Not sure what to expect as a cosplayer or model? Read on through here to find out

Why attend a Black Hole Cosplay Event as a Cosplayer or model?

  • Fun photography experience

    Constructing cosplay is really hard work and we know how much effort goes into designing, creating and then wearing your awesome costumes. We also know that it can be hard to find a photographer you like working with who understands the hobby and who has time on the day of a con. Black Hole Cosplay Events take some of the stress out of this as these shoot days bring together cosplayers and photographers into one place to create cool images!

  • And a safe place to build your confidence.

    We want to make this an inclusive, collaborative and creative space to build connection in our community. We want this to be a safe place for any cosplayer or model to build their confidence in front of the camera. Learning how to pose and experiencing different shoot styles with diferent photographers can help you figure out what you like and how to ask a photographer to create a particular style of image. For Black Hole Cosplay Events, there will always be other people around who can provide encouragement and help to make it a fun day for everyone!

What should you bring along?

  • Or cool outfit, whatever you are wearing on the day! If it’s a bulky outfit and you need a handler let us know and we will note that you’re bringing someone along. If they want to get photos to, they’ll need their own ticket.

  • It’s not essential, but a moodboard with pose ideas or your favourite pictures of the character really helps get creative photography rolling. It doesn't have to be elaborate, but it really helps to convey what kind of photos you would like.

  • Unless specified otherwise in the event notes, food or drink won't be provided on a shoot day. This helps to keep the cost lower for everyone. Bring along a water bottle and some snacks to keep you going for the day.

  • Anything that you may personally need during the day to ensure that you have a safe day (e.g. essential medications).

Collaboration and coordination

  • Many photographers, one cosplayer

    While “one cosplayer, one photographer” is common courtesy at conventions and “shoulder sniping” is frowned upon, there may be situations at Black Hole events that is a bit more red carpet-style where multiple photographers are working at one lighting set-up. This is more likely to happen where continuous lighting is being used. The benefit is, you get many different perspectives of yourself! If this becomes overwhelming, just let the photographers know that you need a break - asking if you should change something about your pose is a great way to break things up.

  • Is there an order for the day?

    Short answer, not usually. That style of shoot may be done in the future, but will be advertised as “mini sessions” where you book a specific time with a specific photographer. For most Black Hole Cosplay Events shoot days, it is a much mor relaxed approach to shooting with no official order - if you would like photos, please speak to one of the people holding a camera (they are also likely to be ones not wearing cosplays). If you are short on time or have to leave early, please speak to Alison or Cassa and we’ll make sure that you have an opportunity to get some photos before you have to go.

FAQs

  • Cosplay is not a competition. It is a hobby that is creative in many different ways that requires building skill over time. It's not that you're "not good", it's just that others may have different experience to you and know different ways of creating.

    Cosplayers of all experience levels are welcome at Black Hole Cosplay Events, whether you have built from scratch, bought or blended parts of your outfit together.

  • Cool outfits are also welcome. At it's fundamentals, cosplay is a pop-culture driven fashion hobby and cosplay photographer is "creative personal fashion photography (or that's how Have Camera Will Snap explains it to people who don't know what cosplay is...). Come along, hang out, get some cool photos.

  • Just let us know in advance that you're bringing someone along with you. Please note, if they would like to get photos too, they'll need their own ticket.

  • If it shoots anything. No. This isn't to make people complain about what they should be able to do, it's about safety and abiding by Queensland's weapons laws. Supanova's Weapons policy is a good starting point to understand what is acceptable for prop weapons in public.

    Swords or similar long-bladed weapons may be acceptable in some settings, but must be blunt and remain sheathed except for while you are posing for photos. There are many options for high-quality non-metal replica sword props these days, please consider carefully whether you need to have a metal prop as part of your costume during planning phases.

    This isn't about spoiling anyone's fun - this is about making sure everyone and everyone's gear is safe throughout the day.

  • The dates are largely arranged to be away from convention weekends and around the organisers availabilities as the primary photographers.

    It is possible to repeat shoot concepts or you can contact us about arranging a dedicated shoot with you for that concept, but please note that costs of booking a personal shoot will be higher.

  • To be inclusive of people who might not have a cosplay to wear, but would like photos in a cool outfit.