Forums > Model Colloquy > For those models who list "Cosplay" as a genre

Photographer

Wandering Eyebubble

Posts: 323

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Is your expectation to be provided with a costume, or to show off some of your own?

Aug 27 14 10:19 am Link

Model

J Jessica

Posts: 2431

Coconut Creek, Florida, US

Either/Or
smile

Aug 27 14 10:34 am Link

Photographer

Wil RockU

Posts: 543

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US

not a model, however, I have shot several cosplayers.
Usually (always so far) they have their own costumes.
I am however under the impression that most that select cosplay as a genre on here do it to be more searchable.

Aug 27 14 11:36 am Link

Model

Elizabeth Worth

Posts: 58

Denver, Colorado, US

I make most of my own costumes in general, except for fashion. It gives me a chance to show off some of my work smile For Cosplay, I've done a few movie inspired costumes, I also make my own too.

Aug 27 14 03:08 pm Link

Model

Nicole Nu

Posts: 3981

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

J Jessica wrote:
Either/Or
smile

+1

Aug 27 14 06:08 pm Link

Photographer

Wandering Eyebubble

Posts: 323

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Thank you for the replies so far. From what I've gather it'd be reasonable to ask whether the model would be interested in shooting a costume from their collection (if they have one)?

I was concerned it seemed a bit presumptuous, as this can take a lot of effort. On the other hand, I would think a cosplayer might like the idea of showcasing their work in a setting other than a convention hallway.

I've set up photoshoots at cons, but in those cases cosplay is a given (the participants are rarely experienced models, however).

Cheers,
Marco

Aug 28 14 07:12 am Link

Model

JadeDRed

Posts: 5620

London, England, United Kingdom

Wandering Eyebubble wrote:
Thank you for the replies so far. From what I've gather it'd be reasonable to ask whether the model would be interested in shooting a costume from their collection (if they have one)?

Yes.

It's like latex for me, I'm happy to shoot it but I make it clear I don't keep a wardrobe. Lots of models who shoot it do though so it's worth asking. Same for cosplay.

Aug 28 14 07:22 am Link

Model

Vi Synster

Posts: 301

Jesup, Georgia, US

A lot of cosplayers who made their own work is prideful of their work and wants to show it off. However, at the same time, some cosplays are made just for one con, and then immediately trashed. I had a zombie costume I patched together from a second hand shop, but threw it out immediately after the con because it stank to high heaven (I used a lot of fake blood and mud on it, haha). Overall the costume was pretty cheap, but looked awesome, so I really didn't loose out on anything. I could easily "re-make" the outfit if I wanted to.

Aug 30 14 07:35 pm Link

Model

Emma Joan

Posts: 27

SeaTac, Washington, US

I usually collect the components for my cosplay myself, but sometimes that means commissioning  items.

Aug 31 14 11:59 pm Link

Digital Artist

Editing Ninja

Posts: 29

New York, New York, US

I tend to get wardrobe to make the outfits and I make the props myself. I feel like most cosplayers have there own outfits though.

Jan 06 15 06:05 am Link

Model

Reina Kisaragi

Posts: 3

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

I cosplay regularly at conventions so I already have my own collection of costumes. If a photographer asks for a cosplay photoshoot, I'd be more than happy to wear something that I have since as you said, it's difficult getting quality photos at conventions so a private photoshoot is perfect. But if a photographer wants me to cosplay a character whose costume I don't have, I'd decline or expect to be provided with the outfit.

Jan 14 15 07:24 pm Link

Model

Kearstin

Posts: 934

Carpentersville, Illinois, US

Either or is fine by me, but I do make my own costumes, so I tend to have a variety in my closet to do shoots in. Being able to make them as well, opens doors to collaborate too if a photographer wants to shoot a specific character for their own port, as opposed to mine.

Mar 02 15 07:21 pm Link

Model

Rae Johnston

Posts: 1481

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

I'm a cosplayer and have my own costumes. If a photographer was to approach me for a cosplay shoot I'd assume they meant from my collection unless they told me otherwise smile

Mar 05 15 02:05 am Link

Photographer

Viator Defessus Photos

Posts: 1259

Houston, Texas, US

I've worked with several cosplayers, shot some at conventions, scheduled photoshoots with others. They usually provide their own costumes and make-up.

I've also done and am planning shoots with a make-up artist where she was doing extensive/full body make-up work on a model and providing an outfit for the model (can't post those yet but they were cool). There's also been a couple of times when I wanted to shoot a concept so I got the outfit pieces/props myself.

I'm usually reluctant to help buy costumes and such because I generally assume the model will be keeping it after the shoot, but it depends on whether the model is pushing for the costume/theme or I am. If I want the costume to be a certain way I'm more likely to pay to make it look that way.

Mar 05 15 08:44 am Link

Photographer

Paul Ferris

Posts: 3625

New York, New York, US

As a photographer I would expect the model to have her own costumes.

Mar 08 15 09:56 am Link

Photographer

Wandering Eyebubble

Posts: 323

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

It appears that the consensus is that models will happily wear a costume if they have one. Of course, there's probably bias in the responses so far (meaning, those who have answered have likely cosplayed before and understand that the hobby involves much more than simply ticking a box on MM).

After giving it some thought it may be that a casting call is a good way to go about this. Cosplay season will soon be upon us, so it may be a good opportunity to see if people would like to get some nice pictures of their costumes in a less hectic environment (getting stopped for snapshots at the con is flattering, but doing so for the fifth time on the way to the bathroom not so much!)

Thanks again for all responses, much appreciated!
Marco

Mar 09 15 12:09 pm Link

Model

umami___

Posts: 1528

Tacoma, Washington, US

JadeDRed wrote:

Yes.

It's like latex for me, I'm happy to shoot it but I make it clear I don't keep a wardrobe. Lots of models who shoot it do though so it's worth asking. Same for cosplay.

+1

Mar 09 15 03:20 pm Link

Model

Ashley Riot

Posts: 122

Chicago, Illinois, US

I make my own costumes and I'm happy to shoot in anything in my wardrobe if a photographer asks. I work very hard creating them, so getting great photos is always fun. Unfortunately I'm usually asked to bring a costume I have not made and do not own (Harley Quinn is frequently asked for). I reply politely that if they expect me to bring a specific character that I do not have, I have to create it. So I'd need time and compensation to create the outfit. Essentially the photographer would be commissioning a costume from me to then shoot it.

I've never shot cosplay that was provided to me by a photographer. In my experience, when I've been ask to model an existing "costume", it's usually something like a lingerie set with a batman symbol on it. To me, that is not cosplay, and I have no interest in shooting it.

I think another issue is now that cosplay has become very popular, the definition of "cosplay" has changed. Cosplay is supposed to be the art of dressing up as accurately as possible as a character from movies, comics, anime, video games, etc that you love! It's bringing to life something you think is cool. But now I think a lot of people associate it with anything nerdy.

That's my two cents anyways!

Mar 12 15 07:46 pm Link

Photographer

Wandering Eyebubble

Posts: 323

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Ashley Riot wrote:
I make my own costumes and I'm happy to shoot in anything in my wardrobe if a photographer asks. I work very hard creating them, so getting great photos is always fun. Unfortunately I'm usually asked to bring a costume I have not made and do not own (Harley Quinn is frequently asked for). I reply politely that if they expect me to bring a specific character that I do not have, I have to create it. So I'd need time and compensation to create the outfit. Essentially the photographer would be commissioning a costume from me to then shoot it.

I would never consider asking someone to create a costume, it's hard work! If it's very simple, however, and I can help putting it together, I might suggest it ("Paprika", for example).

I've never shot cosplay that was provided to me by a photographer. In my experience, when I've been ask to model an existing "costume", it's usually something like a lingerie set with a batman symbol on it. To me, that is not cosplay, and I have no interest in shooting it.

I agree. It doesn't really make much sense, either, because there are already many highly sexualized characters which can be cosplayed true to form. Take your Poison, for example: yes, you look very sexy, but that's not what makes it good cosplay, it's the fact that you nailed the colour scheme, and paid attention to the details such as the choker and the proper cap style (chain decoration and all).

I think another issue is now that cosplay has become very popular, the definition of "cosplay" has changed. Cosplay is supposed to be the art of dressing up as accurately as possible as a character from movies, comics, anime, video games, etc that you love! It's bringing to life something you think is cool. But now I think a lot of people associate it with anything nerdy.

I'm not so sure, actually, if anything cosplay has become a bit more glamorous. Twenty years ago being a cosplayer was a very hardcore thing, nowadays I think there are many more people who do it casually without stigma (e.g. buying a costume online to attend a con with their cosplayer friends).

On the other side of the lens, some cosplay photographers are the best I've ever seen, excellent technique and inventiveness.

Marco

Mar 13 15 12:16 pm Link

Model

Allegriana

Posts: 1172

Raleigh, North Carolina, US

I'd assume it was to show off my own! Many of these costumes represent a considerable time investment, after all smile (and a lot of blood/sweat/tears lol) And I'd say generally the handmade stuff looks and fits muuuch better than Halloween costumes off the rack.

If the photographer wanted to shoot a specific costume that I was interested in making but didn't have, I'd be open to working out some sort of deal where we split the costs of its construction - I'd feel weird charging someone my normal commission prices for a costume that I (presumably) got to keep.

I have seen occasions where cosplayers lent each other costumes for shoots, just for fun smile but usually people are pretty territorial about stuff they've made.

Mar 30 15 12:14 pm Link

Photographer

Mark C Smith

Posts: 1073

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Every model who I've ever encountered who Cosplays, takes great pride in their ability to design and make their own costumes. It seems it's part of the culture and appeal of Cosplay.

Mar 31 15 08:34 am Link