Tips for getting a photoshoot done with your costume(s)
Sept 17, 2013 0:58:27 GMT
Clara Oswald, Torchwood TeaBoy, and 2 more like this
Post by benaequee on Sept 17, 2013 0:58:27 GMT
This is more of a guide for how to go about a photoshoot. This isn't something I'd call definitive, but rather my experience from years of doing it. I have one local photographer that I LOVE to work with, a good friend. I also recently got him into Dr Who, so we will be working on a shoot for that in the future. If you have experience getting photo shoots done, or are a photographer, please feel free to leave suggestions as well 
** If you are in the market to get a shoot done that tells a story or simply build a portfolio, you may want to check Craigslist or cosplay.com for a local photographer looking to do trade work. That works where you usually sign a waiver (up to the photographer), they shoot your costumes, and you get images in trade for them adding the photos to their portfolio. I would suggest checking with other costumers first to see who they suggest, as you want to go with someone reputable and not a perv or flake. Sometimes you may also have to pay for a shoot, again, get references and a peek at their work. Don't forget, we put all this time/work/money in our hobby, so does the photographer. Equipment/studio time/travel, etc, is not cheap.
** If the photographer is willing, location shoots are more fun IMO. You may be reliant on mother nature though for outdoor shoots, so keep that in mind. Bring an umbrella if you think it will rain, a HUGE umbrella - like a golf sized one. You will also want to bring a flat sheet or towel in case you have to sit on a dirty surface or on the ground. bring plastic bags/small tarp if it just rained recently so it doesn't go through the cloth and get your costume wet/stained if sitting on the ground.
-One of my favorite shoots had perfect weather by accident. In December 2009, mother nature dumped 2-3 feet of snow on NYC. The next day all roads were cleared and NYC transit was running. My friend David and I already had a winter theme shoot planned (click for outcome). The extra snow just happened to make it the PERFECT setting, especially since we hadn't had any snow yet that winter. I've shot in 3 feet of snow, 100+ degree blistering sun, muggy humid heat, and even a light rain shower. Make sure you costume and make-up can stand up to these types of elements. I know I needed special make-up for my Captain America shoot in June, it was almost 100 degrees and STICKY out. I felt like I was melting in that sun, but the make-up held up great!
** If you are doing a location shoot, other things to consider. Is there a place to change? Is it clean (just say no to dirty public restrooms)? Can you wear parts of a costume to the shoot for ease? Is there somewhere to safely stash things (if you don't have a car)? Can you have a friend come with you to help wrangle, preferably someone who knows yours costume/character well and can help pose or adjust costume bits?
-I generally wear all the under garments of costume under plain clothes that are loose fitting and easy to get in and out of (think leggings and a loose top) in public places. Sometimes I may not have access to a restroom or closed off area and cannot wear a huge costume on the way there (I rely on mass transit, so no car). My husband is my wrangler and will often help out in arranging props/fabric/wig. He has got quite good at fluffing ruffles, laying trains, and pinning back hair <3 He's also great in public areas where he has to have direct other people around the shoot and not right through it.
** Do you need a permit where you plan to shoot? Check with local authorities or the building/park management to see. Every place is completely different.
-I don't need a permit to shoot in Central Park itself, but I would for the Museum of Natural History right outside. I found this out the hard way when a security guard chased us away and demanded the memory card from my friend's camera. He simply erased it and showed the guard and that was good enough. I've never run into problems elsewhere since I now check each location before suggesting it to my friend. Though we did sneak a few pics in Times Square this summer without any issue
** Will you be shooting at home or at a studio? How is the lighting at your home? Is it big enough to allow the photographer's equipment (lights, backdrop, stands, etc)? Are there pets that may get in the way or cause allergic reactions? Are you a smoker and would this bother the photographer? This is all stuff to think about when doing a home shoot.
** Make sure your costume is clean and pressed! Nothing kills photos more than wrinkled/stained costumes (unless you are a raggedy Doctor
). Make sure you have all your parts and they are in good repair! Lay your stuff out the day before, pack up any props and accessories as well. This will make your next day and getting ready that much easier and smoother. Pack your make-up too for touch-ups.
** Get a good night sleep and avoid alcohol 24 hours before This will make sure you are well rested and bright. It will also help you get to the shoot on time! Bring water with you and straws. If you have lipstick, straws are the best. Bring a snack too, but I suggest something like pretzels or crackers. You don't want anything that will melt or be greasy and get all over you.
** HAVE FUN! Your photos will be great and worth the effort and team work with your photographer!
This isn't Doctor Who themed, but this is a photoshoot example. This is one of my favorite ones, my Tim Burton "Alice in Wonderland" Scraps dress. Central park, slight drizzle half way through, kids EVERYWHERE on the giant statue, and it was hot out. We made this awesome and David was great at taking a photo just as there was no one in the shot in the background. People were also really cool about moving as they thought were with Central Park doing a promo shoot or something... we let them keep thinking that and they stayed out of the shots lol
imageevent.com/benaequee/costumes/davidngphotoshoots/alicecinwonderland
** If you are in the market to get a shoot done that tells a story or simply build a portfolio, you may want to check Craigslist or cosplay.com for a local photographer looking to do trade work. That works where you usually sign a waiver (up to the photographer), they shoot your costumes, and you get images in trade for them adding the photos to their portfolio. I would suggest checking with other costumers first to see who they suggest, as you want to go with someone reputable and not a perv or flake. Sometimes you may also have to pay for a shoot, again, get references and a peek at their work. Don't forget, we put all this time/work/money in our hobby, so does the photographer. Equipment/studio time/travel, etc, is not cheap.
** If the photographer is willing, location shoots are more fun IMO. You may be reliant on mother nature though for outdoor shoots, so keep that in mind. Bring an umbrella if you think it will rain, a HUGE umbrella - like a golf sized one. You will also want to bring a flat sheet or towel in case you have to sit on a dirty surface or on the ground. bring plastic bags/small tarp if it just rained recently so it doesn't go through the cloth and get your costume wet/stained if sitting on the ground.
-One of my favorite shoots had perfect weather by accident. In December 2009, mother nature dumped 2-3 feet of snow on NYC. The next day all roads were cleared and NYC transit was running. My friend David and I already had a winter theme shoot planned (click for outcome). The extra snow just happened to make it the PERFECT setting, especially since we hadn't had any snow yet that winter. I've shot in 3 feet of snow, 100+ degree blistering sun, muggy humid heat, and even a light rain shower. Make sure you costume and make-up can stand up to these types of elements. I know I needed special make-up for my Captain America shoot in June, it was almost 100 degrees and STICKY out. I felt like I was melting in that sun, but the make-up held up great!
** If you are doing a location shoot, other things to consider. Is there a place to change? Is it clean (just say no to dirty public restrooms)? Can you wear parts of a costume to the shoot for ease? Is there somewhere to safely stash things (if you don't have a car)? Can you have a friend come with you to help wrangle, preferably someone who knows yours costume/character well and can help pose or adjust costume bits?
-I generally wear all the under garments of costume under plain clothes that are loose fitting and easy to get in and out of (think leggings and a loose top) in public places. Sometimes I may not have access to a restroom or closed off area and cannot wear a huge costume on the way there (I rely on mass transit, so no car). My husband is my wrangler and will often help out in arranging props/fabric/wig. He has got quite good at fluffing ruffles, laying trains, and pinning back hair <3
He's also great in public areas where he has to have direct other people around the shoot and not right through it.** Do you need a permit where you plan to shoot? Check with local authorities or the building/park management to see. Every place is completely different.
-I don't need a permit to shoot in Central Park itself, but I would for the Museum of Natural History right outside. I found this out the hard way when a security guard chased us away and demanded the memory card from my friend's camera. He simply erased it and showed the guard and that was good enough. I've never run into problems elsewhere since I now check each location before suggesting it to my friend. Though we did sneak a few pics in Times Square this summer without any issue
** Will you be shooting at home or at a studio? How is the lighting at your home? Is it big enough to allow the photographer's equipment (lights, backdrop, stands, etc)? Are there pets that may get in the way or cause allergic reactions? Are you a smoker and would this bother the photographer? This is all stuff to think about when doing a home shoot.
** Make sure your costume is clean and pressed! Nothing kills photos more than wrinkled/stained costumes (unless you are a raggedy Doctor
). Make sure you have all your parts and they are in good repair! Lay your stuff out the day before, pack up any props and accessories as well. This will make your next day and getting ready that much easier and smoother. Pack your make-up too for touch-ups.** Get a good night sleep and avoid alcohol 24 hours before
This will make sure you are well rested and bright. It will also help you get to the shoot on time! Bring water with you and straws. If you have lipstick, straws are the best. Bring a snack too, but I suggest something like pretzels or crackers. You don't want anything that will melt or be greasy and get all over you.** HAVE FUN! Your photos will be great and worth the effort and team work with your photographer!
This isn't Doctor Who themed, but this is a photoshoot example. This is one of my favorite ones, my Tim Burton "Alice in Wonderland" Scraps dress. Central park, slight drizzle half way through, kids EVERYWHERE on the giant statue, and it was hot out. We made this awesome and David was great at taking a photo just as there was no one in the shot in the background. People were also really cool about moving as they thought were with Central Park doing a promo shoot or something... we let them keep thinking that and they stayed out of the shots lol
imageevent.com/benaequee/costumes/davidngphotoshoots/alicecinwonderland
