[Se Ga Hikui]

Disclaimer: I adore photoshoots and have the utmost respect for anyone with the guts to up and direct/organize one. It takes a lot of work! I have lots of fun going to them. But...

I have been to many photoshoots and I have noticed a few things that I do not really care for.
The number one thing is the "group shots." Now, I love having one or two big shots at the beginning or end of the shoot. It is nice to have everyone there. But, especially with the Hetalia and Kuroshitsuji, these shots take up the whole shoot! "All of the Grell's/Frances/etc pose" "Now all of the Sebastian's/Russias pose." It majorly takes away from the cosplayers' potentials. Yes, I am aware that there are lots of people who go as the same person, but it is because they like that character! I think that photoshoots should be a bit more personal. It may take a lot longer, but I think that there would be so many more amazing and in-character pictures if more direction would be given. "Someone playing this character and this character, pose like this." Or something like that. I cannot put it in to words fantastically at the moment. I hope that you understand what I mean, though.
There have been so many cases where I go to a photoshoot for an hour or so and wind up leaving with no pictures I find to represent my character. While it is fun, it is not in-character.

Any other thoughts on these group shot photoshoots? And what do you dislike about the shoots?

[Red Juliet]

I also would love to see more variety in photoshoots. It's difficult though, because you're only granted so much time. With big groups throwing everyone together seems to be the best way to get a photograph of everyone. During the Kuroshitsuji shoots, a lot of cosplayers were blocked by taller cosplayers, or just the sheer number of people. It's impossible to get everyone into a good shot where everyone can be seen and pose accordingly. It would be nice to have two photoshoots or smaller groups being shot so everyone can get what they want. I think that photoshoots just get too big! The more popular a series is like Kuroshitsuji or Hetalia, the more people that attend and the less organization and personal attention there is. It would be nice if cosplayers could get together and form mini shoots, or group gathers of no more than ten people. I enjoy getting to know people on the forums and planning pose ideas before the con itself. The only problem with this of course, is cameras. There may be more groups of people but no one to photograph them. There are a lot of flaws with the organization in photoshoots, and I hope that they become more put-together because honestly, those are my favorite part!

[-JUNK-]

Well I like photoshoots and all but the main thing I really hate is when the group leader is all bossy and wants to be in the limelight more.
Also I like to hope someone counts down because Im not to vocal sometimes and I dont want to pose there for 3min -___-

But if the photoshoots dont last as long as you want them to just go somewhere else where there isnt a shoot going on or just somewhere out of peoples way and not blocking people from getting to and from places. If you want to have a personal photoshoot so you can have pictures of yourself theres plenty of photographers on the forums that will probably post stuff about it before the con comes around.

[C2Queen]

Se Ga Hikui, on 01 December 2011 - 03:47 AM, said:

Yes, I am aware that there are lots of people who go as the same person, but it is because they like that character! I think that photoshoots should be a bit more personal. It may take a lot longer, but I think that there would be so many more amazing and in-character pictures if more direction would be given. There have been so many cases where I go to a photoshoot for an hour or so and wind up leaving with no pictures I find to represent my character. While it is fun, it is not in-character.

Any other thoughts on these group shot photoshoots? And what do you dislike about the shoots?

I pretty much just don't like the out of character poses. BUT. I have seen a few photoshoots being run by people who direct even giant groups pretty well to do more in character posing. Like the PSWG photoshoot, Code Geass photoshoot 2011 I attended. They had a few out of character like poses for pictures, but otherwise tried to be close to the story with their pictures, etc and picked great locations to host the photoshoots. I'll be helping host the Highschool of the Dead photoshoots and running the Code Geass photoshoot. I tend to study and look over pictures of the anime, scenes in the anime itself, etc before attending a photoshoot to get ideas in mind. I directed my friend at Ramencon in her Yoko cosplay for a somewhat private shoot and she liked the way I directed more than her other photoshoots (because I was more familiar with her characters personality, what she needed to work on posing wise to look better in her photos and poses her character has been seen doing, etc) It all depends on the person running the shoot, their personal tastes, favorite characters and pairing, pickiness, etc. If anything put in to help run a photoshoot, direct peoples poses like I do =] I also don't like the limited places to have photoshoots. But the con gets busy and so much space gets used up other places and blocking places for people to use wouldn't be nice. That or even modeling for a photoshoot, yell out suggestions or go up to the people running the shoot and tell them what you want to see. I did it before and it worked out very well.

Red Juliet, on 08 January 2012 - 02:40 PM, said:

I also would love to see more variety in photoshoots. It's difficult though, because you're only granted so much time. With big groups throwing everyone together seems to be the best way to get a photograph of everyone. I think that photoshoots just get too big! The more popular a series is like Kuroshitsuji or Hetalia, the more people that attend and the less organization and personal attention there is. I enjoy getting to know people on the forums and planning pose ideas before the con itself. The only problem with this of course, is cameras. There may be more groups of people but no one to photograph them. There are a lot of flaws with the organization in photoshoots, and I hope that they become more put-together because honestly, those are my favorite part!

This is why bigger groups that have more than like 30 people that show up to shoots usually get the chance to have 2 separate photoshoots. (Problem is, people might go to both and they will end up being the same amount of people) Not a bad thing for the people attending, just bad as in having to figure out pictures, poses, etc. More and more these days more professional photographers set up private photoshoots and make money that way -- a few will always attend other shoots but otherwise its better for their portfolio and business to do private shoots. Its your best bet if you want to have very good personal, single shot or photos of people in your group doing in character poses. (Usually photographers charge a bit more if you have a few people you will be taking pictures with) but in my opinion, its very worth it to hire a private photographer to take shots of you during the con. (look at my reply to JUNK to see more details)

-JUNK-, on 08 January 2012 - 04:22 PM, said:

If you want to have a personal photoshoot so you can have pictures of yourself theres plenty of photographers on the forums that will probably post stuff about it before the con comes around.

I ALWAYS try and at least get one private shoot. My photographer this past year was able to direct me into poses that were very in character and let me also give tips and directions as to what I wanted to pose, etc. I had a partner cosplaying with me too. The pictures turned out fantastic and the poses were in character. Its definitely worth it to shell out an extra $20 for a private shoot. They edit and send you pictures personally after the con. Everyone who got their photo taken by that photographer said it was the best $20 they had spent at the con and I agreed. Definitely agree with JUNK. Because then you can arrange a time best for you (if possible) and pick a place you think would be best for pictures of you.

[code2destroy]

Oh dear, I seem to pop into forums with C2Q's all the time ^^. I promise I'm not stalking you!

Anyway, I haven't been to many photoshoots (at least participated in them), but it is true the larger the group the more unorganized. Sad because the larger the group means the more popular the anime.

Ideas for photoshoots would be, whoever is hosting, have a list (a long one) of different in character poses for every foreseeable character. sure this is a lot of work, but beauty is PAIN! and genius is a crazy old man on a motor scooter. Don't have to go through all the things on the list, but it gives people options and ideas. Many cosplayers want to let out their inner character, but don't know what poses to do. So if a person has an idea, it's best to share with everyone ^^. I've helped my sis with a lot of poses...kinda takes a person with a photographer's eye to bring out the best in a person (C2Q showed me a really awesome pic her photographer did...made a cool cosplay even COOLER!)

As for group shots, certainly those are necessary for getting all of whoever in one gasp (i have a friend who'd die if there were no group Yoruichi shots...well...he'd kill me), but I think they hold a little too long...longer than the more personal ones anyway. Especially since those very same people are gonna be in the next 20 shots.

I think it's best to start off with the group shots just to get em outta the way. Then go into some action shots based off the anime...I organized the scene of Sephiroth (my sister) killing Aerith (a random cosplayer). It's tough if you have say 5 sephiroths and one Aerith, but then you can really get creative and make the 5 impale her. When I did my Haku (ninja's wear black) cosplay, I couldn't find the Naruto photoshoot and just ended up with random ninjas (mostly Gaiden). One of my first and best shoots because they were stalking and leaping and all that good stuff. Just posing makes the shoot feel like it's dragging and part of a shoot is to entertain the viewers, right?

I'm gonna use Bleach as an example now because I'm going to it...there's a lot of rich shots here. You can have a full on Arrancar v Shinigami like the covers, or ichigo and friends battling it out against shinigami or hollow (again a kubo cover art). It'd be more than just standing their with sword/fist/finger out and trying to suppress a smile. Make it 3 dimensional, surround the photographers as if they're in the midst of the battle (not literally b/c then they can't get a shot of everyone in one go), but really make it look like there's gonna be contact at any second.

If characters are buddy buddy, then let's see in the shot. Hisagi and Kira laughing half drunk over a cup, Kyoraku about to grope Nanao...instantly followed by a book to the face, Ukitake and a coughing fit, Kenpachi and Byakuya about to kill each other with their glares, Yoruichi boobing Ichigo while Soi Fon looks on jealously...etc. Each of the characters in Bleach (and other anime) have a connection somehow. I rarely see cosplayers convey those connections in their group shots...possibly b/c they don't know each other.

I'll finish with some photo examples (bleach of course) of how cosplayers can interact with each other and stay in character making it fun and imaginative.

1) layer the scene: My link

2) change the camera angle: My link

3) get chummy with your matches: My link

4) action!: My link

5) prop em if you got em: My link

The last one reminded me when I joined a Code Geass photoshoot 3 or 4 years ago and someone brought pizza! Suffice it to say, we C.C. got free food for that shoot b/c people went nuts over seeing her eat pizza ;P

[Gabichox]

code2destroy, on 11 January 2012 - 01:38 AM, said:

I'm gonna use Bleach as an example now because I'm going to it...there's a lot of rich shots here. You can have a full on Arrancar v Shinigami like the covers, or ichigo and friends battling it out against shinigami or hollow (again a kubo cover art). It'd be more than just standing their with sword/fist/finger out and trying to suppress a smile. Make it 3 dimensional, surround the photographers as if they're in the midst of the battle (not literally b/c then they can't get a shot of everyone in one go), but really make it look like there's gonna be contact at any second.

If characters are buddy buddy, then let's see in the shot. Hisagi and Kira laughing half drunk over a cup, Kyoraku about to grope Nanao...instantly followed by a book to the face, Ukitake and a coughing fit, Kenpachi and Byakuya about to kill each other with their glares, Yoruichi boobing Ichigo while Soi Fon looks on jealously...etc. Each of the characters in Bleach (and other anime) have a connection somehow. I rarely see cosplayers convey those connections in their group shots...possibly b/c they don't know each other.

As the person running the Bleach photoshoot, I'd like to thank you for the suggestions :] I'm making a list of all sorts of funny and serious interactions we can have. If you have any more by all means pm me!!!
Back on topic. Sometimes, it's honestly hard to break away from the typical photoshoot agenda since not everyone who attends a photoshoot will want it the same way as you do. And when you try to direct people too much, you look like the overbearing photoshoot leader [I've dealt with many of them :/ Having too much direction and strict leadership can ruin the fun] Not only that, it's hard to make things 'personal' with the given time, large group and such ;AA;

By all means though, if you are attending a photoshoot be vocal about your ideas and suggestions with pictures before hand on the forum or before the photoshoot Try to help out the leader(s) as much as possible but don't step on anyone's toes.

I'm probably repeating a bunch of people though...

[Naima Katara]

Se Ga Hikui, on 01 December 2011 - 03:47 AM, said:

Disclaimer: I adore photoshoots and have the utmost respect for anyone with the guts to up and direct/organize one. It takes a lot of work! I have lots of fun going to them. But...

I have been to many photoshoots and I have noticed a few things that I do not really care for.
The number one thing is the "group shots." Now, I love having one or two big shots at the beginning or end of the shoot. It is nice to have everyone there. But, especially with the Hetalia and Kuroshitsuji, these shots take up the whole shoot! "All of the Grell's/Frances/etc pose" "Now all of the Sebastian's/Russias pose." It majorly takes away from the cosplayers' potentials. Yes, I am aware that there are lots of people who go as the same person, but it is because they like that character! I think that photoshoots should be a bit more personal. It may take a lot longer, but I think that there would be so many more amazing and in-character pictures if more direction would be given. "Someone playing this character and this character, pose like this." Or something like that. I cannot put it in to words fantastically at the moment. I hope that you understand what I mean, though.
There have been so many cases where I go to a photoshoot for an hour or so and wind up leaving with no pictures I find to represent my character. While it is fun, it is not in-character.

Any other thoughts on these group shot photoshoots? And what do you dislike about the shoots?

I totally agree. I'd love to see some of the characters in "action" shots. We did this with the Persona photoshoot at Youmacon and it went great. The pictures are amazing! Granted, there were only like 12 or so of us there but still. Something on a smaller scale would be a lot better and we could really get to appreciate eachother's costumes.

[Dark Spellmaster]

Some ideas and thoughts came to mind reading all of this. I should state that last year was the first time I really organized a shoot, and realized that next time it's better to have a list of people attending.

Code2destroy I liked your suggestions and I think they work well for groups from the same show. I wonder though how well those work for groups that have all sorts of characters. Anyway my little suggestions are these.

1. Get to know the people in your group, or at least get to know the ones showing up here at the forum. The more you know about the people your working with the better feel you have for the dynamic of the people. Find out about how shy they are, or how excited they are. Use this to line up who can go with who. Is someone very motherly and would work well with the shyer people of the group. Does one person seem the type to be a spotlight hog? You can also inquire what sorts of shots they want.

2. Get Pictures and put them in a binder. Anime shots, magazine shots, whatever poses you can find. Put them in there and let others look through them and choose what sort of pose they want. Find out about the characters dynamic as well and use that. Are they rivals, a team, or do they all just hang out as friends. Also good to look at the series to see what type of show it is, and again watch how characters act.

3. Take a class on taking pictures, or look into it online. This is mostly for people who are taking the photos. If you hire someone find out how well they work with big groups. Might be a good idea if you know you're going to have a lot of people try to see how many want large photos and how many want smaller ones. Might be good to set aside time for the ones that want a more intimate photoshoot later.

What I'd like to have happen was if there was more then one group designated to the various animes out there. Like a FF group A and Group B, meeting at different times and you can only have at most 15 people in each group. This way you're not clogging things up. Just an idea.

What drives me crazy with big shoots is when cosplayers are rude to one another during the shoot or only want their friends and their group in there.

[Kii]

I personally find it annoying when the leader of the photo shoot spends the majority of the time trying to get people to pose for "pairing" shots.Like "Character x character!!!"
Bluh.

[wenchman]

Here's what my partner and i did for hetalia this year: group shots at the beginning, with no more than 2 minutes lasting. Then we go into large geograhical areas (asia, europe, americas, etc), then different national alliances. Then we do very popular pairings/trios, then take pairing/trio/group requests for the second half hour (or longer, depending on how long those take, usually at LEAST half an hour of requests are left open), then concude it with another group shot for those who arrive late. We also apologise if we did not have enough time for all the reuests.

Allowing time for requests gives the opportunity to get photos. With large groups, there is always a chance you may not get your photo, but I don't believe there is any real way to ammend this except for the leaders of the gathering picking specific requests to be called so everyone gets pics. Even then, there is no guaruntee. A pen and pad helps to remember requests, and instructing the gatherers to come up one at a time (with shouting being disregarded) also keeps things less hectic.