[Dark Spellmaster]

Given there's a lot of talk about Manners, how to run a shoot, how to pose, do you think that there could be a photoshoot panel? It would not only cover the basics of posing, but also how to handle the crowds, how to spot trouble makers, and how to deal with issue when they come up as leaders.

Do you think that could work?

[Washu Takahashi]

I think it's a good idea, but doubt many people would care to attend.

[myrla]

That's something I could go into running with someone else that has more of the photography aspect. I've done many photoshoots (professional and otherwise) but it probably wouldn't be longer than an hour panel.

Good idea though, i think there are a lot of people who might benefit from it..

[Dark Spellmaster]

Not a photographer but I would love to help in some aspect of this. Wonder if others could help?

[cactusmomma]

I would love to see this, from a gathering leader to a photographer's perspective. I get so many emails and pm's from people who are unsure of themselves because they've never run a shoot. This could prove to be very useful!

[Dark Spellmaster]

Is there any way one could gather a group of people? I'd like to be able to do this next year, but the issue is that, well I'm not a photographer, and I've been a leader only two years, one of which I got sick and the shoot got screwed up, but I'd like to have something like this, and I would be happy to work with a group if people would like to help set it up and run it?

Edit: What I'm thinking is like:

• A photographer
  
• Staff person in the Cosplay department
  
• A leader whos been doing it for a while longer
  
• Someone who has been in several shoots

Things that could be discussed could be...

What to do as a leader, How to get your group to listen to you, what to do if the group gets to big and you need help, what not to do in regards to a shoot, how to handle unruly people, How to pose in a way that makes the group look good, what a photographer needs to know about photoshoots, how to find a good photographer to help you out, how cosplayers can help out in a shoot, how to have the most fun at the shoot and not bother other people, rules regarding photoshoots and what is expected from ACen's side of things, how to plan a shoot based on everyones needs, maybe how shoots can be done in the future, and disscussion on what can be done at Acen and outside of Acen for cosplay shoots.

Just some thoughts.

This post has been edited by Dark Spellmaster: 09 May 2012 - 06:55 PM

[myrla]

Provided I go to ACen next year, I will 100% volunteer to do the actual person who does photoshoot part (especially since I do them outside as well as inside of cons, both group and individual).

[tfcreate]

There was one years ago. Few showed up for it.
The ones that I saw at other cons were mainly someone doing a slide show of how awesome their photography was.

This post has been edited by tfcreate: 09 May 2012 - 09:35 PM

[myrla]

Fortunately, many things that weren't popular years ago are now.

[Ervyla]

Sounds like a good idea to me. Etiquette might be a good thing to address. For example, starting on time and not half an hour early or actually having a set plan for which shots are likely.

[Dark Spellmaster]

Yay thank you Myrla, and yes ettiquete should be discussed along with how to properly ask for a pose and not just assume someone is going to do it. I don't know about a slide show? How could something like that be incorperated into something like this?

[myrla]

from a model perspective, i'd talk about eye contact with the camera, thinking of poses beforehand (it's hard enough for a photographer to do lighting and posing, coming with ideas totally helps), getting in character, making sure your outfit is good, etc... all sorts of stuff I can think of.

I'll start working on this... i have a ton of other stuff going on but keep ideas coming here. I really like the idea.

[Dark Spellmaster]

If we have enough people that can work together, we probably can get something submitted.

I like your ideas, namely because I have a hard time doing a lot of that since things tend to get in the way and I'm never quiet sure if I'm playing the part right. I'm betting that's something a lot of people think about when they cosplay.

Another thing to discuss, the difference between a cosplayer and a costumer, as a possiblity?

Oh and how to get your costume dressed for different weather so you're not either freezing or too hot.

[myrla]

Some of that stuff is just general common sense. Anyone who really wants to get into modelling needs to take photography classes, tbh. You learn so much more that way by any other modelling course that is possible.

Cosplayer = character + costume
Costumer = not the character embodiment

(IIRC)

[Dark Spellmaster]

Your dead on the differeces, and one of the reasons I'm trying to teach myself about photography from books and from two friends that are photographers, is so I can get better at directing shoots so that cosplayers that don't know what to do can have fun and not feel like awkward when they pose.

[Goldeneyeuro]

I'd love to see a panel on this, though I do think that the people who this panel would provide the most benefit for (aka the people who are running the photoshoots) will just for some reason dismiss it.

If you guys need someone from the photography aspect, I'd be willing to help out- not a professional photographer, but I've been slowly improving my skills and this year I can't count the number of times I yelled at people to either scrunch in during photoshoots or make several rows, and I'm trying to improve my skills in private photoshoots.

[myrla]

I'm just going to say I'll run the panel right now, and if anyone would like to join is welcome.... I probably won't get completely serious about it for a couple months, because it's so far away (tbh) and I have other stuff going on.

but i really like the idea of this, and I'd love to help make it happen.

[The Fujoshi]

I could help you if Magi isn't going to do the panel with me next year. I wanted to do something to help others become more inform.

I could talk about the dos and don'ts and mention how some people in the front can bend down for people to take pictures in the back and what not.

[Dark Spellmaster]

Myrla count me in for helping out in anyway I can. I'd love to help host if possible, if not, maybe provide info and help set up the show and other information that could help out disscussions and other aspects.

[myrla]

I can't run a panel by myself. Rather, I'd prefer not to.

Fujoshi - if you want to help, i think we 3 could make an interesting panel.

[The Fujoshi]

myrla, on 12 May 2012 - 10:13 AM, said:

I can't run a panel by myself. Rather, I'd prefer not to.

Fujoshi - if you want to help, i think we 3 could make an interesting panel.

Keep me updated about it. I have to pm Magi if he's still doing his panel but so far I'm free.

[Dark Spellmaster]

I have one other panel that I have an obligation to but other then that I'm good to go. So Yes Happy to help out! And yes I do think we can make this very interesting.

[Goldeneyeuro]

Keep me updated as well- would love to help out. Although schedules don't usually come out until last minute (and we're 12 months out until the next ACEN), I just usually have a lot of photoshoots that I like attending which can cause some really hectic schedules and logistical challenges...

[myrla]

I have one other panel (that always runs Saturday nights) that I'm usually on, and I do a lot of photoshoots too, but I will keep everyone informed.

[Ervyla]

Depending on what's going on next spring, I'd be willing to help if you need it.

[CrimsonAnime]

I wouldn't be able to help on something like this - but I would attend.
I think it would be interesting and helpful.
I know that I would sometimes freeze up when someone would ask for a picture. And not out of nerves (entirely) but because I was thrown off guard. So my pose would either be really crappy or I would do the same pose for everyone who asked simply because my mind would go blank and I would forget all the poses I practiced at home.

A panel that addressed things like "being comfortable in front of the camera" and "posing on the fly" and "holding a pose for the 15 cameras that just suddenly showed up" would be really helpful. I think also the manners should be taught to people seeking photos. Asking polietly is important and thanking afterwards is as well. Cosplayers like to feel appreciated. Also - understanding that "no" is not a personal attack. I have had people say no because they are in a rush and I know that they feel a little bit bad about saying no because they also want the chance to have another picture of themselves.

I think something should also be addressed about how to get in contact with photographers. For example, I've been thinking of creating strips of paper with my email or ACen name on them as well as the characters I cosplayed as and on what day. After a photo was snapped of me, I would hand one to the photographer(s) and ask that they just send the pic my way. (I thought of this after cosplaying Anthy in 2010 and while with a Rose Bride Utena was stopped every 2 feet for a photo. However after all that, I only found 1 picture of the 2 of us)

Anywho!! I said all of that to say that: I would be interested in attending!

This post has been edited by CrimsonAnime: 01 September 2012 - 10:52 PM