Ever had a photo session where you waited for your photos months, only to not like them at all once they arrived? Unfortunately, this is an all too common experience when it comes to cosplay photography. The tips I share here will hopefully help you have better experiences in the future. While these tips have been written specifically with cosplayers in mind, they are useful for other types of photography as well. Without further ado, here are 5 things you always should ask your photographer before a session to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings!
1. Can I bring a friend?
Bringing along a friend is not a requirement, but both you and your photographer can benefit from having an extra pair of hands during the photo session! A friend can help you make sure that each part of your costume sits in the right place, and help the photographer out with lighting equipment. Avoid photographers who insists on you arriving to the session alone, especially if you haven't worked with them before. This is a sign that you may be dealing with a predatory person.
2. How many finished photos can I expect?
The amount of photos that a cosplay photographer returns after a session varies a lot depending on their specific style. Some only aim to deliver one single shot, others albums of 20+ pictures. There is no right or wrong answer to this question, but knowing roughly how many pictures you can expect after a session will help you to know how many poses you should prepare for and will avoid any misaligned expectations.
3. What is your turnover time?
Turnover time is another thing that can vary a lot between different cosplay photographers. Since this is a field with many hobbyist, it is not uncommon to find turnover times longer than 6 months. If you are paying for a photo session, make sure that your photographer has a policy for when you can expect your photos. Ideally, you should not have to wait longer than 2-5 weeks for your photos from a session that you've payed for.
4. How much do you usually retouch your photos?
Don't expect your photographer to finish your cosplay for you, but if there are things on your costume that needs extra work in post production let your photographer know beforehand. The same goes for insecurities or preferences in how you are portrayed. If your photographer knows what to look out for, they are more likely to create photos that don't need any extra retouch.
5. How much do you know about the character?
A good cosplay photo will not only show off the costume but also say something of the characters personality. Tell your photographer about the character you are cosplaying. What are their motives? Are they shy or confident? Good or evil? Knowing this, the photographer can adapt their angles and suggested poses to help bring the character to life.