Cosplayers are not animals and cons are not zoos
After posting about people not being entitled to photos of cosplayers, many have shared stories about the uncomfortable feeling of others taking candid photos, or being rude by taking photos without asking.
It’s true that many cosplayers love having their photos taken! Some are even thirsty for it (I’m looking at you Keen.) But there are many who cosplay to just dress up and are inherently uncomfortable being photographed. There are also many cosplayers who are minors, and their guardians may, or may not be comfortable having their children’s photos taken either.
There is also strict difference between someone coming up and asking nicely for a photo, and someone coming up with their cellphone to snap a shot and then just walking away. Even worse are the people who get caught, and their snarky reply tends to be ‘well don’t dress up then.’
Cosplayers are people.
They are not animals in nature for you to document.
Cosplayers have the right to turn down a photo.
They also have the right to be uncomfortable getting their photo taken.
How uncomfortable would you be if someone came up with a camera at the grocery store, snapped your face, and walked away? Would you be more uncomfortable if said photo was taken when you were eating, relaxing, or just walking somewhere? Welcome to the every con-day life of a cosplayer who can be treated like animals at cons.
So how can everyone enjoy cosplay, cons, and photography together? By thinking of some simple ways to be courteous to others!
Ask the cosplayer(s) for a photo
“Hi there, I like your costume, may I snap a couple photos?”
This is a great way to open up if said person is comfortable with having their photo taken. Again- not all cosplayers like being photographed, and not all cosplayers are adults. You’re also 400% more likely to get a much better photo if the cosplayer is posed for it. If they say no? Continue on with your con, I bet you got shit to do.
But they are shooting with someone else- maybe a professional? I just want a photo but I don’t want to bother them.
Either walk away, or bother them, but do not just snap a photo. The photographer may have been someone who grabbed them for a quick shoot, or it might be someone the cosplayer who is paying for their services. In this case it is more courteous to ask both the cosplayer and the photographer.
“Hi there. Would you both mind if I snapped a quick shot?”
Again, be prepared for that no. The photographer might be on a tight schedule, and again the cosplayer might be paying for their time. If you’re worried about that no? Then leave them be.
Cosplayers and photographers awesomingly working together: If you’re worried about getting bothered because you are close to the con where people can stop you, it might be best to discuss how to handle the situation before the shoot begins. ‘Do we want to be disturbed? No. Cool everyone gets turned away.’
But people have already stopped them for photos. They won’t mind.
Sure, cosplayers might not mind getting the paparazzi treatment, but have you ever handled a cosplayer who had an anxiety attack after a bunch of people took photos of them at once because they were not prepared for it? It’s a great way to ruin someone’s con. In this case asking the physical question might be tricky, cause they are in full pose.
(Internally) Oh that cosplayer is posing! There are other people shooting them too. Let me line up with the rest and see if I can grab their attention for a hot second? Awesome I made eye contact. I’ll just bounce my camera a bit- hello! I just would like a photo too! And I’ll wait for- oh cool a nod! I’m green to go, click click!
But it’s a fandom photoshoot.
Fandom photoshoots are generally considered ‘free reign’ for photography. People are there with a large group expecting to have their photo taken/take photos.
But they’re in costume, they should just expect having their photo taken.
Realize that you sound like a rapist and nobody wants you near them. Next question.
But I’m a staffer for con-coverage/I’m a photographer for a news outlet. Candid photos that capture the atmosphere of the con is something we look for sometimes.
This is the largest grey area of this debate, given the fact that some cosplayers outright do not like candid photos. Yet I also know as someone who worked in marketing departments as well that getting those ‘in the moment’ type photos are incredibly important too.
If your aim is to truly be open to cosplayers and making sure they are comfortable, snap that candid photo first. Then approach, speak, and maybe grab a better shot.
Hi there! I represent (blank). I snapped this photo of you before for our convention coverage. Are you alright with this photo? I’d also like to get a good photo of you actually posing. Is that alright?
This gives the ability for the cosplayer to have some sense of control of the situation. It can allow them to approve or disprove the candid shot, and also know that they will also be seen in the light they think is best at the same time.
Please feel free to keep sharing your stories and thoughts on this post. It has been heart-wrenching reading all of the people who have felt uncomfortable, but it is important to speak up and out about our at-con experiences to further better the community as a whole :>
