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Convention Interest Check
1 min read
An interest check for the following this year:
Animazement, Anime Matsuri Convention, MechaCon Anime Convention, Project: A-Kon, and Katsucon
Can't confirm if I will be at either one, but wanting to check where the interest is at.
Animazement, Anime Matsuri Convention, MechaCon Anime Convention, Project: A-Kon, and Katsucon
Can't confirm if I will be at either one, but wanting to check where the interest is at.
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General Cosplay Photography FAQ
11 min read
This is an FAQ I have decided to write for questions relating specifically to my cosplay photography.
Answers are intended to reflect my own beliefs and some questions may require more than one answer or just another perspective.
I may update this FAQ from time to time once more questions arise.
Since writing this I have actually been looking into being more in front of the camera rather than behind it, but hopefully this will still serve some purpose for people who want to collaborate with me in the future.
M o s t - F r e q u e n t l y - A s k e d - Q u e s t i o n
Q: May I post a photo you took of me on my facebook/deviantart/tumblr/etc. ?
A: Yes. That is what it is there for, but please post best quality version found here -insert link-
D o w n l o a d i n g - P h o t o s
This is more of an explanation than a question on how to repost photos in the best quality.
As always please only repost for personal use.
All photos are currently being posted in 1100x733 as of writing this and every photo is available on flickr. Unfortunately some people get impatient or don't understand how FlickR works and I occasionally see photos being reposted in 600x400 elsewhere. To get the best version, please follow these steps
1. Click on the photo of your choice
2. Once in "Theater mode", con the lower right corner there is a Down arrow. Click on that and then click "Original 1100x733".
3. You will now see the photo in its full size and can download it accordingly.
4. If all else fails, ask me.
The FlickR account ( www.flickr.com/photos/7309685@… ) was originally intended as a general Florida Cosplay Photography account and thus shared amongst me and a circle of other people.
Nowadays it is mostly used by me and
.
I n t r o d u c t i o n
Something that is often overlooked is that I am a cosplayer myself. I am not very good at that, but it is what got me into cosplay photography.
Q: Are you a professional cosplay photographer?
A: No. Cosplay photography is a hobby and the current potential revenue is not enough to support myself.
However, I do aim to be courteous to everybody and improve over time.
Q: What conventions are you planning on attending?
A: I don't announce until about a month prior in order to not mislead anybody or get my hopes up.
Some conventions like Anime Weekend Atlanta have managed to become routine trips.
Q: Would you be willing to travel to a location outside of a convention to take cosplay photos?
A: Certainly would love to. However I may charge a small fee to compensate any travel costs pending on distance from where I live.
Q: Do you take pictures or video outside of cosplay? Would you be willing to be a photographer for....
A: Yes and I would love to work with you. I have experience with weddings, senior portraits, engagements, head shots, graduation, on set photography, fashion, and promotional stills.
S i g n i n g - U p
Q: How do I schedule a shoot with you at an upcoming convention?
A: Send me a message.
Q: When contacting you, what information should I include?
A: A preferred time, what costume it is, who all is involved and sample of previous work if available.
Q: When and where will you post about sign up information?
A: If I decide to openly advertise doing sign ups for photoshoots at a convention, then it is usually a month before prior.
Although due to a large volume of messages I get, I usually don't do this anymore unless I am charging. Alternatively I like to post which event I will be and leave it at that.
Q: What if you happen to be completely booked?
A: I award persistence. On many occasions if I am not able to shoot with you for one convention, I arrange a way to shoot you for the next.
On some occasions I will try to offer a photo or two during my "off-time".
Q: I don't know my schedule and what I will be doing. Where will you be set up so I can get photos from you whenever I feel like it.
A: I'm sorry. I don't do that.
P r i c i n g
The most controversial part
Q: How much would you charge for a convention shoot?
A: Price is determined by the amount of travel and work involved.
In the past it was usually $20-$30 for 45 minutes (or until we're both satisfied) at a convention.
Q: Why do/did you charge?
A: Charging at one point was my only way to attend conventions. It was the ability to change attending one convention per year to seven.
Q: Why don't/didn't you charge?
A: I have more freedom to do things on my own time and discretion.
Q: Why should I pay somebody?
A1: When you pay for a session, you are guaranteed photo(s) from an photographer of your choice and a time that caters to you.
It is also a way of expressing appreciation for the work involved.
A1-2: In comparison. There are people who offer on site commissions in the artist alley for a fee during the convention.
Alternatively I have had people commission things for me in exchange for photos.
Q: Why should I have to pay for photos when I have to pay to make the costume?
A: Admirable as it is, it is unlikely you made the costume specifically for me or to cater to my interest.
Good photography is an added incentive you choose to partake in.
A2: The overall amount of work involved in processing the photos can sometimes equal the amount of work put into a costume.
Q: Is it really that hard to just press a button?
A: It's about as hard as painting a picture, trying to fix a computer or playing a round of DDR.
Anybody can do those things, but the end result is going to be determined by the knowledge, experience and resources at hand by the individual.
S e t t i n g - U p - T h e - S h o o t
Q: Should I start coming up with my own ideas or will you just tell me what to do?
A: The most ideal approach would be for you to have some ideas of what you want and I would then direct it to bring the most out of it.
If you aren't able to come up with something, then I will try to help make you look as good as I can.
Q: I would like to do some photos at night or somewhere indoors. How should I prepare for this?
A: On an occasion where I won't be using natural light, I will need an assistant to make it work. Atleast one, preferably two.
If you happen to be in a group, usually I ask for people to rotate between assistant and getting their photo taken.
A f t e r - T h e - S h o o t
Q: How long does it take to recieve my photos?
A: I usually deliver 1-2 photos the week of and sometimes the day after an event.
After that period the results tend to vary. Reminding me usually helps
Q: Why does it take so long to recieve my photos?
A:There are a lot of factors involved as to why. Editing can be just as fun as it can be really tedious.
For a large event like Anime Weekend Atlanta or A-KON, I take on average 900 photos. By the time I narrow down which
photos I want to use, it ends up being between 250-400 by the time I am finished.
Each photo can take up to 3 minutes to edit and some can take up an hour or more.
When working on photos I try to visualize how it will look like while taking them and then how they could look like after editing them
Other reasons include
A1-2: Problems and distractions within my personal life. Whether it was my motherboard calling it quits or problems with the day job.
It can be difficult to determine how much time any of this can take up.
A1-3: Unsatisfied. I'll have photos that I don't think hit what I was wanting out of them and I have to brainstorm ways to get it together.
Sometimes this means having to distance yourself from them and then coming back at a later time.
A1-4 Burn out. The more I stare at photos taken at the same location, the more I am "reliving" being there and it becomes unsettling.
When you are having to browse through and edit hundreds of photos it just becomes too much.
Originally when I started photography I never understood why some charged big money for what they did, but having done a large volume of work free or a low cost, motivation will dwindle.
U s a g e
Q: May I post a photo you took of me on my facebook/deviantart/tumblr/etc. ?
A: Yes. That is what it is there for, but please post best quality version found here -insert link-
Q: Could you send me a high resolution version of a photo for personal use, publication or a contest.
A: Probably. I usually don't like revisiting older photos once they are posted, because I most likely I have other photos that have yet to be worked on.
For this reason I may be slow in terms of sending them. I have considered the idea of a small fee per image for this to help make things go faster.
Q: I would like to use the photos you took of me for prints to sale. It can promote your photography and I will even offer you to pay you x% received
A: Refer to above answer. Unfortunately the few times I have agreed to this the results were underwhelming.
Q: I was wondering if I could edit one of your photos?
A: Which photo and why?
(If positive)
A1-2 If you think you can make it awesome.
O t h e r
Q: You took my picture once and it was really cool, but then I saw you at another convention and you walked by me like you didn't even recognize me! What gives?
A: A change of hair color, eye color and costume will make it difficult for me to recognize you. If you stop me and give me a few details I usually come around.
Q: Can I add your personal facebook account?
A: Sure, I guess. I'm kind of boring though. Let me know who you are if I do know you.
C r i t i c i s m
Q: Your photos suck!
A: Life is like that sometimes.
Q: I don't like this photo you took of me, would you please take it down?
A: No problem. They all can't be zingers
Q: Just absolutely love these photos you took of me and would gladly like to donate towards you! How can I do this?
A: You're awesome. Just send me a message
Q: Do you say no to people just because of their body, gender or fame level?
A: I rarely say no to anybody. What is fame?
Answers are intended to reflect my own beliefs and some questions may require more than one answer or just another perspective.
I may update this FAQ from time to time once more questions arise.
Since writing this I have actually been looking into being more in front of the camera rather than behind it, but hopefully this will still serve some purpose for people who want to collaborate with me in the future.
M o s t - F r e q u e n t l y - A s k e d - Q u e s t i o n
Q: May I post a photo you took of me on my facebook/deviantart/tumblr/etc. ?
A: Yes. That is what it is there for, but please post best quality version found here -insert link-
D o w n l o a d i n g - P h o t o s
This is more of an explanation than a question on how to repost photos in the best quality.
As always please only repost for personal use.
All photos are currently being posted in 1100x733 as of writing this and every photo is available on flickr. Unfortunately some people get impatient or don't understand how FlickR works and I occasionally see photos being reposted in 600x400 elsewhere. To get the best version, please follow these steps
1. Click on the photo of your choice
2. Once in "Theater mode", con the lower right corner there is a Down arrow. Click on that and then click "Original 1100x733".
3. You will now see the photo in its full size and can download it accordingly.
4. If all else fails, ask me.
The FlickR account ( www.flickr.com/photos/7309685@… ) was originally intended as a general Florida Cosplay Photography account and thus shared amongst me and a circle of other people.
Nowadays it is mostly used by me and
.I n t r o d u c t i o n
Something that is often overlooked is that I am a cosplayer myself. I am not very good at that, but it is what got me into cosplay photography.
Q: Are you a professional cosplay photographer?
A: No. Cosplay photography is a hobby and the current potential revenue is not enough to support myself.
However, I do aim to be courteous to everybody and improve over time.
Q: What conventions are you planning on attending?
A: I don't announce until about a month prior in order to not mislead anybody or get my hopes up.
Some conventions like Anime Weekend Atlanta have managed to become routine trips.
Q: Would you be willing to travel to a location outside of a convention to take cosplay photos?
A: Certainly would love to. However I may charge a small fee to compensate any travel costs pending on distance from where I live.
Q: Do you take pictures or video outside of cosplay? Would you be willing to be a photographer for....
A: Yes and I would love to work with you. I have experience with weddings, senior portraits, engagements, head shots, graduation, on set photography, fashion, and promotional stills.
S i g n i n g - U p
Q: How do I schedule a shoot with you at an upcoming convention?
A: Send me a message.
Q: When contacting you, what information should I include?
A: A preferred time, what costume it is, who all is involved and sample of previous work if available.
Q: When and where will you post about sign up information?
A: If I decide to openly advertise doing sign ups for photoshoots at a convention, then it is usually a month before prior.
Although due to a large volume of messages I get, I usually don't do this anymore unless I am charging. Alternatively I like to post which event I will be and leave it at that.
Q: What if you happen to be completely booked?
A: I award persistence. On many occasions if I am not able to shoot with you for one convention, I arrange a way to shoot you for the next.
On some occasions I will try to offer a photo or two during my "off-time".
Q: I don't know my schedule and what I will be doing. Where will you be set up so I can get photos from you whenever I feel like it.
A: I'm sorry. I don't do that.
P r i c i n g
The most controversial part
Q: How much would you charge for a convention shoot?
A: Price is determined by the amount of travel and work involved.
In the past it was usually $20-$30 for 45 minutes (or until we're both satisfied) at a convention.
Q: Why do/did you charge?
A: Charging at one point was my only way to attend conventions. It was the ability to change attending one convention per year to seven.
Q: Why don't/didn't you charge?
A: I have more freedom to do things on my own time and discretion.
Q: Why should I pay somebody?
A1: When you pay for a session, you are guaranteed photo(s) from an photographer of your choice and a time that caters to you.
It is also a way of expressing appreciation for the work involved.
A1-2: In comparison. There are people who offer on site commissions in the artist alley for a fee during the convention.
Alternatively I have had people commission things for me in exchange for photos.
Q: Why should I have to pay for photos when I have to pay to make the costume?
A: Admirable as it is, it is unlikely you made the costume specifically for me or to cater to my interest.
Good photography is an added incentive you choose to partake in.
A2: The overall amount of work involved in processing the photos can sometimes equal the amount of work put into a costume.
Q: Is it really that hard to just press a button?
A: It's about as hard as painting a picture, trying to fix a computer or playing a round of DDR.
Anybody can do those things, but the end result is going to be determined by the knowledge, experience and resources at hand by the individual.
S e t t i n g - U p - T h e - S h o o t
Q: Should I start coming up with my own ideas or will you just tell me what to do?
A: The most ideal approach would be for you to have some ideas of what you want and I would then direct it to bring the most out of it.
If you aren't able to come up with something, then I will try to help make you look as good as I can.
Q: I would like to do some photos at night or somewhere indoors. How should I prepare for this?
A: On an occasion where I won't be using natural light, I will need an assistant to make it work. Atleast one, preferably two.
If you happen to be in a group, usually I ask for people to rotate between assistant and getting their photo taken.
A f t e r - T h e - S h o o t
Q: How long does it take to recieve my photos?
A: I usually deliver 1-2 photos the week of and sometimes the day after an event.
After that period the results tend to vary. Reminding me usually helps
Q: Why does it take so long to recieve my photos?
A:There are a lot of factors involved as to why. Editing can be just as fun as it can be really tedious.
For a large event like Anime Weekend Atlanta or A-KON, I take on average 900 photos. By the time I narrow down which
photos I want to use, it ends up being between 250-400 by the time I am finished.
Each photo can take up to 3 minutes to edit and some can take up an hour or more.
When working on photos I try to visualize how it will look like while taking them and then how they could look like after editing them
Other reasons include
A1-2: Problems and distractions within my personal life. Whether it was my motherboard calling it quits or problems with the day job.
It can be difficult to determine how much time any of this can take up.
A1-3: Unsatisfied. I'll have photos that I don't think hit what I was wanting out of them and I have to brainstorm ways to get it together.
Sometimes this means having to distance yourself from them and then coming back at a later time.
A1-4 Burn out. The more I stare at photos taken at the same location, the more I am "reliving" being there and it becomes unsettling.
When you are having to browse through and edit hundreds of photos it just becomes too much.
Originally when I started photography I never understood why some charged big money for what they did, but having done a large volume of work free or a low cost, motivation will dwindle.
U s a g e
Q: May I post a photo you took of me on my facebook/deviantart/tumblr/etc. ?
A: Yes. That is what it is there for, but please post best quality version found here -insert link-
Q: Could you send me a high resolution version of a photo for personal use, publication or a contest.
A: Probably. I usually don't like revisiting older photos once they are posted, because I most likely I have other photos that have yet to be worked on.
For this reason I may be slow in terms of sending them. I have considered the idea of a small fee per image for this to help make things go faster.
Q: I would like to use the photos you took of me for prints to sale. It can promote your photography and I will even offer you to pay you x% received
A: Refer to above answer. Unfortunately the few times I have agreed to this the results were underwhelming.
Q: I was wondering if I could edit one of your photos?
A: Which photo and why?
(If positive)
A1-2 If you think you can make it awesome.
O t h e r
Q: You took my picture once and it was really cool, but then I saw you at another convention and you walked by me like you didn't even recognize me! What gives?
A: A change of hair color, eye color and costume will make it difficult for me to recognize you. If you stop me and give me a few details I usually come around.
Q: Can I add your personal facebook account?
A: Sure, I guess. I'm kind of boring though. Let me know who you are if I do know you.
C r i t i c i s m
Q: Your photos suck!
A: Life is like that sometimes.
Q: I don't like this photo you took of me, would you please take it down?
A: No problem. They all can't be zingers
Q: Just absolutely love these photos you took of me and would gladly like to donate towards you! How can I do this?
A: You're awesome. Just send me a message
Q: Do you say no to people just because of their body, gender or fame level?
A: I rarely say no to anybody. What is fame?
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
I realize I haven't posted a good update in awhile and unfortunately I don't have anything new to say. However...
As somebody who is always looking for new challenges; I am interested to see if there is anybody out there who has wanted to work with me, but never got the chance to. Other than AWA, I am not entirely sure of my schedule but I have been looking at places out of state a lot.
Also I am looking to do more standard portraits and weddings as I already have some experience in this.
Like on FaceBook
www.facebook.com/KenADPhotogra…
As somebody who is always looking for new challenges; I am interested to see if there is anybody out there who has wanted to work with me, but never got the chance to. Other than AWA, I am not entirely sure of my schedule but I have been looking at places out of state a lot.
Also I am looking to do more standard portraits and weddings as I already have some experience in this.
Like on FaceBook
www.facebook.com/KenADPhotogra…
Join the community to add your comment. Already a deviant? Log In
I have reached a certain level of popularity when it comes to offering convention photoshoots and my recent "price" change. Normally I would post an open call on here or on cosplay.com and go through responses as I get them. As of lately the number of responses I have received has grown to be a little overwhelming and there are people who have contacted me months prior to posting sign ups and the convention itself about setting up photoshoots.
At this point there doesn't seem to be a fair way of going about it and on the other hand I have to consider that by doing this for free there are liberties that are open for me to take.
For that reason I may be suspending my normal open calls for A-KON and possibly anything afterwards.
However I do not want to discourage anybody from approaching me as I pride myself on being subjective and not closed off to whatever is popular.
So if you are interested in working with me just leave a comment or hit me up with a message with what convention we may both be attending and see how it goes from there. Even if a shoot may be out of the question there is always the possibility I could take a photo or two of you during my off time.
I am also researching the idea of on location shoots/gatherings if there is more interest in this.
At this point there doesn't seem to be a fair way of going about it and on the other hand I have to consider that by doing this for free there are liberties that are open for me to take.
For that reason I may be suspending my normal open calls for A-KON and possibly anything afterwards.
However I do not want to discourage anybody from approaching me as I pride myself on being subjective and not closed off to whatever is popular.
So if you are interested in working with me just leave a comment or hit me up with a message with what convention we may both be attending and see how it goes from there. Even if a shoot may be out of the question there is always the possibility I could take a photo or two of you during my off time.
I am also researching the idea of on location shoots/gatherings if there is more interest in this.
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MomoCon / A-KON
1 min read
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