Hows everyone doing, I decided to dedicated today’s post to
Spotting a Rookie Cosplay Photographer from a Veteran or
Experienced photographer. This post is a
continuation of my COSPLAY PHOTOGRAPHER post. It was a great
read in my opinion and I would know since I wrote it. But
seriously check it out HERE if you get the time, you wont be
disappointed and may even learn a thing or to. But anyways, back
to the matter at hand. Selecting a Rookie from a Veteran.
All too common I hear cosplayers tell horror stories of cosplay
photographers. Statements regarding photographers
that have collected payment in advance and are a no show.
Well hopefully I can give a few tips to avoid such scenarios. Lets
begin with a fundamental step in the cosplay photographer
selection process, PAST WORK.
1.Past Work
When I first began cosplay photography I was taking pictures that
looked like this (Left Image) . Now its not a terrible picture but its
definitely leagues behind what I am doing today. I didn’t fully
understand my cameras setting nor what made great poses. So
with that being said, please check a photographers previous work
and style of photography. Just because a photographer takes great
studio images does not mean he can take great on scene images.
2. Equipment
I know they say a great photographer makes the image not the
equipment but lets be honest, your not getting the same images
with a disposable as you are with a full frame DSLR. Lots of people
ask what I shoot with so ill go ahead and touch on that real quick.
Personally, I shoot with a mid-tier camera, a Nikon D7000. My lens
kit ranges from a Nikon NIKKOR 50mm to a kit 18-55mm lens.
I still have yet to invest in the NIKKOR 85mm which is considered
the holly grail of portrait photography but im getting there. These
images were shot on my original Nikon D3200 which is an intro
camera.
I also upgraded from a Yongnuo YN568EX speed light
to 3 ORLIT Rovelight 610. Accompanying these large monolights are
3 Neewer 32inch Softboxes. I don’t want to turn this
into a gear post so ill leave it there. These additions have greatly
improved my images and post work time. Veterans know the
importance of quality equipment and will spend some extra cash
to add that extra pop to their images.
3. PATIENCE and FLEXIBILITY.
The last and most important aspects of a Veteran is a combo skill
that I couldn’t really separate. They
are PATIENCE and FLEXIBILITY. I cant tell you how many shoots I
had that didn’t go according to plan but you have to role with the
punches. Several of my shoots run over because I am more
concerned with getting the shot rather than making money and
running through clients. If I have to take a few more shots to get
the image im looking for and time runs over so be it.
Satisfying the customer is much more important in my opinion
than being concerned with running 10 minutes late. Look at the
difference between these two images. Despite the fact that they
were at different locations and on different cameras, the largest
difference is experience and patience. As I grew more comfortable
with shooting and knowing the image I am looking for ,my images
got better. I cant not stress how important it is when booking a
photographer to seek these attributes.
Well, that about wraps it up for today’s post. Thank you everyone
that spends the time and actually reads these articles. If you do,
please leave a comment below. Let me know any topics you would
like me to cover or address any questions you have. That’s it for
now until next time, STAY BOUNDLESS!!!
