I’m primarily a costumer, which means I can create some crazy shit, but I don’t really know the first thing about modeling. Here’s some tips for working with me, or other amateurs.
1. Check the face - Sometimes, I’m focusing so hard on what I’m doing with my body, I”ll do something stupid like chew on my lips or not quite smile. Always do a double check to make sure that I’m not making a stupid face. I won’t be offended if you tell me, no that expression did NOT work for you. I’d be more upset at the missed opportunity of a great photo if that expression could have been prevented.
……….a) Directing the cosplayer’s gaze can also be important. Letting us know if you want us to be looking directly at the camera or away seems small, but sometimes we’re not sure where the eyes should be. For example, if you ask someone to look over their shoulder, specifying whether their eyes should be on the horizon, on a point to the side of the camera or directly at the lense would help them figure out how far they need to twist their head or torso and the feel of the photo.
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2.Try to show the cosplayer the photos regularly during the shoot. We may know of something that we forgot to fix, or put on and only seeing the photo will we remember. If you show often, then there are less surprises at the end and less to reshoot/edit.
……….a) Ask for any trouble areas on our costume before begining the shoot. Sometimes cosplayers will know, without a shadow of a doubt that if they move the wrong way, or at a certain angle, something will show. Check in to see if there is anything like that and if there is, try to keep an eye on it.
……….b) Keep an eye on the hairline. Wigs sometimes slide without us knowing it, and if we can get a heads up, most of the time, we can fix them.
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3. Don’t be afraid to direct the pose. Sometimes there’ll be something that just isn’t working. If you really don’t think it looks good, take the photo quickly then show it, and voice your concerns. If we insist after that, it’s on us
……….a) Demonstration is always helpful, if you can’t get into the pose, it’s likely that we can’t either. Moving your hand the way that you want the cosplayer to move is always more effective than telling right/left, considering it will be reversed.
……….b) Be patient with reshooting if it’s a complicated pose. I’m not used to thinking about jumping, the arch of my back, the point of my feet and my face all at the same time.
……….c) If a cosplayer tells you that the costume prohibits a movement, don’t push it. Corsets aren’t easy to bend in, wings are hard to work with and hats are hard to balance sometimes. Most of the time we know the limits of the costume.
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4. It’s sometimes okay to touch the cosplayer to direct them. ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO ASK. Do not touch cosplayers or their costumes, especially do not pull on any part of a costume or prop without asking. Something may be way more fragile than it seems.
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5. Advise the cosplayer when you are taking test shots and when you are taking regular shots. While taking test shots, ask if we can get into a similar pose, but don’t make us hold a crouch for 20 minutes of lighting tests
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6. Don’t feel bad about asking me to kick at the same place 10 times so long as I tell you I can handle it. I’m more than happy to hold a weird position or attempt to get there as long as you have the patience for.
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7.Making conversation during the down time of the shoot will generally relax us, and make us more receptive and able to respond to your coaching
……….a) Ask about the character. Do they have any iconic poses, any trends in behaviour. Are they a serious character or silly character?
……….b) Be careful with compliments during the shoot, gauge your audience. A single specific positive feedback comment is better than a generic “You look beautiful” repeatively.
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Part 1: How to pick a Photographer
