Online Cosplay Competition: Showcase

Yup, finally it's up! Contestant in the running for Best Resemblance and Best Workmanship! Feel free to drop a comment here for who you think deserves to win ;) results will be out in May. Once again, thanks for participating, guys!

A. Han Li Koay: Project Inga from Un-Go 

B. Mohd Amiruddin: Project Ryu from Street Fighter

C. Chris Yap: Project Degel Aquarius from Saint Seiya

D. Fahimi Sparda: Project Chen Zhen from Legend of the Fist

E. Carolyn How: Project Layla Malkal from Code Geass

F. Lee Xin Wei: Project Ririchiyo Shirakiin from Inu x Boku SS

G. Chiah Yee Wen: Project Lacus Clyne from Gundam Seed Destiny

 G. Amanda Cheh: Project Shouma Takakura from Mawaru Penguidrum

H. Charlene Ng Andrew: Project Flandre Scarlet from Touhou

Photog: Thomas Kuan

Location: Malaysia
Also known as Hexlord, creator of Black Rabbit Photography.

Photoshoot Data:

Shoot cosplay : Doesn't matter.

Preference in shooting : Doesn't matter.

Setting preference : Outdoor

Time : Doesn't matter











How long have you been shooting cosplay?
I have been shooting cosplay since 2004. That was around the time I started attending cosplay events.

How is cosplay photography different from other photography?

Cosplay photography combine various elements from a number of photography genres. This in essence keep things interesting as well as challenging.

What motivates/demotivates you from cosplay photography?

I think the chance to work with interesting series will motivate me in cosplay photography. Conversely, drama are a very strong demotivational factor but they do not occur that frequently.

Do share with us what camera other gadgets you usually work with. 

I work with Nikon DSLRs, along with an assortment of lenses and other accessories. You can view more of my works at http://hexlord.deviantart.com or at http://hexlord.multiply.com

Do you mind sharing the editing software you usually use?

I use Photoshop CS5 for editing as well as mild touch up purposes.

Most memorable shoot and why?

I have quite a few memorable shoots so there's no any particular ones that I like the most.

Photog: Alf Alive

Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
A fellow cosplayer himself, Alf shared his journey as a cosplay photographer.

 Photoshoot Data:

Shoot cosplay : Doesn't matter.

Preference in shooting : Doesn't matter.

Setting preference : Doesn't matter.

Time : Doesn't matter.

How long have you been shooting cosplay?
I began my photography journey since 2006 on a local cosplay event in Jakarta. Back then, I just do a simple photo with my Pocket Cam. Finally in the middle of 2009 I got my very first DSLR Camera, and I started to do cosplay Photography more seriously.

How is cosplay photography different from other photography?

To me, cosplay photography is complex yet at the same time unique, where within a piece the emphasis in make-up, landscape and costume are factors within the variety of elements in photography (beauty, landscape, fashion, etc).  The depth within a photo in cosplay photography reveals the character(s)/theme(s) of the cosplay where they all each contain their own unique stories.

What motivates/demotivates you from cosplay photography?

I entered the cosplay world as a cosplayer, and during my time in being one and seeing the cosplays done by my fellow cosplayer friends, I feel that it would be a shame if their efforts were limited to be enjoyed only in events. I feel that they deserve more appreciation, and I see cosplay photography as the answer. With cosplay photography, we can maximize the conveying of the characters until they truly express the characters we cosplay by adjusting the background with themes and creating re-enactments that follow those themes. The world must know that cosplay is not something to be underestimated, because within it is rich potential.

Do share with us what camera other gadgets you usually work with. 

I'm using a Canon EOS 450D. Lenses include: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II. For Lighting i use 2 Yongnuo Flash Speedlite Yn-460ii. These gears were one of the most standar and cheapest set in photography, but I believe that these equipments are enough to produce a good result.

You can see my gallery on Deviant Art, http://alivealf.deviantart.com/ but I usually upload most of the photo result on my Facebook account,

Do you mind sharing the editing software you usually use?

I usually use Adobe Lightroom 3.5 for editing the overall Tone, and finally finish it on Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Most memorable shoot and why?

The most memorable shoot for me was my very first Durarara shoot with Sola (solatomato.deviantart.com) as Shizuo and Kika (http://ki-ri-ka.deviantart.com/) as Izaya. It began when suddenly heavy rain appeared when we were still preparing to go to the location. At first we thought it was going to be a failed session because we didn’t prepared for this kind of situation. But miracle happened, suddenly the rain stopped and for the very first time, we saw the most beautiful sky ever in Jakarta! It was a golden sky and there were even a-double rainbow! As a matter of fact the location became even more epic than it was before!

Photog: Amir Yusof

Location: Malaysia
Widely known as Razrig among his cosplay friends and photographers.

Photoshoot Data:

Shoot cosplay : Actually prefer shooting both solo and group.

Preference in shooting : Depend on how many cosser that i'm shooting if solo would prefer shooting alone, if group would help if got other photographers.

Setting : Doesn't matter which setting as long as its suitable for the theme/cosplay

Time : Doesn't matter.

How long have you been shooting cosplay? 
I been shooting cosplayer since end of 2009 till now.

How is cosplay photography different from other photography? 
For me there's not much difference beteween other photography and cosplay photography. Most important for me is the passion for it.

What motivates/demotivates you from cosplay photography? 
What motivates me in cosplay photography is the fact that I like doing it. I enjoy seeing characters from the anime come to live. Doing what I like is enough to motivate in persuin cosplay photography. Actually I don't know what demotivate me from cosplay photography maybe when I don't like doing it i would demotivate from cosplay photography XD

Do share with us what camera other gadgets you usually work with.
Currently I'm using a Canon 550D with 4 lense a 50mm f1.8,28-75 f2.8, 85mm f1.8 and a wide angle 12-24 f4. i usually used the 28-75 for event.

Do you mind sharing the editing software you usually use?
I use Lightroom to edit the overall photo, color/exposure and Photoshop if touching up is required.

Most memorable shoot and why?
I would say when I was having fun while doing shoots. Well, most the memorable shoots are back in 2010. I don't particularly remember which one but I had quite a fun time although I didn't get good result. The fun, it's worth it.

You can view more of his photography in DA: http://bakasteam.deviantart.com/ and his Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Razrig-Photography/177243265667606

Cosplay Testimonial

Hey guys,

I'm sure some of you have figured this out but received a PM from Arianna Sterling, a blogger some time ago. She planned to come up with several eBook related to cosplay. Do check it out if you are interested. Cheers ;)

I'm Arianna Sterling, writer of the blog Otaku Life: Anime Review. I developed this other idea. It's called Cosplay Testimonial. What is it exactly? Basically, it's going to be a series of ebooks (all of my books are ebooks...it allows me to keep them cheap, and these ones are going to be priced at $2.99 each, so yeah). Each ebook will feature roughly 100 cosplayers, including a short interview with the cosplayer (basic stuff—how did you get into cosplay, what was your first cosplay, what's your FAVORITE cosplay, dream cosplay, insert further rambly questions here) and some photos of them in their favorite cosplays. I intend to do at LEAST five volumes, which would still only be 500 cosplayers, so I anticipate doing a whole lot more than that. They'll be released roughly every two or three months starting in early August. 

In light of my decision to do this, I've created a Facebook group that shares the same title as the planned book series. If you have any interest in being included in a volume of Cosplay Testimonial, PLEASE join the group. It exists to help me keep track of people, mostly. I'll have to approve the request to join, but it's not as though I'm going to randomly declare “Uhhhh no, I don't like you, GTFO my book” because...no. I am so not that kind of person. The group is located at this link (https://www.facebook.com/groups/321796771212130/).

I'm just trying to alert as many cosplayers as possible that this opportunity is available. If you have any friends you think would be interested, make sure to let them know as well.

Thank you very much,

Arianna Sterling 

Kizuna A.E.M

Location: Penang, Malaysia.

XD Behold! The shortest interview ever! Another friendly cosplayer from the north, she is always  supportive and does not hesitate to share tips about cosplay!

  

How long have you been cosplaying?

3 years 

Favourite project and why?

It will be Saica Magoichi from Sengoku Basara because I do have some characteristic that is similar to Saica. Therefore I enjoyed potraiting her. 

What is cosplay to you?

A way to express myself. 

What motivates and demotivates you from cosplay?

A cosplayer who being "stalked" by me for years >D

Lyron Aquino

Location: Philippines

A friendly cosplayer from our neighboring country, Lyron is also a freelance prop/costume maker. His recent project on .Hack got my attention so I stalked him into this interview XD glad he could make time for it.

How long have you been cosplaying?
I've been in to cosplay since 2005, 7 years now XD

Favourite project and why? 

So far my favorite is Edge Maverick (SO4) cosplay, besides the fact that it gave me the chance to cosplay abroad, I really love lite armor types of cosplay. Especially the ones with futuristic designs. 

What is cosplay to you?
Cosplay is just a hobby and just like any other hobbies, you'll have to spend a lot of money, time and effort for it to become successful. Although it is not a profession, some cosplayers are really good at their works, that they are treated like professionals and earn many fans which I think is a good one.

What motivates and demotivates you from cosplaying?
A lot of things motivates me in cosplays, 1. character design (mainly the costume and the character as a whole) 2.whenever I see my friends Cosplay and see their AWESOME works, it really drives me to do my best! 3.whenever I accomplish a project, it gives me inspiration for my next one. What I think is sad about it is that, some people would prefer to just buy stuff rather than put their effort with their work for whatever reason it is: maybe they're busy with work, school, family, etc. I don't think that's a good excuse, because if you really want to work on something and give it your best, you will find a way for it. 

Arisa Chow

Location: Malaysia

Juggling between work and study, Arisa still finds time to be in touch with her passion: cosplay. Glad she could spare some time to share her thoughts with us XD

 How long have you been cosplaying?

6 years, this year is my 7^th year, hopping to hit 10 years or 20 before retiring! :D

Favourite project (why)?

Lols! This is a hard one,there are too many favorites on my list! I wouldn't cosplay the characters if they weren't favorites right? Guess I have to name only one? I would choose Hone Onna from Jigoku Shoujo. This is because I enjoy portraying Hone Onna and her story in Jigoku Shoujo is one of my favorite. This is the only time I get to be myself while cosplaying, sarcastic and matured at the same time. I planned to cosplay every version of her before I retire her character.

   
What is cosplay to you?

To me cosplay is a way for me to escape the stressful daily life. I'm able to be myself without living up to the expectation of others. That’s another reason why I carry two names and a split personality :) after Cosplaying for many years I feel that it has become a part of my life, when I put cosplay on hold (due to my busy schedule) I feel that I've lost a part of myself, life seems empty without it.

What motivates and demotivates you from cosplaying?

The only thing that motivates me is seeing a completed costume 100% handmade by myself, nothing feels better than self achievement, no? I think most cosplayers go through that. The most demotivating thing is seeing lifeless otaku-s comparing photos of a human to a 2D fictional character, no matter how much effort we put into our costumes they would rather focus on the face or unnecessary body "assets".

Akihiko Michaelis

Location: Penang, Malaysia
Jamie or more widely known as Akihiko, is a dedicated cosplayer from the north of Malaysia. She has been active in the local cosplay scene and often shares cosplay tips especially on make-ups and wig styling.

How long have you been cosplaying?

This is my 5th year of cosplaying since 2008.

Favorite project  and why?

Super Sailormoon & Neo Queen Serenity because Sailormoon is my favorite and my dream cosplay since i was little. Finally I get to complete my dream in 2011. Having a huge, almost full

Sailormoon group photoshoot session... is like a dream come true… yay!!

What is cosplay to you 

Cosplay to me is an art/hobby and also happiness. Seriously, I have never felt so happy in my life. Without cosplay, is like some part inside of me is missing.

What motivates and demotivates you from cosplaying?

What motivates me from cosplaying was when I fall in love with a character, I will put all my effort to complete this character by sewing the costumes,making the props, styling wigs and also makeup by myself. When I encounter problems on sewing some difficult parts or when some props needing  good skill, it really demotivates me.

Teng Kiwi Chan

Location: Malaysia.
Kiwi Chan's cosplay often portrays impressive workmanship on her props and costumes. Excelling in both cosplay and crossplay, let's find out a little more about her:

請問您ｃｏｓｐｌａｙ多少年？

從２００６到２０１２，已經有６年。

自己認為最喜歡的作品（為什麼？

這個問題很難選擇……許多ＡＣＧ和霹靂布袋戲的作品都是我心中所愛：Ｐ

Ｃｏｓｐｌａｙ對您而言代表什麼意義？

Ｃｏｓｐｌａｙ讓我覺得是一種可以籍由扮演，而變成自己憧憬角色的興趣，籍此嗜好也讓我認識更多志同道合的夥伴：）

什麼情況之下ｃｏｓｐｌａｙ會激勵您或使您感到消極？

每次挑戰不同的道具飾品，化妝技術，都是一種ｃｏｓｐｌａｙ的激發點。每次感到消極卻是工作太疲勞導致沒足夠時間準備修羅……

(Translation)

How long have you been cosplaying?

It's been 6 years, from 2006 to 2012.

Favourite project (why)?

Difficult to choose...many ACG and Pili Puppet are also my favourite project ：P

What is cosplay to you?

Cosplay is a hobby which can fulfill the dream when you're dressing up being the character you admire. Cosplay also let me met many friends with the same of interest ：）

What motivates and demotivates you from cosplaying?

Every time I make an accessory, differently make-up, it's always a challenge for me and motivates me in cosplaying. What demotivates me? When I feel so exhausted after a long workday at company, no free time to do handiwork.

Emi Lo

Location: America

A prop maker with amazing crossplay, Emi shares a little on her cosplay journey. 

How long have you been cosplaying?

Erm...since 2009...so about 3 years?

Favourite project (why)?
Dear God, I have so many that are near and dear to me.  I think any of Allen Walker or Sheryl Nome.  Oh...also Edward Elric, LOL. I always loved Allen - some parts of his personality are very similar to me.  Also...he's a pianist! And piano is the central point of my life, hahaha....obsession. Sheryl Nome is such a strong character.  I don't usually
grow fond of female characters enough to want to cosplay them, but her character really spoke to me.  Ed, too. I really connect with his character....also the short jokes...but also don't want to go into detail for him or Allen cuz it gets personal, hahaha....I think that's why I've been able to cosplay so many versions of both Allen and Sheryl...because I love them so much, and hope that one day I can give them justice with my cos.

What is cosplay to you?
Cosplay is several things for me, but mainly it is a way for me to have fun with my friends. Even when I'm cosplaying solo, one of my best friends is usually my photographer, so I love being able to goof around and work with her. It's also to bring my favorite characters to life and find different sides to myself. I'm used to being a very plain girl and not very satisfied with my appearance, but it's very interesting how I can try to portray different personalities (and genders) with cosplay.

What motivates and demotivates you from cosplaying?
Motivation would be everything I just mentioned, haha. Demotivation? People that cosplay just to become "famous." I also don't like cosplaying for the sake of cosplaying – having cosplayed characters I don't like before, it takes most of the fun out of it! Cos can also be so stressful, especially in the sewing process…Why can't cos just make itself, right?  But half the fun is watching the fabric turn into something somewhat wearable, and then looking at photos and saying "hey, it doesn't look as terrible as I
though!!" (or hope I can say that LOL.)

Jon Dei Goon

Jonathan, a local cosplayer currently reside in Australia shared some of his work with us. He made all his props and does not hesitate in sharing knowledge or information with fellow cosplayers. Let's find out a litt

How long have you been cosplaying?

6+ years and counting!

Favourite project and why?

Daft Punk helmets. The challenge. Seriously, the challenge. These helmets have been a horrible pain in my side for months, but the satisfaction that I felt when I finally completed them overshadowed everything else. Also, because I love Daft Punk with all my heart!

What is cosplay to you?

A fun hobby where I can meet new friends and enjoy myself with old friends. And it's also an outlet for my creativity and technical skills.

SILENT HILL

What motivates and demotivates you from cosplaying?

Fun. Every hobby should be fun. If it's not fun, it's not a hobby. Demotivation? Most probably would be the lack of initiative from newcomers to the cosplay scene in making and researching their own costumes and characters.