DIY Cosplay Photoshoots

Cosplay photoshoots area a great way to showcase your costume and to bring a character to life. But what if you aren’t near any conventions or photographer meet-ups? Then it’s time for a DIY photoshoot. Okay, maybe not completely do-it-yourself because you will need one other person (unless you have a self-timer and a tripod).

THINGS YOU WILL NEED:

-you in a costume

-a camera

-a person to use the camera

-a location

Now that you have all the pieces, here are some tips to make the most of your DIY photoshoot:

You don’t need to have a super fancy or expensive camera. Cell phone cameras are improving daily and can result in some pretty great shots.

(This Junko picture was just a quick cell phone snap. Photo by Webyugioh)

2. Take a lot of pictures. And I mean A LOT. It is fairly common to take a hundred photos only to have a handful turn out. That’s okay.

3. Review. Periodically look at the camera to see how the pictures are coming along. Check to see if the angle is flattering, if the sun is too bright, or if any costume pieces need to be adjusted.

4. Try to get as much light as possible. In my personal experience, cell phone cameras and basic digital cameras work best with lots of natural light so I try to do as many personal shoots outdoors as I can.

(Plus, the outdoors is a great setting for series like Pokemon. Photo by Webyugioh)

5. Don’t get discouraged. Just like anything else, good cosplay photos take practice. Don’t get discouraged if your first few photos aren’t perfect. Keep pushing through and try new things!

6. Focus on your makeup and costume. If you are like me and have very little photo editing experience this one is a must. I do my best to fix any smudged makeup and trim any loose threads that may be distracting in a photo since I am unable to photoshop them out.

7. Search for fitting locations. A cool location can make for a visually interesting photo and can transport a cosplayer into the world their character is from. Parks and gardens make for great photoshoot locations; just make sure you have permission to take photos!

(This Super Sonico photo was taken during a local Cherry Blossom Festival! Photo by Webyugioh)

8. Experiment. Try different angles and poses to see what looks good. You may be surprised by the results!

9. Add some props. When cosplayers hear the word “props” they tend to think of impressive weapons or magical staffs, but a prop doesn’t have to be super fancy. Look for items that have significance to your character or that can be used to recreate the story of the series.

(My Charlotte mask helps make the character recognizable, but it is secretly a paper plate on a stick! Photo by Webyugioh)

10. Have fun!

I hope you found these DIY photoshoot tips helpful. If there is anything I missed, please let me know in the comments below! Good luck with your future photoshoots!

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Want to learn more about cosplay sewing? Check out my e-book: (currently available in Kindle format, though can be read on other devices through the free Kindle app).