First Cosplay Photoshoot

Got an email from a cosplayer asking me for tips on her 1st cosplay shoot.

Since I have never cosplayed (drunk "cosplay" doesn't count XD) + I was still at work when I saw her email (!) + I'm not even the photographer of her shoot (!?) I was only able to reply her with what I could think of at the moment. I modified it a bit and here it is:

1. Be punctual
It's like the #1 rule in the photoshoot world.

2. Know the character you are cosplaying
Usually a cosplay shoot is a shoot about your character... not so much about yourself. Knowing your character makes coming up with poses easier. You might also wanna prepare a couple poses for your character to bring to the shoot.

3. Communicate with your photog before the shoot
IM, Tel, Facebook, Myspace... etc. Get a sense of what your photog is looking to achieve in this shoot. You should also inform your photog if you are planning to bring bodyguards/escorts/friends to the shoot. It's also a great time for you to exchange idea with your photog.

4. Don't be a last minute flaker
You will make a name on 4chan screw up an entire team of creative/hard-working/expensive people if you do so... Try to inform your photog at least 24hrs beforehand if you are thinking of canceling a shoot.

5. Relax, don't worry about wasting "films"
If it's your 1st time working with a photog chances are you won't be getting any award-winning pictures from the first hour of the shoot. Maybe you will, but don't expect it to happen XD Most photogs are shooting digital these days so don't worry about wasting their films. Relax and work with your photog and everything will be fine.

6. What to bring?
It really depends on the shoot. If the location is cold make sure to bring a warm jacket; If the shoot is gonna be long make sure to bring snacks and water; If you might fix/modify your makeup during the shoot bring your makeup with you... etc. Make sure to bring your cellphone though!

Good luck and have fun!! ^__^)