greyloch-md

I've been recently helping to write up a "Convention Bible" with one of my old friends, Demmie. She asked for my input as 1) I've survived going to sci-fi/fantasy/anime/comic conventions for over 35 years. My writing has been covering things such as hygiene, healthier habits to keep up your energy at an event, "adult" activities (e.g., ranging from casual hook-ups to finding that one person you want to spend your life with and everywhere in-between), and cosplay etiquette. Considering one of my specialty areas in this sub-culture is photos and cosplay, it has me really thinking about and putting into words a lot of things I've seen that have been wrong or misguided to the things folks do that are dead-on right. The main thing I've been coming back to again and again is cosplay does not equal consent. No one owes me or any other photographers the privilege to take their photos. It was kind of a bitter pill to swallow as the first reaction is usually (for me), "Did I do something wrong? If so, can you explain so that I don't make that error again." A common thought but again, no one really owes you a definitive answer. Would it be nice if an answer was given? Sure but sometimes it is easier and more efficient to just say, "No." and the costumer leaves it at that. Yes, it is entirely possible that I or another photographer may have creeped someone out (I understand this as I'm an older, white male and some folks do make quick judgment calls based solely on appearances) but more than likely, the model/cosplayer has run short on time, needs to be somewhere soon, may have to hit the bathroom, grab a quick bite to eat, has to do a costume change, etc., etc. But to some, rejection no matter the reason is still a rejection and can be taken personally. It is what it is. Not getting one photo of a specific cosplayer or costume is not going to be the end of life as we know it. Just be gracious, say, "Perhaps later or another time then?" and move on with your day. But, as the saying goes, living well is the best revenge. Putting out a good or amazing portfolio, having your close acquaintances sing your praises, working to get better and/or perfect your craft/art does go a long way towards having good self-esteem for when those little "speed-bumps" pop up. One of the strategies for cosplayers is that they *should* work with as many photographers as they possibly can but some do not do this. Why would they do this if they have photographers they have worked with before? Well, you just never know when someone else's photos are going to turn out interesting or be different enough that it puts things into a new light. I've witnessed other photographers meticulously set up their shots only for the final image to never materialize. Whereas some strangers took a chance on me, my shot turned out so good that it ended up being used in a publication or proved to be quite popular on-line. Again, it is a case of you never know what you may be missing if you never reach out of your comfort zones and try something different or work with someone new. I'm always refining my processes and trying a myriad of techniques and equipment. One of the saddest things I can think of for any artist is to be pigeon-holed or viewed as a "one-trick pony" where everything looks and sounds like it always has. Stagnant and quickly becoming a has-been or yesterday's news. Many recording/visual artists, professional actors, and comedians re-invent themselves as both a personal challenge and professional growth to remain relevant and current. I may not make money from photography at this time - my day-job pays me quite well and I enjoy it - but I seem to consistently garner new fans of my work. Just in the past two weeks, I've had someone I briefly met at another convention recognize me, come over to say "Hi" and another person tell me that they've always enjoyed my photographs and I was the first person they thought of for an upcoming photo-shoot project. Wow. Just... wow.