to the other two, and I heard it was the sharpest Canon lens, but I'm not sure if it would be even usable at all at conventions.
>>8868166
When I had a 5d I used an 85mm 1.8 or borrowed a friend's 70-200 2.8
>>8868159
>that bird
>>8868159
thats a good photo man. got a site?
>>8868090
Ugh, selfless are just the thing for these little kids posing as cosplay photographers though. The other guilty party is the older adults trying to think they're still kids
>>8868152
Neat stuff.
>>8868178
Nope I just post all my shit on fb, dont have a lot of photos anyway
>>8868166
You're looking at the worst lenses for crowded areas short of a super telephoto. They are good portrait lenses but not for your proposes. It's a pure physics thing. You want shallow dof you need a large aperture, a high focal length, and to have a lot of distance between background and your subject. The last two need room and the first only goes so far without the third
>>8868159
that is nice but is the cosplayer supposed to be flicking me right off mate
>>8868173
>>8868278
Haha that's my only regret is that I didn't notice that she looked like she was flipping us off. Well at least I got this shop going for it
>>8868397
i smirked. better than the original. lmao
>>8868397
forgot the blunt
4/10.
Someone's offering to sell me a Canon 5D Mk III, along with a high end lens and 600 EX flash.
That's far more of a camera than I need, but my SLR is over a decade old, and he's offering the kit at more than half off list price - but still double what I was planning to pay for a new camera body.
Is it worth it?
>>8870063
yes
>>8870076
Though I suppose I can save my old body for when I'm planning to take photographs in rough places.
>>8870063
Check prices on canonpricewatch, ebay and keh.
>>8870063
How much is it and what lens?
>>8868090
UV is so scummy. He ditched our paid shoot to shoot with cosfamous instead.
>>8870076
From experience the 5d3 will take a beating. Other cosplay photographers give me shit about it. It's a camera not a piece of tissue paper.
>>8868166
I don't really do random hallway shots, but when forced to work in a relatively confined area, I use either 85 or a 70-200 (on FF). I had to do that on the last day of ALA when it was raining and a few of my booked shoots still wanted to try shooting, and I didn't have any problem getting them into frame with my 85.
85 will be kind of iffy on a crop camera, though, and I definitely wouldn't try to use 135. (85 will be great for isolating your subject from a busy background if you can find enough room to get 10-15 feet away from them, though.) The 135 will be excellent for actual shoots outdoors if you do them, but it's not what comes to mind when I think of a hallway shot lens.
>>8870875
he really thinks he's so attractive too, when he looks like an inbred matt smith
>>8857031
Haha, 300mm 2.8, I know who you are. Hope you are digging the new lens!
>>8871251
I'd say go for it. 5D3 with a 24-70 is an excellent all-around setup, and will last quite a long time. If you're shooting demonstrations you'll probably want to get a 70-200 at some point, and some primes would be nice for cosplay and the like, but you couldn't ask for much better than a 5D3+24-70 as a "starting" camera setup.
>>8857031
>I use a Nikon D4 and a 300mm f2.8 and a 200mm f2.
Oh, were you at ALA? I think I talked to you for a second.
>>8871251
Yeah that's a pretty sweet set up I say go for it. I still like my 5dmk3 and would love to have a 24-70 with it but for now im just having fun with the fuji
West Coast Photographer.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Nikon D750, a variety of lenses. i Pack lighter for cons, but I have a studio as well, but I don't bring all my strobes to cons.
I do shoots outside of cons though.
I love the ergonomics of Nikon and Full-frame is $$$$
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
I was photographing before cosplay photography, but my first con was in 2006. Cosplayers are a wonderful subject to explore more creative facets of photography. It's not very common, without a lot of involvement and money/time that you can have such a talented craft and model to explore options with.
Cosplayers and photographers have a symbiotic relationship.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
I'd suggest that you use an entry level DSLR and read the ENTIRE instruction booklet and learn Shutter speed, ISO, Depth of Field and every function of your camera. Once you learn your tool to it's fullest capabilities, then you can look into more gear, or gear upgrades.
You are basically paying for more options with your tool when you upgrade. What would be the point in the upgrade of a higher end body if you can't even use a basic model to it's full extent.
Once you learn that, you can use any camera.
East Coast motherfuck, used to do small scale fashion and portrait photo before moving on to video production. Still shoot stills as a hobby.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
Canon 60D with a tamron 17-50 f/2.8, and an offbrand manual speedlite with a DIY foam lightscoop. Used to shoot exclusively with an old manual 50mm f/1.4 but it wasn't flexible enough for run-and-gun work. The lens is a probuy for anyone who is looking for good midrange constant-aperture glass on a budget and the lightscoop is, to me, an absolute necessity for using flash on the run without it looking awful.
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
Started when I was 20 and hitting up otakon and the local quote scene unquote in Bumfuck Delaware. I got into doing hallsnaps because I liked the idea of street photography but there's no fucking way to do it in my area, and even though I don't partake myself I love cosplay. It was basically an intersection of multiple interests for me. Even though I've done full shoots on my day job I've never done it for cosplay, because I refuse to do it for free out of professional pride but don't feel right charging ever since I lost my portfolio and thus can't show my previous work.
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
Don't try to "get into" cosplay photography. Get into photography and do cosplay as a part of that.
Whoever is answering questions and giving tips, post a fucking photo you've taken. You can talk all you want, but your results may be garbage.
>>8871404
I get where you're coming from, but the problem for a lot of us is that our photos are of cosplayers who'd probably prefer not to be posted on /cgl/ any more than necessary.
I could post some of my non-cosplay stuff, but it wouldn't do much good because it's not fashion or anything.
Can someone PLEASE post some links that would help a newfag out with lighting? I have a great port for natural light, but I tried my hand recently at external lighting with speedlites and I just. am so lost. I have two speedlites and a Canon 7D which doesnt require a remote trigger to set off the flashes, so right now I don't need one. I'm having a lot of trouble understanding flash zooms and power ratios wrt aperture/ISO. most of the articles i've looked up are confusing... can some1 halp w/ links etc
>>8871415
http://strobist.blogspot.com/
Also, I recommend finding a friend whose willing to trade a few points off their vision in return for dinner to use as a testing dummy for learning the power, range, and spread of your flashes. Reading is one thing, doing is another.
>>8871353
That I was, I love talking to cosplayers and photographers. I hope you had a great time like I did.
>>8871460
Most of the cosplayers I know are very negative about /cgl/, and would probably give me shit if they knew I posted here at all. (Of course, I'm pretty sure THEY all come on here too, and just don't admit it.)
ALA was the first con I've shot in a few years and I'm still editing photos, maybe I'll post some after I've finished them and delivered them to the cosplayers.
>>8871415
Strobist is a decent suggestion.
I also really like Joe McNally's flash books. They're not as much about technical stuff, more just a whole bunch of examples of setups he's done, and it really helps understand various setups and gives you lots of ideas.
Some basic stuff, though - get softboxes, or at least umbrellas. You should never be lighting people with direct flash except in very specific situations that you shouldn't be trying to do yet. With softboxes, you can pretty much just leave the flashes at full wide and not worry about zoom.
When it comes to aperture, ISO, and shutter speed, it's pretty straightforward. As a general rule, aperture and ISO affect how bright the parts of your photo that the flash hits will be. Wider aperture/higher ISO, brighter subject. Shutter speed affects how bright the parts that the flash DOESN'T hit are - so, say you're shooting at night, you can pretty much make the background brighter or darker without affecting your subject, just by tweaking shutter speeds.
As for learning how to balance your two flashes, and how to set them up, the best solution is experience. Find a friend who'll let you practice on them, and just go ham, the great thing about digital is that you get instant results. Read up on Key and Fill lights and apply what you find as you practice.
>>8871473
Yeah, I had a lot of fun at this ALA. It was nice being at a location where there was actually room to do shoots.
I only said hi for a minute and asked about your 200/2 haha, I imagine you were probably the only guy out there with one.
>>8870875
Even I wouldn't be that dumb. If I wanted to shoot with someone who was cosfamous, I'll do so after I'm finished with the previous shoot.
I see this being an issue with most photographers here due to wanting to capture, almost, everyone in cosplay, yet singling out the best people will make a huge difference.
As for me, I shoot with a Canon Rebel T5i with the 18-55 mm IS lens & 18-135 mm IS lens over in Maryland where I've also shot selected models in studios and at photography meet and greets. Been shooting since 2006, but got more serious around the 2010s.
>>8871661
You'll never be anything unless you put your stuff out there.
>>8872918
out there doesn't equal cgl
>>8873089
pussy
>>8873427
I wouldn't wish cgl on my worst enemy
https://youtu.be/Dhpy77SGPZ4
"Girls of Katsucon"
so now photog / videographers don't try anymore to act like they're coming cuz they like cosplay whatever the gender and shit ?
>>8875212
SPEAK FUCKING ENGLISH.
>>8866078
Man, I've had a client once who was really hesitent on letting me touch them. I understand not all people like to be touched, but when i'd tell him to move his hand a slight bit, he would move it greatly. It was pretty painful to get through and doubled the expected amount of time to shoot.
>>8875436
Excuse me, I speak retard.
"So now photographers don't even try and hide that they're only here for the girls?"
>>8875455
Guys usually aren't very Tumblr, that's why I love it when I get to shoot with a great guy cosplayer. But it sucks when they're awkward too. You have to just direct them to move very slowly, and pause them when they get to the right spots.
>>8875457
Why are you so hostile to the fact that guys want to see attractive, half-naked girls? Like, you seem to really be offended by this. Welcome to human nature.
>>8858333
trips tells truth
>>8859753
Typically because they have no choice bc insurance a shit
>>8871532
Great tips. Direct flash is awful, either on camera and sometimes even off camera, because it always makes wigs look shinier than they are.
>take photos at Katsucon
>feel like I've taken some of the best photos I've ever taken in my life and that I'm actually improving
>take photos a week later at MAGfest
>everything looks like shit, maybe one or two photos worth posting
Fucking why.
>>8859753
I have a male gyno and a nurse always accompanies them anyway. Going to the gyno is an unpleasant experience regardless, the few times I've used a woman one has been no different.
>>8868090
UV and Mineralblu are the worst at this
Most of the new guys on the scene want to charge an arm and leg for shoots and kiss ass hard to get into the Cosplay Illuminati
why are the east coast togs so pissy with sniping. nobody gives a fuck on the west.
>>8878678
probably afraid someone might give their client a better photo than them for free
>>8878678
whats sniping?
>>8878817
one of two things usually
1) shooting while someone else is shooting one on one with a model. kind of like you're a poacher, i guess
2) shooting someone from afar
>>8878678
There were some trying to block out Nigri's group on Saturday
>>8878678
Distracting the model/cosplayer. Older cosplayers are better with attention, but newbies can be easily distracted by a hoard of photographers.
Stealing the same shots/setup. You can recreate it later if you want, but do try to lineup your camera the same time as the photographer.
Worried about a sniper giving a better photo than the photog shooting, especially if paid for.
Wanting to be the first and/or having an exclusive photo.
>>8879000
>Distracting the model/cosplayer. Older cosplayers are better with attention, but newbies can be easily distracted by a hoard of photographers.
good photographer should learn how to direct
>Stealing the same shots/setup. You can recreate it later if you want, but do try to lineup your camera the same time as the photographer.
no two photos are the same. learn better lighting technique.
>Worried about a sniper giving a better photo than the photog shooting, especially if paid for.
grow a pair
>Wanting to be the first and/or having an exclusive photo.
quality. not speed
>>8878823
>>8879000
That kinda happened to me and made me SO upset. I was shooting with a friend and making a very specific pose that would only work from the angle she was shooting me. Suddenly bunch of photographers surrounded us and started taking pictures from all sorta directions.
Later I saw the pictures at their pages and almost cried, I look AWFUL, wasn't even looking at the camera and my body was in this weird position.
Now I know what happened, didn't know it was common.
>>8879715
Stop talking like you know shit. You sound like a fucking idiot with no experience.
>>8879762
i have been shooting cosplay for five years. why so salty? I bet you're one of the east coast lame togs.
Martin Wong wants to start a cosplay photographers union to fight the injustices of the industry.
>>8880017
what does that even mean?
>>8879949
Ooh, shooting cosplay for 5 years. wow.
>>8878678
I'm not East Coast, but what bothers me about sniping is that some of these guys will shoot right over my shoulder and take advantage of my direction, and then release mediocre unedited photos a week or two before I can get my final products out. Even though my stuff is usually vastly better than what the snipers put up, I still don't like having my thunder stolen, and on a few occasions I've had people imply that I was "ripping off" whichever sniper posted the photos first, which pisses me the fuck off.
>>8880212
OMFG THIS
This is why I advocate so heavily that "photographers" who are so new that they openly advertise that they're "just learning", should be ASSISTING the better photographers in the community.
That way they can learn EXACTLY what goes into making a great shot, can learn angles and direction, and can ask questions right on the spot.
>>8880212
This honestly can't happen... right? People legitimately can't be this retarded.
>>8880559
People can be what they want to be, who are you to tell them that they can't be that stupid?!
>>8857326
Katsucon is one more time. If photographers want to be compensated then they should be.
Virtually all photographers do this for fun. It's also work. Do you make free cosplays for other ppl just for "fun." I bet the answer is "never."
>>8880559
>>8880464
>>8880212
A simple example that has happened to me was setting up a cosplay shoot outside of a con. My girlfriend was assisting and taking behind the seen photos.
As I was closer to the cosplayer, framing up a pose and checking everything on camera, she was shooting with a telephoto behind me of the cosplayer. Which was fine with me.
However, when we were done that night and home looking at the photos, I commented on mine saying which were my favorite shots. She saw she had a sniped shot of one of my favorites and posted it online. No big deal, right?
Well, the cosplayer saw it before I shared mine, shared it with her fans, and got it hyped up and was also shared with news outlets related with the cosplay.
It was an amateur. sniped photo and sub-par from my shot. That's just an example I wanted to share.
>>8880049
He must be Illuminati
>>8880725
Your analogy doesn't make sense. I'm not saying that photographers shouldn't get compensated for their time (because I sincerely believe that you guys create art, the time and money you put into photography is amazing), but most cosplayers are not getting paid. I make cosplays for myself, for fun, all the time. I would never expect my friends to pay for my hobby. Are you saying you should always charge for every photo you take? That doesn't make sense.
>>8858333
what about the midwest?
>>8881293
avoid soulcrash and you're good.
>>8857354
Candid photography is best photography/
>>8882396
I will never get over how many aspiring photographers I run into who think that going to cons and shooting candids is a good idea.
>>8882467
Yeah, being stupid about candids is the worst way to go about it.
If you're not comfortable and proficient shooting candids on the street, you shouldn't be shooting them at a con.
>>8882467
Nothing wrong with candids at all.
>>8882467
Why?
>>8882467
Candids are fine for convention/event coverage, but aren't cosplay photography
>>8882467
Don't be that guy. Saw an Asian with glasses getting into people's faces during Katsucon and MagFest. His photos are unflattering.
>>8879715
>no two photos are the same. learn better lighting technique.
You're an idiot. I've seen snipers try to line up the exact shot, even going as far as putting the lens right next to the core photographer's camera. Some itches will try to snipe your exact shot, just look at Just Cosplay/Blue Shell. Fucking idiot will even go so far as announce he's trying to snipe your shot sometimes
>>8882694
Ah, an Asian with glasses. You should have reported him to con staff.
>>8882886
Wise. Even worse, he might be a cis-hetero-male, too. We don't need THOSE types about.
>>8882886
which one? lol
>>8882670
>>8882617
Go talk to some cosplayers about it.
I used to date one, and for a week or two after every con it'd be endless rage from her and her friends as unflattering candids started popping up. Not only do cosplayers hate candids because they're often from angles and stuff that they don't like, but at least 50% of the ones that would appear of my ex after a con would be shots of her looking derpy as fuck in the middle of talking, blinking, eating, or whatever else, and what in the hell possessed the photographers to edit and post them anyway is beyond me.
(Actually, I can come up with a theory there, she and some of her friends were pretty well-known, and a lot of those guys probably posted the photos even though they were shit just to have a photo of a "famous" cosplayer on their stream and be able to tag her.)
>>8883199
>it'd be endless rage from her and her friends as unflattering candids started popping up.
Simple solution. Don't post unflattering candids.
It makes the photographer look incompetent, too.
>>8883199
behold the destructive powers of the guy with camera. no ability to self cull (or desire) and the timing and capabilities of a dslr to have as many shitty photos as possible
>>8883211
We get shit for their indiscretions.
>>8883203
tell that to Michael Garica, cosplayer's worst nightmare
>>8883261
>Michael Garica
Who's that? Spill.
>>8883276
he took crotch and butt shots at katsucon this year.
Speaking of shoulder snipers, I've actually had cases where guys have come up behind me and "stolen" my lighting, either by peeking my CLS settings and setting their own cameras to trigger my flashes, or in one case by blasting on motor drive in the hopes that they'd get a shot as the flash went off. (I told that guy to fuck off almost immediately, but he still managed to get a shot and post it the day after the con.)
>>8883352
...and posted them online?
>>8883364
Posted them on the main Katsu Photography FB group. He was proud.
>>8883367
Dumbass. Was there blowback?
It does make sense. Photography is no different than doing cosplay commissions. It's service which is being provided to those who want it. If you want my service and I have no interest in shooting you then a fee will be required. It's as simple as that.
>>8857851
worlds smallest violin, bro, East coast 4 life.
>>8880464
The egos from what I hear and boards like this are absurd, and who the hell wants to assist some random jerk.
>>8856817
7dmarkII/A7. 16-35f/4 for the a7 (sony please release a G Master 16-35), and the d7mark II gets a 17-70 2.8-4 and I have a 17-55 2.8 (and a 50mm)
I'm a military photographer first landscape guy second, cosplay was something I do to interact with people/nerd out
Also, is it bad that I don't see why people like working with super famous people, my best/most liked work is all with these random nobodies, because there is no pressure/expectations?
>>8883211
I fight them off like insects. None of them know the source material and are all new to the scene acting buddy buddy to close friends I've known since school days, every convention they make everyone feel uncomfortable, I've seen people quit because of careless canids being spammed. They still slap their watermark on every fucking picture. No editing beyond that, and rake in the free passes while continuing to abuse the system. If they get into legal trouble they change conventions and blame it on the "haters".
They do get in the way of real photographers, which is why photography gets competitive, not just in the cosplay communities either.
>>8883552
/k/ here
what kind of stuff do you shoot?
>>8883567
Millspec shit, ships, airshows, that sort of thing.
>>8883558
Legal trouble? Oh god what.
>>8883352
Crotch shots as in a photo focus on nothing but the crotch? As in just a crotch with no face? Help me understand because this sounds stupid as fuck. How does that even turn someone on?
>>8883712
No one is explaining shit to a virgin.
>>8883477
Yup! Tons of people reported photos to Google, and some have been removed. Wish I had seen the butt shot that seems to get mentioned the most, but meh
>>8883552
People aim for the cosfamous because they hope to be shared by them if they get a good photo. The chance is low, as no one pays attention to captions and who took the photo, but they still hope for some traffic thrown their way to their pages or whatever.
>>8883917
>Wish I had seen the butt shot that seems to get mentioned the most, but meh
Surely some kind soul will post it in this thread for it's educational value?
>>8883712
If you're trolling you need to work on your baiting skills
>>8883712
Crotch shots, because he was apparently with a designer who wanted close up photos to see how the seems in the costumes looked, or so he says
>>8883925
Second. I also would like to see these examples. For research
>>8884000
They're talking about it in the Katsucon photo thread, go look there.
>>8884016
I'm going to be racist and say I expected a fat 20 something Latino
>>8884104
Everything you still see in the album is what not to do plus the things already mentioned. I bet he is so bad at photography he'd mess up taking a selfie
>>8884123
Some of them are halfway descent.
No one would mistake him for a professional, but his real sin was posting his entire roll of pictures, instead of only posting the best ones.
>>8884129
If they're decent it's because he accidentally pressed the shutter release at the right time and not a conscious act of timing.
Did everyone see this going around? Alexandria the Red shared it today. Anyone have any experience with this guy? Or anything similar with a different photographer?
>>8884858
In this post:
WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!
I hate it when these girls take to Facebook with these smear campaigns. If you didn't like the things someone was doing / saying to you, then why didn't you say something AT THE TIME?
Fuck, how hard is it to say, "Please don't touch me while I'm nude"? Or, "You really shouldn't be showing me these girls' nudes this way"?
>inb4 whistleblowing
All we have is this girl's word that these things happen, and girls have been known to occasionally not tell the truth.
>>8884858
Vendetta or victim?
>>8884858
I touch the models with permission and keep photos on my phone. If the model said not to, or if I overstep my boundaries on accident, I would expect them to say so.
When I have photos on my phone, it's usually because someone asked for an example of work and then save it instead of looking for it again next time.
I don't really understand the point of her post.
>>8884934
Also to add to this apparently he has been professional with her for years. And suddenly this smear campaign?
This feels more like a vendetta than truth desu. but he could as well have been a douche.
>>8885180
Yeah, but are they nude photos and are you just whipping them out randomly without people asking to look at it? That's what she seems to be implying, that the fauxtog just started showing the photos to her when she didn't want to see them or ask for it.
Yeah, if you're uncomfortable, then say something right then and there. Don't fucking say "I should have said something hours/days/years later," its too late then, and you were just enabling it then, the victim is now the photographers who were lead on, unless they continued trying to make sexy, then it'd be sexual assault/rape after you said no or were uncomfortable.
>>8885280
>>8885180
>I don't really understand the point of her post.
To ruin his life, isn't it obvious?
>>8884934
Where does it say that she didn't tell him to stop, though?
Also:
>girls have been known to occasionally not tell the truth
>people have been known to occasionally not tell the truth
ftfy
>>8885202
Sometimes when you're working with someone over a long period of time and develop a closer professional relationship, you start to think that certain things are appropriate that really are not. I wouldn't be surprised if that's what happened.
I don't know if I agree with her posting it on her facebook, but I don't understand why everyone is so quick to jump on her and call her a liar. Maybe it's because I had a somewhat similar experience, though. One of my work supervisors became inappropriate as hell with me after I'd worked there for a couple of years, and the first thing some of my coworkers said when I brought it to HR was "Oh, well you used to always say he was a great boss!"
Like, yeah, that was before he started commenting on my ass and not so subtly hinting that he'd like to fuck me in the office.
>>8885343
Maybe he just wanted to fuck you all along and you were too dumb to pick up on the signals.
I don't understand nude photography in the context of cosplay.
I mean... 95% of the time it isn't even cosplay anymore lol
>>8885547
You don't understand it because it's being done badly by untalented photographers who just want to get cosplayers naked.
When a really good photographer does cosplay nudes, you'll get it.
>>8885547
It's like classical nude photography with an added bonus.
>>8885547
It is when they're cosplaying strippers
>>8885280
Oh yeah, I was thinking photography in general. That's weird to do otherwise, especially in a cosplay environment.
Photography bump.
>>8890000
Replying for quad zeros
>>8890518
That makes me wonder, what was >8888888 GET?
>>8890670
Shit, you can't delete posts anymore? WTF not?
I meant >>8888888 GET
>>8856841
sakuracon has a recognizable background since its the pnw.
It's the only con I know that has mossy concrete walls and cloudy skies. Everyhwere else is just beige and sunny.
Have any of you guys managed to get usable cosplay photos out of a "secondary" camera - i.e. a mirrorless or compact that you carry at cons when you don't want to tote your DSLR?
I just picked up a Fuji X100 and I'm really interested to see how it does for casual con photography.
>>8891447
I'd never use a compact system for a booking.
If it's just bullshit hall shots, fine. But I don't know of any decent lenses for those systems. And if there were any (plus the lighting systems and other gear you'll need), the weight and portability advantages you get from mirrorless would be negated.
Just bring ya DSLR, faggot.
>>8891453
Yeah, obviously I'm not talking about booked shoots.
I mean those times at con when you're doing your own thing, going to panels or the dealer's hall or out for food, and don't want to lug a DSLR with you. I often run into friends in cosplay and want to grab a few shots, or just see somebody with something really cool, and the previous small cameras I've tried haven't made the cut.
However, I'm actually really impressed by what's come out of my X100 in the few days I've had it. It's got a tack-sharp little 23mm in front of a solid APS-C sensor, so at the least it blows away any entry-level DSLR with a zoom on it, and it's smaller than just my D610 body, much less the D610 with my closest comparable lens on it. (Sigma Art 35/1.4.) I think I might actually be able to get something that's at least facebook-worthy out of it.
>>8891474
You can get great shots out of any camera, if you know the limitations of your gear, and how to work with the existing light.
>>8891447
I've gotten good photos out of my Olympus XZ-1. Sometimes I don't want to be carrying 10lbs on my shoulder all day; I just want something I can slip into my pocket that'll do a better job than my phone.
>>8891483
I get what you're saying, but there's a big difference between "a great shot" and "the shot I want, done well." The less limiting the gear, the more options I have, and it's in that space between a cell phone and a real DSLR that I like having a "casual" camera.
Anyway, though, I really only asked in the first place to try and spur some discussion and keep this thread alive.
>>8891492
>to try and spur some discussion and keep this thread alive.
Just post something controversial, it's much easier.
>>8891498
if sluts don't want me to take pictures of their ass then they shouldn't have their asses hanging out in public. no expectation of privacy, perfectly legal.
if you disagree then call your fucking congressman
>>8891447
I started letting my friends borrow my 5dmk3 while I just take photos with the fuji x100t
>>8868159
is one I took with the fuji
>>8891509
I called him, he said I should send him some of the pictures in question so he can investigate the matter thoroughly.
Can someone please provide? I don't want to let my elected down.
>what gear are you using, how do you like/dislike it?
5d mark 2 with sigma 35mm 1.4 and 85mm
>when did you start photographing/videoing cosplayers? what do you love the most about it?
I just like anime
>any advice for newbies or people looking to get into cosplay photography?
just go out and take picutres, make friends etc
>>8891517
Damn, that's pretty nice. What's your lighting setup for these?
>>8891566
just a flash and umbrella(60inch), with sometimes a second flash in the back.
Anyone use Klout for their social media? I'm curious if other cosplay photographer use it for FB, Instagram and Twitter.
Newbie here, just started attending cons and taking photos last year since it aligned with my existing amateur photography hobby. I just love it based on the interactions with people, which I don't normally get to experience.
>cheap-ass gear
Nikon D7200, Yongnuo 468-II, Nikon DX 35 1.8, Sigma DC 17-50 2.8 OS, Sigma 70-200 2.8 OS, Samyang 85 1.4, Sigma 24 1.4 Art
Cosplay Photographers:
Don't do this.
I just saw this in the Anime Boston groups.
Don't do this.
People will laugh at you.
How often do you all approach a cosplayer for a photoshoot instead of having them come to you?
>>8895567
All the time because California and I only shoot who I want to and that's usually based in what costume they are in
>>8891447
I use an A7, but that is the ultimate in mirrrorless since Sony has Japanese magic (and now with the G Master, it is better than I'd argue the 5dmkIII)
>>8895058
Please crop this.
It looks fine, just, please crop it.
![ill-just-wait-here[1].jpg](https://i.imgur.com/IlDaO8D.jpg "ill-just-wait-here[1].jpg")
>>8895567
If you wait for cosplayers to come to you, then you might as well just never shoot. Beside, the people that ask you to shoot are always the people that you don't want to shoot.
If the cospalyer is good, he/she wouldn't have to ask you, many photographers will be already asking them to shoot.
>>8895567
>>8897220
This. When I find an attractive cosplayer doing a character that I recognize, I ask them if we can go outside and do a shoot. If you're waiting for cosplayers to ask you, it's either gonna be a friend (at the con) or a novice cosplayer that you probably don't wanna shoot (they would probably ask you before the con).
