Learn: Top 10 Tips for Cosplay Photography

Are you a seasoned cosplayer or just getting into the game? Taking eye-catching photography of costumes is a must-have skill. But snapping great shots of your meticulously crafted getups is easier said than done. Between harsh lighting, distracting backgrounds and finding the perfect pose, photographing your cosplay creations can quickly go from fun to frustrating. In this article, we'll walk through tips and tricks to help you take your cosplay pics from mediocre to magnificent. With a few simple techniques, you'll be staging and snapping shots as sharp as your prop sword and ready to slay your social feed. So, grab your camera and get ready to suit up and shoot.

There’s no “right” way to photograph cosplay, but there are a plethora of tips and techniques to implement the next time you arrange a shoot. Being prepared and understanding successful strategies will take your cosplay photo shoot from good to glorious. From planning your photo shoot to photo editing afterwards, here are our top tips for creating standout cosplay photography.

1. Get Permission From Your Subject

Before shooting a subject, ask for permission to photograph them. Surprising cosplayers with impromptu photo shoots can come off as invasive and make them feel uncomfortable. Always make sure your subject is on board with being photographed first. If you want specific poses or pictures in certain spots, communicate what kinds of shots you want to take so they can consent before the session. Telling them where and how the photos will be used is also important. Respecting boundaries and making subjects feel at ease leads to better shots all around. With clear communication and consent, you’ll have a willing participant who can focus on bringing out their best cosplay look just for your photoshoot.

2. Match the Scene to the Character

An epic costume deserves an equally epic backdrop. Fictional characters come to life when you situate them in fitting environments, so avoid plain walls and rooms. When choosing a location for your photo shoot, look for scenery that complements the character being portrayed. For example, a mystical forest would perfectly suit an elf or fairy costume. Or, pose a character from a different planet in front of an urban cityscape for an intergalactic vibe. If you’re shooting a superhero, an alleyway or rooftop can amplify the action. Scout around to find hidden gems of appropriate scenic spots. With a background that visually ties to their costume, you’ll transport the essence of the character right into your photographs.

3. Try Different Angles

Great cosplay photos come from all angles. While a standard front-facing shot captures details of costumes, exploring different vantage points adds dimension. Get low or find higher ground to photograph from unique perspectives. If possible, walk around the subject to snap pics from all sides. For extra dramatic effect, take close-ups of props and intricate costume elements from the front, sides and back. 

Zooming in on finer details brings viewers into the world of the character. When positioned dynamically, even seemingly ordinary spots become amplified. Don’t be afraid to clamber, crouch and get creative. Varying your angles instead of standing statically makes photos pop with perspective.

4. Explore Posed or Candid

The best cosplay photo sessions involve a balance of posed and candid shots. Posed photos allow for perfect positioning of the costumes and props. Have your subject hold still in fierce action stances or gently act out a scene. However, you should let them also walk naturally, gesture and be themselves.

Capture candid moments of subjects that exude personality. Mixing artificial and organic shots creates dimension; the contrast shows the human underneath the elaborate costumes. Remind subjects to stay energised and in character between posed photos. When they act naturally and forget about the camera, you can sneak in engaging lifestyle shots. Combining both gives a well-rounded portrayal of the cosplayer inhabiting their role. Remember to take as many candid photos as posed ones for a dynamic photoshoot.

5. Make Use of Lighting

Lighting can make or break cosplay photos. Avoid direct overhead sunlight that creates harsh shadows. Shoot in the shade on a bright day for flattering illumination. Cloudy days create soft, even lighting that’s perfect for portraits. Position subjects facing the light source so their features are illuminated, not shadowed. If shooting indoors, face the subject toward windows for natural light. Reflectors and flash can supplement when light is low. At night, incorporate colour-coordinated artificial lights. 

Backlighting with rim lights adds a moody vibe. Learn optimal directions, times of day and lighting types for your location. Dramatic lighting brings focus to costumes while highlighting facial expressions. Put lighting to work for you and your photos will truly shine.

6. Take Multiple Photos

Taking multiple photos during a cosplay shoot allows you to capture the perfect moment. Have your model strike a variety of poses and facial expressions. Shoot from different angles and distances. The more you shoot, the higher the chance you'll have amazing shots. It also gives you options for selecting the best images during editing. You don't want to miss capturing an epic costume because you didn't snap enough pics, so be prepared with plenty of storage space on your memory cards.

7. Go for Signature Poses

When photographing a cosplayer, look for poses or gestures that are signature to the role they are portraying. For example, heroes may pose powerfully with hands on hips, while mystical characters can take stances as if conjuring magic. Villains often stand menacingly with weapons drawn. You can also ask the cosplayer if there are signature motions that embody the character, like a fighting stance or casting a spell. 

Capture these distinctive postures to visually sell the cosplay identity in your photos. Pay attention to small expressive details like how they position their hands or angle their weapons. Guide your model into adopting the attitude and physicality of the role through impactful poses. Capturing the signature essence of a cosplay character through their iconic stances will make for dynamic shots.

8. Plan Your Shots

Planning ahead will make your cosplay photoshoot run more smoothly. Consider the poses and scenes you want to capture and sketch a shot list. Scout locations and map out where you want to photograph each setup. This will save time and effort during the actual shoot when you and your model(s) are ready to go. 

Determine what props or backdrops will help create the perfect scene. Think about lighting conditions at various times of day and whether flash or reflectors may be needed. Make sure to plan a variety of wide full-length shots along with closer facial portraits and detail shots of costumes and props. 

Having an organized plan means you can maximise your time and focus on being creative in the moment rather than scrambling. Share your vision with your model(s) so they can prepare and know what to expect. With a shot list ready, you'll be able to work efficiently and photograph the cosplay magic with a prepared game plan.

9. Create a Scene 

Bringing multiple costumed models together creates engaging scenes and adds creativity without needing specific characters. For example, you could photograph a group of wizards casting spells, or a band of adventurers gearing up for an expedition. Try recreating an iconic fictional moment with your models interacting in ways that fit their roles. When cosplayers play off each other using familiar mannerisms and actions, the costumes come to life. 

Capture two warriors duelling with swords or a face-off between a hero and villain. Group scenes portray relationships and generate excitement. Work with your models to act out movements and expressions that embody their costumes' themes.

10. Shoot in RAW and Edit your Photos

Post-processing your photos can take your cosplay shots to the next level. Use photo editing software to touch up colours, adjust lighting, sharpen details and remove imperfections. Crop images to highlight the subject or create interesting compositional framing. Play with colour correction and filters to set a mood, such as cool tones for a dystopian cyborg or warm hues for a fiery villain. Remove background distractions that distract from the costumed model. 

Carefully edit to retain realism and avoid overly altering the cosplayer's features. Subtle changes make photos cleaner and more vivid. For extra impact, use editing tools to add dramatic lens flares, smoke effects or other fantastical elements that enhance the atmosphere. With polished editing, you can transform good shots into truly remarkable photographs.

Best Camera for Cosplay Photography

Our recommended camera for cosplay photography is the Canon EOS R5.

Specs

• 45-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor 

• DIGIC X image processor

• Sensor-shift 5-axis image stabilisation

• 100-51,200 native ISO range

• 3.2-inch touchscreen LCD

Upsides

• Great build

• Excellent autofocus

• User-friendly menu

• Long battery life 

Downsides

• Limited video capabilities 

The R5 is a cosplayer's ideal camera for capturing stunning shots as its 45-megapixel full-frame sensor delivers jaw-dropping detail. The impressive 8K video mode provides flexibility for 4K cropping and ultrasmooth slo-mo clips, while oversampled 4K video looks crisp. Blazing-fast dual-pixel autofocus accurately tracks subjects when moving for dynamic shots, and 5-axis stabilisation creates gimbal-smooth handheld footage. Weather sealing protects the body during outdoor shoots and its large-body design balances well with big lenses for comfort. Dual card slots allow instant backup or extended shooting. 

With exceptional image quality, versatile high-res video modes, speedy performance and durable design, the EOS R5 empowers cosplayers to fully unleash creativity for eye-catching stills and video that highlight all the passion and artistry put into their cosplay creations. You can find out more in our Canon EOS R5 review.

Thanks for reading our guide to cosplay photography. With the proper know-how, photographing cosplayers in costume becomes even more magnificent. Now, get inspired, gear up and create some cosplay magic of your own. 

For more articles like this, check out other tips and techniques on the MPB content hub.