Preparing for a Cosplay Photoshoot (By a Former Cosplayer)

It's been nearly two years since I've retired from cosplay, but it doesn't mean that I would never share any cosplay advice. If you're seeking a story about how to make your cosplay photoshoots more enjoyable, that's where I, a former cosplayer, come in. As someone who has done cosplay for 10 years, seeing cosplayers doing these amazing photoshoots always catch my attention. In this story, I'll share some tips of how to prepare for them. Whether you've recently started to cosplay or have done it for years, the following list will ensure you that your cosplay photoshoot will run smoothly without fail.

1. Find a Good Cosplay Photographer

One important thing everyone should know about cosplay photographers is that they're at conventions who are more than willing to take a few shots of you for little or no cost. It all depends on the convention that you attend and the photographer. The photographer might post something on social media stating that they'll be at a con taking photos of cosplayers. Outside of a convention, many cosplayers choose to have their photoshoots at public places besides a convention center, such as a park. Also, before you and your photographer agree with a spot for your pictures to be taken, ask about the price of a photoshoot. If a price is disclosed to you, the best way is to pay in advance. That's what I've done at least on one occasion. There's a good chance that your photographer of choice will make some amazing edits to your photos. I have two photos from my last cosplay photoshoot that I'll share in a moment. Another source if you're finding a good photographer to take your cosplay photos is asking other cosplayers on social media or your friends.

2. Location, Location, Location

I will never recommend any cosplayer to do photoshoots on active train tracks unless they're abandoned ones. Your own personal safety should be your main priority. Be sure to ask your city permission if it's okay to do photoshoots on abandoned train tracks, just to be on the safe side. If they're okay with it, go for it. There's plenty of places where you and your photographer can do your photoshoots. A park, somewhere downtown, or even in your backyard. No matter the place, make sure it's one that you're comfortable with.

3. Strike a Pose!

The main point of doing cosplay photoshoots is to have fun. It's perfectly fine to be a bit nervous, but you get to be yourself and enjoy every minute of it by coming up with multiple poses. Depending on the cosplay you decide to do, coming up with different poses for your character makes it stand out. Before you go out and do your photoshoot, practice a few poses at home to get you prepared for it. Speaking of poses, I have a couple of pictures to share with everyone from my last photoshoot in 2021.

Symbiote Spider-Man

The first image from my photoshoot was a great pose. For context, my photographer and I did our photoshoot at a public park. Second, I'm going to use my Symbiote Spider-Man cosplay as an example for this story. The rain, which my photographer did his editing magic, was an amazing touch to this image. The suit and the patterns on it stood out exceptionally well.

My photographer did a hell of a good job with the final picture that I'm sharing. Once again, his editing skills were on point. The pouring rain on me and the background were so badass. This was my overall favorite picture of me in this cosplay. How can you not like this? How can you say no to this pose? The overall picture absolutely fits Symbiote Spider-Man to a T.

After my photoshoot concluded, my photographer told me that my photos would be sent to me via social media within a few weeks, because he had to come up with some cool edits for me and other cosplayers. Once he sent them to me and saw the final results, I was so pleased with them. Out of all the cosplay photoshoots I've done during my time as a cosplayer, this was the most enjoyable.

I forgot to share where I got my Symbiote Spider-Man suit from. I bought it from Supergeek Designs. I would highly recommend it to those who recently got into cosplay. They have excellent Spider-Man suits to choose from and affordable. With that being said, I hope the tips I've shared in this strory will hell you make your cosplay photoshoot both memorable and enjoyable.