Welcome to the GeekShot Photo Exclusive Series. This will be a weekly post featuring cool, interesting, or just plain awesome moments we have captured during San Diego Comic-Con and WonderCon. Each week we’ll post a photo by Beth or James of GeekShot Photography. We may include a short story about the photo, but sometimes we’ll just let the photo speak for itself.

About This Photo

Zombie cosplay at WonderCon 2015.

I am always impressed with the dedication and talent cosplayers show. No matter their experience level, they bring passion to their costumes, make-up, and performances. Seeing and photographing cosplayers is one of the best things about attending a convention as a photographer. It allows you to put your own passion and talent to work, as well as helping to expand and build your skill level.

As with the shot above, you can practice getting closer portraits. Try for wide shots using the background to enhance the story you’re telling. Use available light or create your own. Try taking multiple shots of the cosplayer in different poses. Take inspiration from the costume and the performer and let that guide you to specific shots.

Getting photos of cosplayers should be a great experience for everyone involved. Ask before you take a photo, and be understanding if they say no. Get contact info and/or give them yours so you can credit them when you post it online (Which I did not do in this case. Bad James!). Ask them questions about their costume/character, which can not only allow you to title/tag your photo correctly, but may also give you ideas for the photo. In short, be respectful.

If you know who the cosplayer is in this photo, please let me, or them, know so I can credit them properly.

You can see all of the previous posts in this series here.