Cosplay UK

Now I am no longer spending many hours a week on Ayacon, and I have a studio to work from, I'm looking for subjects for a new personal project I am about to start in 2014.

Introduction

My name is Kev. I am a Manchester portrait and commercial photographer. You can find out more about me [[here]].

Although I have been a photographer for many years, and have been attending sci-fi conventions since I was a teenager in the 70s, I first started taking photographs of cosplayers at UK anime conventions like Shinenkai and Minami. Back in those days everything was shot on film, there weren't many cosplayers in the UK (by today's standards), and even fewer photographers recording their work.

Things have now changed significantly. Events can now have hundreds (possibly thousands) of cosplayers and it seems there are almost as many photographers and videographers recording everything. Many shoots are now organised away from the convention scene. So rather being images from a cat walk or a crowded convention centre/hotel corridor they become fantastic environmental portraits.

In recent years I've been more involved with assisting at conventions, and have been one of the committee members & directors for Ayacon. Unfortunately this meant even though I was regularly at these events, I had very little time to actually take photographs!

I believe personal projects are incredibly important for a photographer. Without creating a project that takes us out of our comfort zone, we don't strive to learn new skills and our work never evolves.

The Project

So far I've only told you about myself, but nothing about the project!

My plan is to work with a small number of cosplayers in 2014. Probably no more than 5 or 6.

I would like to take traditional environmental portraits, as well as portraits in my studio (located near Piccadilly Station in Manchester).

However this isn't the main part of the project.

I would also like to work with you in a documentary style throughout the year. This project will include both images and the written word.

I will come to your home. Photograph you working on you costumes. Interview you about your life, how you came to cosplay, the characters you choose, the skills you've learned.

When you attend events I would take behind the scenes shots.

I understand what I am asking could be difficult to do, both in terms of time and commitment. So please be sure you understand what this project is about, what is being asked of you and that the resulting body of work will possibly be displayed both online and live.

The Details

Everyone taking part will receive prints in return for their time. These will be A3 in size and will be from both the studio and environmental portrait sessions. I normally charge £45 for a portrait session, and A3 prints start at £20. If you were hoping for digital files for Facebook or your website, don't worry as I'll provide web ready images too.

At the end of the project I'm hoping to gather the stories and documentary images together into a book, and you will of course be provided with a copy.

If all goes well, there may even be an exhibition, and you will of course be invited to the opening.

At the end of the day, this project is your story. I need you to talk about cosplay; how you became involved in it, what you most enjoy, what the costume means to you, why did you choose that character/costume, etc..

 
Further Information

I've created a short FAQ page covering most of the questions I could think of

Still interested in taking part? Thank you so much. You can get in touch using the contact form on this website, by sending me a message on Facebook (linked below), or by emailing kev@kevinpack.co.uk.

P.S If you don't want to take part yourself, but know someone who may be interested in this project, then please send them a link to this web page.