/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

Oh god that face is going in my collection.

>>6622916
>cosplayers like photographers to have cards

Photographers have to pay extra to get these cards and a lot of them are just enthusiasts.

> one pose as a cosplayer to help photographers get a better shot of you

Posing looks so inorganic and rather frumpy

>move to a better location for a sho

Photographer calls the shoots or pay them for the service that they offer.

I always think it's useful for a photographer to have a business card or at least offer someone a slip of paper with a url if they have a site or blog that they post the pictures on since it saves time for the cosplayer and it's more organized.
Cosplayers should always have more than one pose because just using one looks bland and why on earth would you want to have 50 pictures of you standing with your hand up in a peace sign. More poses provide photographers with interest and make your photos look better.
I think that if the photographer isn't being paid to take photos/is taking a spur of the moment shot; shouldn't be asked to go to another location, unless the current one is atrocious (i.e. lots of people, tight spot).

>>6622945
If you don't pose then you just end up with a picture of yourself smiling inanely, though.

IDK I like to try out a few poses before a con just so I don't like like an idiot if someone asks for a picture.

Not everyone holding a camera is a photographer and some just take pictures for their personal collection.

If you want to share pictures but can't afford to print cards then simply exchange emails or hand out links to where you normally upload

In terms of cards for photogs, vistaprint are offering 250 for free. You only have to pay shipping. I've been debating it for ages but I think I'm going to wait until I'm actually any good with a camera before I go around advertising my pictures.

It would sure make it easier as a cosplayer to find pictures if people told me where they were uploading them, though. Just saying 'facebook' doesn't help when I don't even know your name.

I love when Photographers have business cards. Its nice being able to hunt down the photos that were taken of you.

Always have more than one pose

If a photographer stops be in a crowded spot I usually move/gesture to a less crowded spot off to the side. If the photographer seams really interested in shooting (takes multiple shots and sticks around) asks if you want to move 'away from the crowds more'.

>Some cosplayers like photographers to have cards saying where the photos can be found after the event, but what if your photography is pretty mediocre and you feel like an ass with a 'business card'?

I really appreciate those cards, since it's always a challenge to find the photos after the convention and not everyone checks places like coscom.

Don't worry about being an ass, just present it in a casual way. You don't even have to have a fancy website. "Thanks for the photo, I post them to my flickr gallery after the con - here is my card if you'd like to look up the picture".

I really appreciate when photographers do this!

> Is it advisable to prepare more than one pose as a cosplayer to help photographers get a better shot of you?
Always have a couple poses planned but also be ready to "wing it". If the photog knows the character they might have some pose requests or an idea of where to shoot, and if they don't know the character they may still have an area they want to shoot in so you can interact with that scenery.

Having poses prepared, and practiced, will help you look interesting and have better photos overall. Nobody likes simple "peace" signs.

>>6623032
>Is it okay for either party to ask to move to a better location for a shot, or is that asking too much of a stranger that may not care too much about a picture of/from you?

As the photog: I'm not a pro or anything, but I've asked people to shuffle over so we're not blocking walkways or to get a better background. Most people are okay with it and some people do it but look a little bothered that I asked. In the end they can say no if they don't want to do it - so it's okay to ask. If you mean moving to a different part of the convention entirely you might have to discuss it with the cosplayer - I'm sure a lot of people want better photos but they might not be comfortable with going someplace they don't know, or they might have other plans. A lot of the better photogs will book shoots before the con with a location in mind.

As a cosplayer: it doesn't hurt to ask :) Though photogs with a lot of equipment are probably not going to move, but you may be able to set something up for later on during the convention, or a later date. For some photogs they are just there to get a quick shot and while they might move a couple feet - they probably won't be up for an intense shoot halfway across the convention.

tl;dr: you can always ask but unless they are there specifically to shoot photos (photogs) or really want to get some nice shots of their costume from you (cosplayers) they probably aren't up for moving far.

>>6622916

>cosplayers like photographers to have cards

I hand out cards to people. It's dependent upon what the photographer hopes to accomplish though. I photograph conventions for fun, exposure, practice and to make contacts.
I've been a graphic designer for a bunch of years, so I enjoy making various styles of cards to hand out.


> one pose as a cosplayer to help photographers get a better shot of you

I suggest that the cosplayer practice various poses and if you want really dynamic images, get into character and be ready to try to convey emotion. Just practice faces in a mirror before a con and have AT LEAST 3 poses.

Sometimes I ask a cosplayer to change up their pose and they look like a deer in headlights. Looking at me like.. "OMG WHAT DO I DO." But I am pretty decent at direction, so it's not too big of a deal.


>move to a better location for a shot

If I like your cosplay enough to ask you to move to a location where you can get special emphasis, it would be a good idea to not act like a bitch.
Sometimes cosplayers get all pissy and flick me shit when I ask for photos or whatever. PROTIP: Don't be a dick to photographers unless they are being dicks to you.

We remember and have photos of your bitch ass.

But generally cosplayers are pretty chill and happy :)

Cons - Letting girls who dress up as whores feel they amount to something since last Thursday!

At photoshoots I really appreciate it when a photographer points out if something's out of place, like if my wig is getting pulled back or I've smeared make up.
Obviously this is with someone you have met and planned with, and not some random con floor photographer.

It just really bugs me when I get pictures back that can't be used because no-one mentioned you could see a bra or real hair or something.

I never knew Rachel cosplayed Yoko.

I'm not a very good cosplayer, but I get my share of pictures at cons. I tought about making a card with my e-mail and blog address (it's a blog for various media reviews and also reviews for cons), but I'm afraid it would come off as conceited... What do you guys think?

>Some cosplayers like photographers to have cards saying where the photos can be found after the event, but what if your photography is pretty mediocre and you feel like an ass with a 'business card'?

As a cosplayer, I enjoy getting cards so I don't have to hunt something down. I like to try and have fun with pics, so especially in those situations, I want to see the outcome. Even if it's just a hobbyist that doesn't take amazing shots, it's still ok to get cards, and if you want to build contacts and a rep with people, cards are a great way to do it. I even have cards for myself as a cosplayer so if I meet up with a person that takes a fun set of shots, or meet other cosplayers that I'd like to do a group shoot with at some point, we can keep in contact.

Is it advisable to prepare more than one pose as a cosplayer to help photographers get a better shot of you?

It's highly advisable. While having a few standard poses that are recognizable is fine, feel free to have fun with it. Just do whatever pose works at that time.

>Is it okay for either party to ask to move to a better location for a shot, or is that asking too much of a stranger that may not care too much about a picture of/from you?

This is a perfectly ok thing to ask. Most times when you get stopped, it'll be in a less-than-ideal location. Middle of the hall, in front of a booth, an area with a lot of traffic, so on. When people ask for a picture, I've never once had someone get upset for me saying "lets go over here so we're not in the way, alright?" Now, if you're making them walk a distance just for a photo, that's a bit unnecessary.

>>6623423

I was in that same position. I realized that you can have the cards and not make them off to be too professional, but more of a way to keep in contact. Cards are meant for networking. Having that info can help greatly, just don't start handing them out to every person that photographs you. If you get a great shot, or the person appears to be decent photographer (possibly a pro) then go for it. I use them for that and for having a way to say "here's my info, find me, lets keep in touch after the con" to anyone I meet.

>dressed as link
>guy with camera wants to take my pictures
>"hey theres a woods over there lets stand by the trees"
>yeah sure link belongs in the forest
>small talk while he is changing memorycards/cameras
>listing random items in his bag
>"condoms..."
>gives me his creepy eyes
>briskly walk back to parking lot
never again

>>6623518

>>6623518
oh yikes good call

why would you go with someone you don't know away from the con alone?

come on people just cause you're at a con doesn't mean you derp off like common sense isn't needed anymore

>>6623802

I take people off con premises for photos often. Sometimes you need to venture a littlebit before you are away from the hordes of people. It's also necessary if you need a more themed area for whatever cosplay.
I don't think wandering away with a photographer should be frowned upon, but I think people should use common sense.

>>6623816

Dude before I take any cosplayer offsite we talk about the shoot first. Most of the cosplayers I shoot with on their first time with me bring someone.

Is it OK for a cosplayer to have cards? Or does that come of as conceited?

>>6623338
Ugh THIS. I also really appreciate it when a photog isn't too shy about pointing out a pose isn't very flattering... but again, someone who would do that is probably someone you've met before. So many photos of me are useless because the poses make me look super wide/fat when a shift one way or the other would improve the shots 100%

>>6623518
I saw that episode of CSI, did not end well.

On a semi-related note, are there any conventions that usually have a higher quality of cosplay than others?

>>6623837

well, why wouldn't you talk to someone before you lead them offsite?
Generally it should be assumed that if you are going to have a private shoot done with a photographer, it more than likely will require a little bit of seclusion.

>>6623929

I set my shoots up way in advance. So I've talked to them at least 3 times before a shoot.

Dont normally set up private shoots day of unless I know them

I really, really like it when photogs have their info/urls to hand out. And it seems like such a rare thing. I don't even care if they're amateurs, it's a really big help to the cosplayer. Finding pictures of yourself after a con can be a needle in a haystack situation.

With posing, I think both sides can contribute; cosplayer should prepare some poses ahead of time, photog should help to think of new ones as well.

I don't mind at all when a photog asks to go to another location for a shoot, but please, if it's just the two of you, don't pick someplace isolated. I think that should be self-explanatory. As for me asking the photographer for a shoot, I have never done this. I don't even know if that's the least bit acceptable, or annoying, or what.

sometimes i think that there wouldn't be half as much emphasis on cosplay if photographers didn't exist. like, if you couldn't show yourself off to the internet, no one would give a shit.

>business cards
i got 1000 for $30, idgaf
>cosplayer with business card
it's nice because then i know who the hell you are besides (character name here).

>poses
have more than one because not every photographer knows how to work with a model. in fact, most don't at conventions.

>location
yes. if you let me, i will drag you across the convention center to the closest area that doesn't suck. if it's a formal shoot then i'll have you meet me there to begin with

>>6624191
>cosplayer asking photographer for a shoot
i'd do it if i wanted photos of myself and didn't arrange anything else. ask if they've got time and they'd like to do a shoot. it's like them asking you in reverse. wait, that's exactly what it is. "okay yeah let's do this" "sorry i'm busy, i have an interview for some press crap i have to do" "i got a panel i wanted to see in 5 mins, how about after that?" it's no less acceptable than us asking you if we can take your photo

>>6624218
also if you're going to ask someone, make sure they at least appear like they know what they're doing. like they know how to pose you or have some ideas up in their heads. i'll be honest, the barrier to entry for photography is money. anyone with big bucks can go buy himself a big bucks camera even if he doesn't know what he's doing (but he sure as hell looks like it because of the huge honking lens)

>>6622916
>Some cosplayers like photographers to have cards saying where the photos can be found after the event, but what if your photography is pretty mediocre and you feel like an ass with a 'business card'?

If you feel like an arse with a business card, just print off slips of paper with your name/username and where you're going to upload the photos.
I really wish this was more common place, it's nice to know where the photos are going.

>>6624250

Cosplayers should get off the stigma of "i'd feel like a tool if i made cosplay fan page /handed out cosplay business cards"
Think of it this way, if you are a wood worker and a musician. 2 things you are passionate about or good at. You wouldn't hand out your woodworking cards to other musicians, unless there is a specific reason. Same goes with business cards and fan pages for thing you are passionate about (cosplay). You want others who share that passion, or can benefit from it, to be able to contact you bout it.

Few examples of who you could hand your cards to. Photographers, prop makers, sponsors, cosplayers you may want to collaborate with, contacts who may be impressed by your work, panelists, videographers.

It's rare, but when I get a business card from a cosplayer I look them up later and give them credit in my photos.

just my thoughts :)

>>6622916
>Some cosplayers like photographers to have cards saying where the photos can be found after the event, but what if your photography is pretty mediocre and you feel like an ass with a 'business card'?

Even if you don't think your photos are up to par, if I'm having a hard time finding anything that's not shitty point-and-shoots with terrorflash, you'll still probably be much better. >>6624218 has a point, even if we put loads of time, effort, and money into a cosplay, we rely on photographers to help us document and showcase the results.

>Is it okay for either party to ask to move to a better location for a shot, or is that asking too much of a stranger that may not care too much about a picture of/from you?

For strangers: if it's no more than say... 10 feet from the current location and still in a public area, I'm all for it if it'll result in better lighting or not contributing to hall congestion. As both a cosplayer and casual photographer I've asked people if we can move out of the middle of the hall for photos.

>>6624391
>>6624218
I think part of the issue with cosplayer business cards is that you have to get new ones reprinted every time you debut a new costume if you're slapping a picture on there. This isn't so much an issue if you're doing cosplays that use the same makeup and clearly show your face, but if you're doing several with SFX makeup or masks, you might end up with piles of cards.

But honestly, I think I'll invest in some for Fanime. If I'm dropping a shitload of money and time into a cosplay, spending a bit extra to increase my chances of getting good/more photos of it returned to me is worth it.

As a cosplayer what do I want on my business card? Its trouble trying to find the photos for personal reasons and to help sell your commissions and other thing.

Oh, that's right.

>>6624408
>>6624427

Don't waste money by making new cards everytime you debut a cosplay. At first, if you don't have photos that represent your work very well, put your basic information that all cards have but include if you specialize in something that you hope to get commissions for or gigs for.
After you have some generic-ish cards that you have a lot of (don't be stingy with business cards! You never know who may get ahold of one) then you can get the photos that define your work and get some nice double sided cards with info on one side and images on the back. If that's what you want.

I have always said that cosplayers and photographers have a nice symbiotic relationship. We use our skill to emphasize your skills so we can have photos of quality work that well push our photography. :)

if anybody has any further questions on this and want to know, you can feel free to contact me from my Facebook JailBreak Photography page. I was a graphic designer for year and made bazillions of business cards. I'd be happy to answer questions.

I don't mean to be blabbing so much in this thread

>>6624427
name you want people to know you by, contact info (email if you want, facebook page if you want, etc), photo of you of some sort on the other side.

>>6624408
as stated, you don't need new ones all the time. where'd you get that idea from? if it's your thing from last convention, who gives a shit? whatever page you're linking them to probably has your old costumes and your new costumes anyway. as far as getting good photos of it goes, just arrange something with a photographer. cosplay.com has a forum specifically dedicated to photoshoot arrangement.

>>6622916
>Some cosplayers like photographers to have cards saying where the photos can be found after the event, but what if your photography is pretty mediocre and you feel like an ass with a 'business card'?
I absolutely LOVE when a photographer has cards. I never care about the quality of their pictures, either. Unless it's like a really awful phone picture but people who makes cards and invest in a camera is seriously enough to make me happy.

Doesn't matter if you are new, not pretentious IMO.

>>6624460
>>6624539
The major issue is using SFX makeup that dramatically alters your facial appearance. Skin tone changes, heavy contouring, scarring or wounds, and the like can do a lot to alter your appearance; I've had people meet me in cosplays that incoorperate those, and then meet me later when I'm either out of cosplay, or wearing a cosplay with much more minimal, natural makeup and not recognize me at all.

TLDR My concern is that even with having my face on a card with contact info, chances are I'll look fairly different from that for the other one or two costumes I'm looking for pictures of from that con.

>>6624565
like i said, arrange stuff. if you really have to, ask specifically for business cards or contact info from people running around with big camera setups and extra lighting gear who take your photo. they're the most likely to have business cards on them or be the most likely to get back to you. no one runs around with a shitload of gear like that if they aren't serious about it.

>>6624565

How about putting both your "normal" face and your SFX makeup face on the card? That would really emphasise your skills with makeup when you point out to the recipient that they're both pictures of you, I think

>>6624565

the point of a business card isn't to sell you to the person from just a little piece of paper. The card is just the stepping stone to further contact. Use it to lead them to a way to get more information about you and what you do. Your card doesn't need to show EVERYTHING you do, just a hint at it.

Here is 1 side of a double sided card I made for conventions and fun. I hand these out to clients and ask them to come up with an idea for a photo, or take a photo that shows them with the My Team card. It was a fun way to get people to interract with JailBreak Photography and to also let them know that they are awesome because they are on My Team. Because My team is awesome, and even more awesome because they are on it! :)

I have a really great series of photos from this.

My point is that your card should be simple, but make an impression. Don't cram tons of shit into it.

>>6625197

Just an example.

I found that most people hold onto the cards and ask/tell me about it later on. The backside had my info and some info that I catered to cosplayers, did private shoots, etc.

My current cards are square and one side has a QR code that brings people directly to my Facebook. If you can get someone to like your social networking site, that is the best option. There is not many things better than a direct communication clients, fans, and potential connections like Facebook pages/Twitter/etc

>At photoshoots I really appreciate it when a photographer points out if something's out of place, like if my wig is getting pulled back or I've smeared make up.

YES. God, I'll take my pocket mirror out and adjust it, so for fuck's sake, tell me about it.

This thread makes me want some spiffy business cards.

I just bought some business card paper from OfficeMax, downloaded the template from their website, and printed a few myself. You can even make double sided cards. I wouldn't recommend it if you want to put a photo on one side, but I just had some text, so it was fine.

I don't think you should feel like an as for having business cards. Even if you're not a pro and you're just taking pictures for fun it's nice to be able to contact people and get pictures from an event.

I make little business cards for cons because you meet people really quick and you might not see them again. Plus if you want to be friends in real life beyond cons I think it makes things easier.

I am really glad when a friend of a friend tags cosplayers on my FB albums so they can find their pics, it's like a really involved game of where's waldo almost.

>>6622916
The business card is more to assure cosplayers that they're not going in your fap folder

>>6625634
>hand out business cards
>fap folder anyway

bump

I think the important thing is for everyone to learn to spot the difference between pro photographers who are there to make money somehow, hobby photographers who are there because they really like cosplay and the sleazy guys who only own a camera so they can lazily hit on wannabe models.
Photographers of any kind should also learn to spot when a cosplayer is a nervous young girl who just wants to play dress up and when they're some attention whore who's in cosplay because she failed to get a modelling contract.

Once you learn those distinctions then I think everything else falls into place.

>>6625634

if they put the pics online then they will go in a hundred people's fap folders

so whats the big deal?

Does anyone else just hide their stuff on the web?

Get a domain.
Restrict the robots file
And post to some crap wordpress theme?
Hope it is never discovered.

Give links to close friends?

>>6628948
Skill level of a photographer is a little easier to determine. (Hint: ask them what f-stop they're using)

There's a much larger variety of people who cosplay IMO.

>>6629050
I photograph mainly for the purpose of people being able to finda photo of themselves online, and I give out cards so they can find them on my site.

So it'm totally against what you do. Why would you do that anyway?

>>6629079
what? I have never been to a con where the light levels have been anywhere near consistent. Unless you know yourself then the answer you get, this is pretty useless.

How does one going about starting photoshoots?
When are you good enough to even do such?

>>6629086
The point is not to know the answer, but to know what f-stop even means. The majority of people don't, and wouldn't even know how to answer the question or where to look to find out.

>>6629085
sorry self-post site. The thread was circling around people getting their own photos.

If I get a card, I get my pics and if I feel like sharing I post on a site that would actually get some traffic flowing to the photographers site.

>>6629090
I think anybody who's bothered to buy a SLR will know what f-stop means. The key difference is the legit guys will be able to tell you what aperture they're using without missing a beat while the sleaze bags will have to bring up their live view screen to see what autoexposure has selected for them.

>>6629115
I can agree with your second statement, but I also know several people with DSLRs who can't be bothered to learn how to use it, and only use auto or scene modes.

>>6629087
Many photographers advertise before cons they'll be doing shoots.
And that's really up to you..

>>6629115

Because every beginner with an SLR is a sleaze bag, obviously.
Plenty of decent people own fancy cameras and only ever use them on auto. A lot of cosplayers might just borrow one for an event, if they're lucky and have willing parents/friends.

>>6629090

If I am going to photograph somebody at a con and they try and quiz me about my level of photography, they would annoy the hell out of me if they weren't just asking out of curiosity.

I've asked people in the past for photos and instead of focusing on themselves they started saying things like
"oh, the sun is behind me, do you want me to move?"
"I'm going to be too dark."
"you should put on your flash."
"Are you sure?"
"Okaaayy.. well, if you say so.." and then they get this stupid ass derp face because they are more focused on what I am doing than themself.

It's not your camera, so just trust the photographer and don't be a "backseat photographer"

>>6623392
>>6623392
>tfw you land a perfect joke but no one notices

>>6629320
True, but you can tell the majority of guys at cons waving cameras around who are only taking photos of the most naked young girls are there for one reason and one reason only.

bump

>>6625197
>I have a really great series of photos from this.

That is lame as fuck. Seriously, this is nearly as bad as that tool who takes pictures of people holding his idiotic stuffed squid doll.

>>6630573
Don't ask photogs stupid fucking questions like "what f-stop are you using". First off, not only is that info not fucking pertinent to the photo, but it makes you come across like a paranoid moron. It's tantamount to asking a race car driver what grade motor oil they use. It doesn't fucking matter to them because all they're concerned with is winning races, just like a good photog isn't concerned with inane shit like "what f-stop you use."

>>6633205

Thanks for your input, your opinion really matters to me

>>6633255
If you want to walk around like an autistic and ask people to pose with a fucking scrap of cardstock that's your own business, but just so you know, your little "series" is not much more than shitty, puerile dreck.

>>6633574

Yes. that's precisely what I do

>>6633685

>>6633205
I don't think I've ever heard Squidflakes talked about before, but let me just say, you're an asshole.
He's a great, sociable guy who does something playful and fun, rather than just being a whiney killjoy on 4chan like you.

>>6633771
who the fuck is Squidflakes?

>>6633750

I honestly don't give a fuck what you have to say :)
Your criticism isn't even constructive. You just sound like an asshole.

>>6633801
If you actually didn't give a fuck, why did you samefag here?>>6633771

>>6633801
Stop replying to them, bro.

>>6633804
Wow, I'm ^ and you're an idiot.
Two people call you an asshole and you cry samefag.

>>6633806

Good advice

>>6633771
He's a middle-aged man walking around asking people to take pictures with a plush squid he carries around. That's fucking creepy and weird, sugar. If you wanna bask in his autistic glory then be my guest but don't act like it's normal.

>>6633927
He asked you to take a picture holding a plush animal? OMG CREEPY PERVERT RAPIST CALL THE POLICE!

Out of curiosity, is there ANYTHING a man does at a convention that dumb women DON'T find "creepy"?

>>6633934
Right, because seeing this shit coming at you during a con isn't distressing in the slightest. Tell me with a straight face that you wouldn't run for the nearest fire exit.

>>6633965
>assuming every guy is a rapist
I love people like you.

He looks like a nerd. At a convention.

How fucking sheltered are you?

>>6633981
No one is saying he's a rapist, drama queen.

>>6633965
He just looks like he's having a good time, what do you think people are supposed to do at conventions?

>>6633965
Eh, it's a con, there's often worse.

>>6633965
THAT distresses you?
How the fuck do you even get out of bed in the morning?

>>6633981
"Distressing" doesn't mean rapist. In that dude's case it's more like he'll want to talk loudly at you about tentacle porn.

>>6634051
Listen, if you're cool with posing for photos while holding someone's plushy cumrag that's cool, but I ain't into that.

>>6634074

>>6633989
...but he IS a rapist.

I am a cosplay photographer, and there is a pretty big difference between a legitimate cosplay photographer and a GWC.

-GWC's tend to gravitate towards skimpy cosplayers and they ignore everyone else. Cosplay photographers typically do photos of series they like or if they cosplay is interesting to them, regardless of the amount of skin shown.

-GWC's don't know photography technique, so they don't understand how lighting affects the picture, and using composition and poses to tell a story.

-Cosplay photographers (in general) are big fans of anime, manga, comics, and videogames, so they have at least some understanding of the hobby. At the very least, the cosplayer can strike up a conversation with them on those four things. If it is awkward or feels weird, that is a warning sign.

-When you bring a friend for an offsite photo shoot, a GWC will see them as a hindrance. A cosplay photographer will see them as useful since they can hold lightstands, recommend poses, and help switching out props.

Cards help a lot, and on the photographer end it does lessen the creeper factor since there is a name for the photographer and avenues to contact them to get the photos. I am pretty well networked with the California cosplay community, so 90% of my cosplay photos eventually get tagged on Facebook. When I attend cons outside of my cosplay circle, cards are a MUST since they don't know my reputation.

just thought this picture's kinda relevant

>>6634452
it's the reason why most of us hide BEHIND the camera
we're hideous

>>6634405

This is only partially related to this thread, but I'm still looking for info. I'd like a good camera to take pretty, clear photos. I'd mostly being taking outfit photos, photos of scenery and wildlife and products for review. If I get good at photography, I might start taking photos at conventions.

Does anybody have any recommendations?

>>6634574

Anon who wrote the really long No.6634405 post here. You can't go wrong with a DSLR or a Mirrorless Camera. What you need is dependent on the uses you will use for the Camera. A DSLR has a mirror and a pentaprism and a longer flange distance, this means lots of bulk and larger lenses. Mirrorless Cameras have a shorter flange distance and so they have smaller bodies and lenses, but the autofocus isn't as fast and there are battery issues due to the use of the LCD screen.

When you are getting a large sensor camera, it is all about the lenses you are using. On the DSLR end, Canon and Nikon have the largest selection of lenses, and you can't go wrong with either (I am more of a canon fan myself). When you go mirrorless the two big cameras are Olympus and Pentax. The lens selection is much smaller.

For what you need I recommend a DSLR by virtue of what you are looking to photograph by virtue of the large lens selection. At first you can get away with general multipurpose zooms, but once you start finding your niche, you can find specific lenses that are very good. For example, scenery will require wider lenses. Cosplay photography will require portrait lenses that are a little longer with a larger aperture (aka f1.0 to 1.4). Wildlife photography will require telephoto to super telephoto lenses (Deer and Moose can work with 200-300mm lenses, and birds require 400-800mm lenses depending on distance.)

>>6634574
>>6634614
Oh, for crying out loud.

You don't need a DSLR for outfit shots and snapshots at cons.

Get a good, dependable P+S- something like the Canon Powershot or an equivalent will do just fine, honestly. There's no way you need to bother with a DSLR if you aren't serious about photography for photography's sake.

>>6634614
Thank you for all the info! I'll look into what you said. What would you say my budget should be?

>>6634618
Basically, my plan is to start with "easy" photos like outfit shots and things to see if I'm any good at photography. It's something I'm interested in, but worried I'd be no good at. I'd really really love to take photos of wildlife, birds especially, and scenery. I didn't think it'd be wise to jump in and buy a super expensive camera if I wasn't so good at photography. I own a Rolleiflex that was handed down to me by my dad, who used to be a photographer, but it has some parts I need to replace and I'd much rather learn how to photograph with something digital before I go down the path of developing things myself etc.

>>6634623
There is no need to blow your budget, a entry level Canon or Nikon with a kit lens works (so a Canon T3, T3i, T4i, or a Nikon D3200, D5200). Depending on what you want, they are between $500 and $800. Do your research to fit your needs, even look into camera systems that family and/or friends have so that you can borrow lenses from them.

this has been an interesting thread.

>>6634574
Canon has a great line from 350D or anything newer

>>6634618
You are still spending a good amount of cash for something so disposable

>>6634614
>Cosplay photography will require portrait lenses that are a little longer with a larger aperture (aka f1.0 to 1.4)
What the fuck? Cosplay photography virtually always requires you to do full-length shots. You ain't gonna do those with a telephoto lens. You shouldn't use such a large aperture for cosplay, either. You need to get those details as sharp as possible and even the best lenses in the world are at their sharpest around f/4-8, depth of field be damned. Cosplay photography is NOT like regular portrait shooting.

Anybody who is looking to take it seriously enough to be considering a DSLR should check second hand for Canon or Nikon's slightly older bodies. Anything that is even just a ocuple of years out of date will be dirt cheap and so long as it's got a res of about 8mp or better, you can make it work. Obviously a better camera is going to be nicer, but an 8 or 10mp DSLR from a few years ago is all you /need/. It is more important to invest in good glass than a good body. Pick up a 35mm prime and a standard zoom like 20-100, that ort of range, and you're going to be set for at least the first two years that you're learning to shoot.

>>6638130
f/1.0. Nice. You can try selling your parents' kidneys to get one.

4/10. Made me reply.

I'm a pretty shy guy. How should I go about asking cosplayers if I can take their picture without looking like a total spaz?

>>6638385
"Can I take a picture of you?"
>snap
"That looks great, thank you!"

People in cosplay WANT to get their picture taken. If they're not in a rush to get somewhere, it will be fine.

>>6638385

Also,
Watch your hover hands and ask before you hug strangers.

>tfw you should have majored in photography in college instead of biology

i could have been laid by now.

>>6639343
are you ugly?

This thread has been very informative. Thanks /cgl/.

>>6624218
>1000 for $30
where?

>>6639343
you'd be better off as a business major who learned photography on the side. ask any commercial working photog and they'll probably tell you they wish they had gotten some business classes instead.

>>6644385
i got mine off printrunner when they were doing a 30% off promo (they run promos a lot). it was color front no back though. looks like color back would run you more. there's also vistaprints and overnightprints if you want other options at different price points.

>>6639343
Don't work that way.

Photographers get to see lots of naked women, but you have to be professional, so you never get to fool around with any of them.

>>6649475

not on the job at least

>>6649475
Have you not seen photographers? A lot are really fat and ugly, and even if the girl seems to "put out", at the end she's just being flirtatious and gets with another skinnier, better looking guy. I could get to one account involving something local where a girl has all these photographers all over her and she just teases them like mad, but I won't get to that. But I will say, it's extremely unprofessional for either party to go that level.

On topic though, I find it more professional for photographers to have business cards or contact info available. If you, the photographer, want your photography to be recognized and seen (especially when wedding season hits, that's big money and potential clients right there), be professional and have your card ready because cosplayers don't like having to Google or go on cosplay sites to dig for their photos or have their friends find it lying around some blog months later.

As a cosplayer, have poses ready. I knew a photographer who struggled to find poses for the cosplayers because the cosplayers themselves had no clue what to do. This is why it's good to be familiar with a character you're cosplaying and know specific signature poses. And it's okay for either the cosplayer or photographer to move locations, especially in the situation of lighting or crowds that may ruin the image.

>>6622969
>Not everyone holding a camera is a photographer and some just take pictures for their personal collection.

Oh god, one convention I was just wearing a maid outfit, not cosplaying as anything, and these 2 guys with nice looking cameras asked me if they could take my picture, I thought they were just people taking con related pictures since their cameras looked pretty nice and expensive. I looked and looked after the convention but I couldn't find the picture they took of me anywhere. I'm really creeped out that they kept it for their "personal collection".

>business cards
wwwwww

It's like you people actually matter.

>>6650776
"contact cards" would be more accurate but everyone just calls them business cards.

>>6650740
stop being paranoid goddamn. not everyone with a camera is some crazy out to get you.

>>6650740
>but I couldn't find the picture they took of me anywhere.
Nah don't worry, that happens to EVERYONE

>>6650883
>>6650908
>>6650186
This, so much. Sometimes you'll never find some photos. The only time you should rage is if you see it posted somewhere else where someone claims they're you.

Contact/business cards are awesome. They help you find your photos easier and keep in touch with the photographer in case you're fond of their work and want to do a shoot with them.

>>6650908
>>6650883

I wasn't super paranoid about it, just the weird part was that I wasn't even cosplaying and they both took my picture at the same time. I hope that it was just they didn't post it on the internet and it wasn't 2 creepy guys or something. They were the only people the entire convention who asked me for a picture, so it was a little weird.

>>6650740
Eh, that happens a lot for varying reasons that are more along the lines of 'No one tagging their fb photos recognized you' than 'personal collection'

Seriously, why would thy bother trying to jack it to a boring shot of some con chick standing around when they have an infinite amount of actual maid costume porn at their fingertips?

>>6650953

I agree, I figured no one was jacking it to me or anything since I wasn't showing any skin or anything. It was just a little weird how it all happened. I assume they were just photographers who took pictures of the con in general, and just didn't include my picture because they took so many pictures. But my boyfriend likes to poke fun at me and tell me they have a secret stash of pictures of girls at cons and they pull up my picture and pet my head on their monitor and stuff. Damnit boyfriend I hate you. I'm not even that good looking why do you do tell me these things ;_;

>>6650942
A maid dress is pretty costumey. It's not like you had on jeans and a tshirt
Frankly the reasons you couldn't find your picture are infinite, but being paranoid over something so insignificant is pointless and reflects badly on all women at cons.

>>6650970

I'm not that paranoid about it to be honest, I was mostly being facetious.

Mostly the line I quoted made me laugh because of the situation.

>>6650961
Okay yeah we don't need your personal anecdotes as well, no1curr.

>>6650975

You care enough to reply?

>>6650975
at least we now know the true root of the problem

>>6650740
Or maybe they deemed the photos shit and deleted them? Ever thought about that?

>>6650987

Yeah I thought that as well. Hence: >>6650961

>I assume they were just photographers who took pictures of the con in general, and just didn't include my picture because they took so many pictures.

I wasn't even in cosplay. I was standing around in the gaming area and 2 guys came up to me and asked if they could take my picture. I assume they were just hanging out watching people play games, taking general con pictures. But pulling me aside and asking me if they can take my picture with just me by myself was a little weird I guess since I wasn't in cosplay or anything and just a generic maid outfit. There wasn't anything special about me to warrant asking if they could take just my picture. Who knows.

>>6650996
Hon, a maid outfit is a costume. It may not have been a cosplay but you sure as hell were wearing a costume. You really didn't think anyone would ask for a picture of you while wearing a costume in a place where people wear costumes to get their pictures taken? Really??

>>6651007

Well why would anyone want a picture of someone in a generic maid outfit? It's not like they like the character/series I'm from. And there's tons of pictures of girls in generic maid outfits out there who look far better than me, there was nothing special about me to want a picture of me.

>>6651014
Holy shit, we get it, they took a picture of you and you don't know why. Honestly I've had pictures taken of me at cons in jfashion-y looking street clothes. Who fucking knows why? Maybe you're in someone's spank bank. Fuck, if you're on facebook, you almost certainly are. Deal with it.

>fookinh great
You're damn right, captcha.

>>6651014
Clearly this was your first con experience. If you ever plan on going to another con again, you'd best get over it and expect to have your picture taken by strangers.