As the con draws closer some people are wrapping up their costumes and starting to get ready for what they will actually DO at the con. I want to try to give some people a little bit of advice. Pictures are a very common thing at a convention. Either you will be taking pictures or someone will take a picture of you (if you are cosplaying) so here are some tips to make the whole thing a little easier.
As a cosplayer:There are essentially two types of pictures: ones for others and ones for yourself and there are do's and don't for both.
For Others:These are the pictures that will be the most common. When someone comes up to you and asks if they can take your picture. To me getting my picture taken is a huge complement, it tells me that my costume is good enough for someone to want to document and that is how most people should view it.
For these pictures you may want to practice some poses before hand. I would recommend about three or more poses. A well known costume will have a lot of pictures taken and you don't want to see the same things over and over do you? So do a little research on your character and find a few poses that they would do. This may involve you being a little creative. It is a good idea to practice these poses in front of a mirror and while a friend takes a picture. It is easy to do a good pose in a mirror but it may be harder to duplicate the same one when you can't see yourself so have a parent or a friend take some shots and review them.
As for some good slimming poses it is a good idea to do a 3/4 stance, or your feet pointed to the side and your torso turned to the camera. This will show the narrowest part of your stomach. Also pull your shoulders back and be aware of your chin. I used to let mine drape down and it would give me multiple chins. If your character does more of a downward look it is still easy to fix, lower your shoulders as much as possible without looking awkward and then pull them back. Also stick your neck out just slightly to give your neck a more elongated illusion.
This will take practice. But an example of this pose is as followed
I have a pretty nice looking stomach but a lot of pictures really do not capture the true look of it. This is one of the few pictures where you can see the definition that I tried so very hard to obtain.
Also, if you have props make sure you use them. If they are a defining characteristic of the character make sure they are visible in the picture. Props make it much much easier to pose yourself as well. There is so much to do with a simple prop. If your character doesn't have one maybe you could find something that would work. Take Kuja for example. He uses magic so he doesn't have a weapon, I am thinking about using a stuffed dragon I have since he does ride around on a dragon.
For yourself: These are the pictures that you are going to want to look back and remember. Most of the time these will be the best picture of your costume and will involve a professional photographer or someone who is good at taking pictures. These are the pictures where you can break character or do some things that you may not know how they will look. When you are posing for a picture for someone else you typically want to give them something that looks nice, but here you will have the opportunity to do something that may turn out to be really really cool or horrible and never want to see again.
For these pictures you will need to be a lot more creative then taking pictures for others. Sometimes photographers will pose you but it is also be your responsibility to do some of the work as well. If you head to cosplay.com they have a bunch of pictures that are showcase pictures. These are the best of the best.
Also inspiration can strike at anytime for these pictures. The picture below was actually taken when my photographer was taking a picture from above me and I was reaching up for the camera to view the picture she just took and she stopped me and told me to use the other hand.
These pictures do not necessary have to come from the game or anime but can be from anything with the series in mind. Take the image in my avatar for example. The one of Larxene holding a card in front of her face, I got that from a Dark Knight poster I have
http://culturewizard.rw-3llc.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/dark-knight-posters.jpg As a photographer:This is mainly going to be for the amateur photographers not the professionals because they don't need help
But as I stated earlier these pictures are for you. You should take a look at the picture after you take it and make sure it is what you want, if it isn't good enough then ask for another. Also, it is a good idea to show them the picture as well. They may be able to do something so much better.
The cosplayers may pose themselves but you may also have a pose you would like them to do. If they are already in a pose take the picture and then politely ask them to do the one you want. I have done this before myself. A friend had a great costume and I saw him pose for someone else by flipping off the camera and when I asked he did a different pose. Latter I found out my friend knew him and then I asked him to do that same pose. I was happy I did because it was a great picture.
For both parties:Remember your please and thank yous. You are borrowing time from someone so always thank them for their time. Also, be sure when you take a picture to move out of the way of other people. Please for the love of God do not block the hallways. Those halls are small and narrow so respect others.
I hope this helps some of you a little.
