With the popularity of cosplay always increasing, cosplay photography is also quickly gaining popularity. It’s an exciting and rewarding niche. If you’re wondering how to get started with cosplay photography, then this article may come in handy.




Network

First off, you have to network. Networking is essential in any area of photography you do. Look on Facebook for cosplay meetups in your area. These are typically photoshoots, and they are great networking opportunities. You can build your portfolio, as well as converse and make friends with cosplayers and other photographers.

You can also volunteer at your local anime and pop culture convention. This is a great way to network. You can make friends with cosplayers who may not be so local, which is a great way to get your foot in the door to another market area. A lot of conventions offer a free weekend pass if you volunteer, although you will probably have to cover your own hotel room.




Research the Characters

There is a ton of anime out there, and what others enjoy you may not. That’s why you should always research a character if you don’t know who they are or what they’re from. Even if you do, refresh your memory. That way you can plan out the poses and get the best possible images.

If a cosplayer is dressing up as an OC (original character), ask detailed questions. Get a feel for their character. Not only will the cosplayer appreciate that you asked, but you’ll also get some amazing images.

Learn Photoshop

A lot of the characters people cosplay are from fantasy and dystopian worlds. If you can find a location that matches the theme of the cosplay, great! If you can find a location free of any distracting elements, even better!

However, most of the time you will have people walking around or a car in the way. In extreme cases, you may not be able to find a location that fits the character at all. This is where the removal of a background in photoshop can come in handy.

Likewise, if a cosplayer is dressing up as a character who is supposed to have magic, one word comes to mind. Photoshop. Learning how to create an energy ball or lightning bolts will make the photo, and the cosplayer, look that much cooler.



Equipment

All you need is a camera and a flash with a diffuser! You can really do a lot with a little. Especially if you’re on a shoestring budget. I would recommend getting a light dome if you have your flash on camera. That way you don’t get harsh shadows.

If you want to go all out, however, I would recommend getting yourself a couple of battery powered strobes and some colored gels. Those will take your cosplay photography to a whole other level.

Have Fun

Lastly, if you want to be an amazing cosplay photographer, you have to remember this simple rule. Have fun. Cosplay photography is a unique niche and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best niche to be in. The people are amazing and they don’t take themselves too seriously. Joke around, make funny faces, don’t be afraid to act silly. If you do, you’re bound to get some awesome, genuine reactions from the cosplayer, and those are the best photos.