My next cosplay photographer interview features Andreas from Cosplayers Canada. He is a very sweet person and has photographed so many amazing cosplays across North America.Dani - Alright, first question. How long have you been a photographer, and what was your inspiration to get into photography?
Cosplayers Canada - I bought my first SLR 28 years ago. It was a creative outlet that mixed perfectly with my technical skills. I can't draw to save my life, and photos allowed me to express my ideas, experiment, and share my work.
D- Nice, so everyone has a particular model they like to use when shooting so what model do you like to use and why is it your favourite?
C- I bought my first Canon EOS in 1999. As lenses are so important, I started down that path and never looked back. My primary camera for shooting right now is the Canon 5D Mark3. It has an awesome AF system and the ISO noise is great for interior shots. It has the best balance of feature for the type of shooting that I do.
D- So, speaking of shooting, how did you get into cosplay photography?
C- I have been collecting comics and going to conventions for longer than I have been taking pictures. I always loved when I saw someone dressed up, but because the lighting is always so bad in the dealer rooms, I ended up just taking horrible shots with my compact camera. Around 4 years ago, the comics I still needed were getting harder and harder to find, and decided I would spend more time trying to get great pictures of all the awesome people at the show and share them with everyone. It was the perfect mix of my two favourite passions.
D- Speaking of things you love, what would you say is the best part of being a photographer, and what would be the downside?
C- The best part is meeting all the amazing people and getting that great shot. The shot that shows all the fine detail and hard work put into a costume with just the right amount of character attitude and the perfect pose. The downside is that during a show, I don't get to spend enough time talking to people or spending time in the show.
D- So people clearly respect your work a lot, but how long does it take to build up a good fan base?
C- I am very professional and respectful. Being polite and friendly goes a long way. I think people are at ease with my fun demeanour, and I try to make it easy. My focus is to get the cosplayer relaxed and have them step into character. My style is to get a bright clean image showcasing the costume details. I hope people like the images and a growing fan base allows more people to see everyone's hard work. I don't think there is a time measurement or a magic number of fans.
D- So that sounds like some very good advice, but what other advice would you give someone who wanted to go into photography?
C- Photography, like any art, needs to be a passion. Learn all the technical aspects first. Know your aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. Learn what light is and how to use it. After you know all the rules, break the ones you want, and find your style. Push yourself and discover what you love and want to shoot. Weddings, events, portraits, fine art, fashion are all very different. Don't get discouraged from negative feedback or a bad day. Always look to your next shot and make it better.
D- Just thought of something, besides cosplay, what other areas of photography do you do?
C- For the last 4 years I have been doing model portfolios and publish a portfolio magazine of that work called "Sirens' f/8". My personal projects are creative fine art black & white images with a focus on texture and light. I have published 4 books collecting my favourite images.
D- And finally if people wanted to see more of your work where would they be able to find it?
C- I post the best cosplay shot of every single person online from every show between my Facebook fan page and my blog at CosplayersCanada.com. My ASphotography.ca facebook fan page has a selection of my non-cosplay work. The best place to see my favourite work is in my online book store where all the cosplay magazines, model magazines, and fine art books can be viewed. http://www.blurb.ca/user/store/StudioDreas ASPhotography's Bookstore | Blurb Books Canada www.blurb.ca
D- Awesome. Thanks for taking the time to do this interview
C- No problem. Thanks for taking the time.
