This article is submitted by Lisa, she is also one of our convention reporters! Submit your article to us to get sponsor by miccostumes.com

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Hey everyone!

I always get a lot of questions regarding on how to prepare yourself for a cosplay shooting – as a beginner. As some of you know, I am neither a model nor a beauty who loves to stick around cameras. Actually, I still feel a little uncomfortable at photoshootings.

If you are new to cosplay, a little shy and have little to no experience at standing in front of a camera, this guide will be perfect for you.

Everyone else probably won’t learn anything new. Let’s start then, shall we? ^_^

Planning ahead

First of all, if you don’t know the photographer all that well, ask a friend you trust to come along with you on the date of the shooting.

If he’s a complete stranger, I also recommend bringing a tfp (time for prints) contract with you. Here’s a template: http://dpanswers.com/forms/contract_tfp.html

This is a basic contract usually used by amateur models to agree on the terms that the models as well as the photographer has the rights on the pictures, but none is allowed to use them for commercial purposes.

Things you should also do are talking over what you expect from the shooting. The location is just a basic aspect. Do you want your character to appear evil? Sexy? Cute? Have you seen a special picture you would like to imitate? The more the photographer knows, the better he can prepare!



Test your make up and some poses a few days before having your photos taken. Search fanarts of your character – you’ll get some of the best ideas for in-character poses there.

If you are insecure about a part of your body, you may want to tell the one taking your pictures. If they know, they can either help you to hide it or edit the pictures afterwards.

The day before

Check if all parts of your cosplay are still okay. Anything missing? Wig styled? Do you need to repair something? Also, try out all the poses you found by looking at fanarts in front of a mirror. Sometimes, it looks good as a drawing, but weird to do in real life.

At the shooting

Remember to eat and drink enough! Don’t underestimate a photoshooting – it can be very exhausting. If it is cold, never forget to bring a jacket or a blanket. If needed, ask the photographer for a break.If the photographer asks you to do a pose and you feel uncomfortable doing it – DON’T. If he is a professional, he will understand and drop the idea instantly. Remember that you’re doing this for fun – you don’t owe anyone anything! 🙂





Some basic model rules:

Use Make Up! The skin always shines in the light, so powdering it is a minimum to have natural-looking skin in the photos.

Chin up, shoulders down! Posture is very important. It is a part of being in-character, if your character is shy, try to pose that way. Also, always try to show off your cosplay! Avoid weird poses and gestures that hide your beautiful cosplay!

Always do something with your hands! Like fiddle with your hair, act like you’re looking in the sky, hold something you find on the location… Also, avoid doing the “peace” sign on every photo.

Try to act in character! Start thinking like your character and doing stupid stuff. I always got the best results while doing so. There can always be moments, when you can act funny and out of character for a couple of pictures, if you discuss it with your photographer.

And the most important one: Have fun! 😀