Taking 'cosplay' to the next level

One of the most important things in any art form is how your work is presented to the world. With the internet now, anyone can put anything out there and you need to find a way to really make your work stand out from all the rest. Of course making good quality costumes is important, but that's really a skill learned over time and with each costume you make you'll learn and become better. However, taking good quality photos of your costumes will go a long way towards making you and your work look more professional. So here's some of my tips to make a photo shoot successful!

1. Find a skilled photographer -
Finding someone who has a good camera and knows how to use it is obviously the first thing. This should also be someone you trust and feel comfortable with. If you're feeling relaxed you'll be open to different poses and feel more in character.
2. Set dates for photo shoots -
I try to plan my photo shoots at times when I don't have a lot of other stuff going on. Photos at conventions are fun, but I'm usually more stressed and lacking sleep at those times. Having a photos taken during a more relaxed time means I'm more refreshed, awake and there for better looking.
3. Be prepared! -
I try to have the 'scenes' I want to shoot set up, along with any props and all costumes organized and ready for when the photographer comes so I'm not wasting anyone's time.
4. Get help -
If possible I like to have one or two friends also available to help with the shoot. They can help hold props, lights or just be an extra set of eyes to make sure everything with your costume is looking good. Nothing is worse than a perfect shot ruined by your wig slipping back, or a hair in your face.
5. Process, Edit and be selective -
This is often the most difficult for me! I am always really excited about all the new photos after a shoot, but I have to remember I want to present myself in the best light only. So its better to only upload the photos you really love and make sure you've color corrected and edited them till you're completely satisfied that they present your work in the best possible way.

These photos  are by the very talented and wonderful Scott O'Neal, whom you can e-mail at Hulking4Christ@gmail.com for info about photo shoots.

Post C2E2 Post

So! Since I managed to survive the second year of Chicago's newest comic convention, C2E2, I figured I'd make a little post to summarize the weekend.
The con has grown by leaps and bounds since last year, I'd say it was 3 times as big with many more attendees and events.
I personally had a blast meeting new friends, catching up with old ones and getting some cool artwork.
I wore Pixie/X-men on Friday, Arkham City Harley on Saturday and Rogue on Sunday. And although the weekend was a bit hectic and  crazy because of all the costumes, the chance to be a hero/villain for the day always makes it worth while. Somehow I managed to miss the costume contests everyday...whoops. Hope everyone else who attended had a blast as well! Till next time!
~Peachy
PS. I'll be doing a studio shoot of these costumes at the end of the week, so look forward to more pictures  then! <3

(photos by Judith Stephens for Marvel, and MingH)

Peachy's Guide: Con Survival

So! I recently had a first time con goer ask me how to prepare for their first con experience and I thought that would make a good topic for this week's blog.
So here's my con survival list!

1. Pack an empty bag, or pack sparingly.
- For me this is always really important, as a cosplayer, because often costumes require special packing and take up lots of space. Depending on the con there may be airline regulations or car space to consider as well. So do some research ahead of time. Also consider if you will be buying anything at the con that you will need room on the trip home for, such a comics, figurines, etc. If you do cosplay, you'll likely be in costume most of the time, so pack light on the 'normal' clothes.

2. Pack a costume emergency kit
- Another tip for the cosplayer on the go! I always take with me to cons a little baggy with a mini hot glue gun, safety pins, sewing kit, super glue and depending on my costumes, possibly other things as well. That way if anything is damaged for ANY reason during the con, I'll be able to make a quick fix. Often times I'll take the sewing kit and safety pins in a small bag in my purse or pocket to the con as well in case I have any problems and don't want to go back to my hotel room.

3. Bring snacks, water, and some non-perishable food items
- Depending on the con food may be far away or very over priced. If I can fit it in my suitcase I like to bring along small food items like crackers, cereal, pop tarts, energy bars, and other dry foods. If the con is near by and I'm driving with friends, we like to bring along a cooler with sandwich making materials, ramen noodles or other 'quick' foods. You can fill the cooler with the hotel ice and heat water with the coffee maker in the room. Doing this will save you lots of money on over priced con food or going out to eat. Money which can then be spent on more comics? SCORE!

4. Bring cash
- Cash is something a lot of us don't think about in the age of credit cards and debit cards, BUT most con vendors and artists do their sales cash only. To avoid long ATM lines and surcharges, bring cash in anticipation of what you plan to buy.

5. Be safe, make friends and have fun!