Lv. ∞ Herald of Change
Arms: Fidei Defensor / Joyeuse Noel
HP:Infinity MP: Infinity
Main Activity: Reading, Working, Photography
Project Goal: 20000 photos before December
Deviation Quota: 0/0

I only started doing event cosplay photography in 2008, and actual photoshoots since August 2009, but I have been attending the regular Sydney cons since 2004. Before then, I had been lightly involved with the convention scene in the Philippines (2000-2003) and had seen the rise of cosplay in that country.

I have had the unique position of being an 'outsider looking in' with regards to the Sydney scene, and have watched with much enjoyment the rise in quality and sophistication that cosplayers in this city have displayed.

I would say that while the overall quality is strong, I frown at the geographical distribution. I come from the Outer West, and not knowing any cosplayers from that area is quite disheartening. I am happy that we are now representing our side of the pond in the international scene, and I would most certainly like to be an event photographer in Nagoya should I ever have the chance.

The community is lovely and most if not all cosplayers are friendly if you respect them and their space. I have observed that they're quite tight-knit, which generally results in sharing knowledge and materials - and thus, improvement. It has been my earnest joy and privilege to photograph them, and while I sometimes feel like the longsuffering photographer, I take joy after their joy.

When doing photography of cosplayers, I try to be peacable. It's all about respect - they went through hell (sometimes more) to get the costumes done and set up for the con or shoot, so I try and be at my best with representing that through capture and post. I hope that they will enjoy my photos and have fun with it.

And that's why I will never charge for photoshoots - it's not fun for me if I do. I love being generous when I can. That's more fun for me.

I also love capturing the humanity behind cosplayers - to show not just the replication of an image or the exercise of the imagination, but the work that goes into it, how the photography takes place - the behind-the-scenes stuff.

So, ~Cattypatra, you'll have to forgive me if I take the odd shot or two - but there are some opportune moments (not shoving food in your mouth, of course) when the ordinary person shines through the character, and it merits capture.

Also, I'm well aware of the unspoken rules of cosplay photography during cons, and I am very welcome to take down photos people don't like. That said, during competitive events, being photographed is a given, and is to be expected. Most photogs are happy to take down even remarkable photos that the subject doesn't want, and if they refuse for stupid reasons, they should seriously go to.

(sigh) the disadvantage, of course, of working completely fee-free is that you have to find another line of work - to this end I am working my dream design job in an awesome company with some awesome people, and I respect my workplace - so no weekday shoots unless permitted. Also, as I am a Jesus Freak, I go to church every Sunday (hence I was late to Cockatoo Island Photoshoot I) so that pretty much leaves Saturday or Sunday afternoons.

But all that aside, if and when I can, I will go nuts.

(collapses from exhaustion of writing that all down)

Next journal will contain pictures, honest!

Thanks for reading this far! And thank you, cosplayers one and all, for making my life a little bit more colourful every year!

- G