/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

[Anonymous No.6478066]

Hi /cgl/, /p/ here.

Got a new camera recently, being quite a shut-in weaboo who's never been to one these cosplay things, I decided to tag along with some of my photog mates to a cosplay event and have some fun with it.
But since it was my first time there, I was quite surprised at the sheer number of sweaty, middle aged geezers(I doubt many of them are actual weabs nor do they make a beeline for the male cosplayers.) with expensive gear, rabidly shooting away at young, scantily-clad ladies.
I figured it would be more civil, beginning with asking the cosplayer for permission before snapping away. But as soon as someone begins shooting, a whole legion of them crowds around the cosplayer and goes wild with their shutter.

So, as a cosplayer, how do you view these photographers who do not really care about what you are cosplaying? Does it crosses the creepy line or is it just all good fun?
Pic very much related.

[Anonymous No.6478072]

If you're cosplaying something slutty/sexy/cute/cool, a lot of people will take pictures without knowing/caring what you're from. It's something to be expected.

If you're cosplaying something plain, you already know that only fans will want a picture.

[Anonymous No.6478107]

>>6478066
>implying ppl dress up at cons don't want attention

[Anonymous No.6478304]

I would also like to know how to not come across as a creep. I like cosplayers. Especially the slutty kinds.

[Anonymous No.6478355]

well I've had people take my picture and not know what I was from. I didn't find any of them creepy and they were polite about telling me and even seemed very interested in learning more about what I was cosplaying (wasn't dressed as a slut was wearing glowing armor)

[Anonymous No.6478373]

>>6478304
snap a pic ans talk to them politely. Ask them what series they are from. Try and initiate a conversation from that and dont stare at their tits. That's the easiest way to not come across as a creeper.

[Anonymous No.6478485]

There have always been the creepy middle aged men at events. They are pretty harmless most of the time but if you to a event and dress up in something say skimpy that sort of attention should be expected

I go to a lot of events as a photographer I don't care if your male female or even if I have a clue what your cosplay is as long as you'll make a good photo. I try to talk to each cosplayer first but some times you see a crowd of people snapping away at some one. You don't want to wait and then hold them up longer but you don't want to just jump in being all rood, what I always do is I make my way into the crowd of photographers hold my camera lens at the sky point a finger at it and smile and wait for eye contact, ever time I've ever dun this I've got a smile or a little nod to say its ok and got a great shot as they normally look at in your direction. A smile will go a long way!

[Anonymous No.6478553]

I've had photographers who wanted photos because they liked the general look or design of the costume. One of my costumes in particular usually garners hobby/professional photographers who predominantly take photos of a specific prop.

I've only dressed up in a "fanservicey" outfit once, but I will say that often the hobby/professional photographers were the most polite, after the actual fans of the series/character. They were clearly more interested in getting a good photo, and tended to show me the shots afterwards. In all honestly, I really don't mind if I'm going to be fap-fodder for someone (I've encountered creepers at cons regardless of costume), but it's still nice to know that I wasn't getting detailed documentation of my chest for some stranger.

I also usually I get a few photographers who snap random candid of groups because the shots look potentially nice (usually whispering beforehand to not totally creep us out), but everyone who seemed serious about photography was much more explicit when I was showing off the belly. Even when the "camera bubbles" formed, many still tried to ask to see if it was okay.

Cons just seem like a good place to work on your skill given the large crowds, and if you post a lot of photos, specifically ones of popular, detailed, or fanservicey costumes, people will be more likely to look through your site/portfolio.

And to me, it's either a compliment on my skills, or more practice to not look like a total derpface in photos. (Since dedicated photographers always understand and have the patience to let me fulfill my need to move into a better position, fix my costume, and pose nicely.)

[Anonymous No.6479090]

OP here, thanks for the responses, at least now I can feel less ashamed about snapping pictures of these magnificent looking human beings.

[Anonymous No.6479113]

>>6478066
You're the same as every other photographer out there. pic and incoming pic very related

[Anonymous No.6479115]

Just go with it. Screw what the subject thinks of you. You've got no need to be civil about it.

[Anonymous No.6479128]

IMO photo mobs can be a pain in the ass to deal with, but they're an expected part of the con experience. Same thing with dealing with "creepy" people. It's unpleasant, but as long as you aren't trying to take pantyshots, invade personal space, or asking for sexual poses for photos, I'm not going to give further shits about it.

The only time that photo mobs or sneak shots get annoying is if it's clear that a cosplayer is trying to do a private photoshoot with a photographer. If you really want their photo, wait until they're done or see if you can catch them again later in the con.

[smoker !Umad72YCVU No.6479132]

>>6478066
Nice missing no cosplay OP

[Anonymous No.6480646]

OP again, bonus questions for the lolitas:

Would the same apply for you all? For a photog to approach you and so on. I was quite hesitant to ask one of them for a picture and only waited till when all of them started to pose before getting the shots down.

Pic related again, she looked absolutely divine.

[Anonymous No.6480768]

>>6480646

Lolita here. Most of my friends and I love getting our pictures taken as long as the person asks first and isn't looking like they're going for a lewd upskirt shot or something else inappropriate. This is especially true at a con since we expect to be stopped a lot and know not to be annoyed. Be polite and we'll pose for a few shots then probably try to get you into a picture or two with us. :)


Crowds of photographers are a different thing for me. Some people do go to the area where cosplayers gather to get pictures taken and they don't mind random people coming crowding around and shooting away. On the other hand, if I'm in a hall and get stopped by someone and then a crowd forms...After a minute I get really annoyed by the random people popping into the back, snapping some photos, and leaving. That's when I excuse myself and wander off. At least ask quickly (wave and point to your camera if the person seems busy posing and wait for acknowledgment maybe?), join the crowd to take a snap or two, thank the lolita (even just a head nod), and go on your merry way. Don't be afraid, most lolitas aren't going to be bitchy to you.

Same thing on the streets. Everyone who stops and asks for a photo tends to get love from the group. Everyone who snaps and runs gets cursed for an hour.

[Anonymous No.6481919]

>>6480768
Awesome. Really appreciate all the input.