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C2E2

Putting Together a Fiona Glenanne Cosplay

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Remember how I mentioned I was rewatching “Burn Notice?” Well, I started a 2nd rewatch and I’m not sorry. While watching the show the idea of putting together a Fiona cosplay popped into my head. I’m not sure it’s one people will “get” but who cares. It’s something that’s honestly very easy to put together and will be comfy as hell. I do think it would be more recognizable in a group, adding a Sam and Michael but you have to work with what you have. I’ve started a Pinterest board with some ideas and looks from the show. I’m leaning towards one that features jeans because it’ll cover my tattoos and when I think of Fi, I pretty much picture jeans, wedges, a white top, giant sunglasses, and her famous hip bag.

Lucky for me, the hip bag is actually easily available from Happy Cow but I was able to find one a little cheaper on Ebay. Fun Fact, I actually had one back in the day but have no idea what I did with it. I’ve been able to find different websites that list her outfits and where to find them buuuuuuut, everything is obviously sold out or no longer available. That’s no big deal as I think I have a work around to recreate the top in the photo above. It’s a little hard to tell but there’s a design/doodle that you can see a little better here

Then I just need a brown wig, a blow pop, some sunglasses, and I’m all set. I’m really curious to see where this will fall budget wise. The most expensive piece is actually the bag, even with finding it on Ebay. But I don’t have a problem with that seeing how it’s functional and I’ll use it on a pretty regular basis. My plan is to have this together by C2E2. I might add some props like a gun, yogurt, or maybe a Most Wanted poster featuring Michael. Just a few little things that might make this look jog someone’s memory of the show. If all goes well, I plan on bringing it to SDCC as well!

Only 140 Days Until C2E2

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C2E2 in Chicago is one of my favorite conventions. I’ve mentioned that before but it’s just a really nice mix of different talent, a wonderful artist alley, and I get to see most of my friends. Normally the convention is in March or April, but this year it’s much earlier, falling at the end of February! I’m very curious to see how this plays out weather wise. I feel like having a con during the winter months can always be a gamble. If you have guests/fans coming from the East Coast, snow and ice can be a big factor. Not to mention Chicago can have rough winters as well. I’d hate to see guests drop like flies due to weather concerns and most of them would probably be last minute. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that everything turns out OK!

On my end though I pretty much have everything taken care of! I booked the hotel for the squad and this time we’re returning to the Hyatt. A few new hotels have popped up near the convention center and over the past few years we’ve stayed at a few just to check them out. They were all fantastic options but we’ve missed being in the thick of things. And while one of the other hotels we stayed at was attached to the convention center, it was still a bit of a hike. When you’re walking around in cosplay, every extra step really adds up. Plus the staff at the Hyatt has always been great to us and this year it turns out they have the lowest rates! I was honestly very shocked when I saw that but I guess that’s one upside of new hotels in the area. The Hyatt is where a lot of after hours events take place too, like Drink & Draw. It’s a great people watching spot too! If you’re looking for a hotel during the show, I highly recommend it. I think they still have some rooms available.

They’ve just started announcing guests for the show. Comics wise they’ve announced Jim Lee, Cat Staggs, and Terry Moore just to name a few. Yesterday they dropped some big name “Star Trek” guests that include William Shatner, George Takei, and Walter Koenig. I’m really curious to see who else they add as we get closer to go time. I might have spammed their Guest Request form with Tom Ellis from “Lucifer.” A girl can dream right?

As we get closer to the show I might do a few more posts with tips, tricks, and C2E2 insights!

Cosplay Photographers I’ve Worked With

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I haven’t worked with many photographers but I’ve really enjoyed the few I’ve picked! I know how hard it can be to find a photographer you like. Are they easy to get along with? What style do they shoot in? What do their packages include? You put a lot of time and effort into your cosplay, and your photos should help show that. There’s nothing worse then getting back crappy photos.

Depth of Light Photography

Sam is a DC/VA/MD based photographer. She was the first cosplay photographer that I paid for a shoot! We worked together years ago when I cosplayed Elektra from “Daredevil” during Baltimore Comic-Con. She was a dream to work with. She was great with helping me pose, finding locations around the convention center that gave off the right vibe, and her editing was fantastic. She was on time and I didn’t have to wait long for my photos. Her rates are different these days than what I paid but she’s 100% worth it. I’d love to work with her again, I just need to get around to doing it! She loves shooting anime cosplays and attends a lot of conventions including Otakon, AnimeNEXT, Nekocon, just to name a few. Be sure to visit her Facebook page to stay updated on where she’ll be next, rates, and special discounts!

Butter Half Cosplay Photography

I’ve worked with Abby twice and would love to work with her a third time. She’s shot my Catwoman at the past two C2E2’s in Chicago. She’s another photographer who’s great with finding the right pose and location. She always checks to make sure you’re comfortable with her touching you with is always appreciated. She does her research as well. She knew my cosplay included a whip. Before our shoot she got online to figure out the best way to photograph it! I was really impressed with the extra mile she went. Abby is easy to work with as well. She’s super laid back and just fun to be around. In my opinion, that’s really important with shooting something like cosplay. She’s Midwest based and attends a few conventions out that way.

Justin Evangelista‎

I came across Justin and his work via a Facebook group for C2E2 cosplay. His style really stood out as something different and fun. The way he uses light and color is what grabbed my attention and I knew I needed to shoot something with him. He was easy to book with and offered a few different packages. It can be a little nerve wracking to work with someone new but Justin was fantastic. He knew exactly what he wanted to shoot and had a vision he wanted to get across. I really hope to work with him again. He’s based in Chicago and does more than just cosplay photography! If you’re looking for photos that stand out, he’s your guy. You can find most of his work in his Instagram.

I’ve shot with a few friends before but I wanted to include people who I’ve paid for photos. Like I said before, it can be a bit stressful to weed through all the posts offering packages. If you’re not sure about a photographer, ask a friend what they think! I sent a few links to my BFF Manda to get her opinion and input when I was searching for someone to work with during C2E2. If they have a Facebook page, check to see if they have any reviews or feedback. If they’re posting in a convention group, check to see if anyone is leaving comments about working with them before. In the end, trust your gut. If something feels off or just not right, move onto the next option!

If anyone has any questions about trying to pick someone, let me know! I’ll try my best to answer them.