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.
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.
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.
