Here are some Frequently Asked Questions I get while doing the Convention Tango.
1. How do I contact you?
You can contact me via my e-mail: kuragiman-at-otakuhigh-dot-com.
Alternately, you can contact me on Cosplay.com or on DeviantART. I use my Kuragiman photographer name at both locations. I check my messages regularly and should get back to shortly with whatever your question/request/comment is.
2. Do you do private shoots at conventions?
Yes. In fact I prefer it to just snapping random photos of cosplayers. There are several reasons for this. It let’s me have better control of the shoot enviroment to have a planned shoot. I don’t feel rushed (and when I don’t feel rushed you get better picture results). The cosplayer has time to get to know me so they can feel comfortable in front of the camera. Comfortable cosplayers equals better pictures. I don’t mind if you bring friends/family along on your shoot either. But I might put them to work as an assistant to me so be warned. ^_^
3. How do I get a private shoot with you at a convention?
Easy. You ask. ^_^ About 30 days before a convention starts I usually will post here, on Cosplay.com and on DeviantART that my shoot schedule is now open for private shoot scheduling. Get in there fast and secure a slot. I typically will have room for only 6-8 photoshoots a day, each lasting about an hour. I like to leave time to eat and see my own friends too you know? ^_^
4. Can I get a private photoshoot even when there is no convention?
Yes. If you are a DFW local and would like a photoshoot just contact me. We’ll work out the details of when and where then.
5. Do you charge for your photoshoots?
No. I do this for the fun of it and the opportunity to meet new people that love anime and cosplay. If you feel compelled to compensate me you can do so by getting me a drink after a shoot, especially on a hot summer day. ^_^
6. Which conventions do you go to?
- ACEN
- AnimeFest
- A-Kon
- MechaCon
- Onicon
- Ikkicon
- Atsuicon
- Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA)
7. Will you come to my con?
If I can afford it and it looks interesting enough to me I may attend. If I won the lottery I’d probably go to every con I could on a yearly basis. ^_^ Unfortunately, I am not rich and have to pick and choose. Now if someone wanted to pay my way there and expenses at the con…? ^_^
8. How long does it take to complete and post all the photos you took at a convention?
Typically, about two full weeks. I shoot close to 3000 shots a convention and have to go through each of them to determine which ones to use and which ones to burn with fire. I edit photos in the order I shot them as well so if you shot with me on Sunday expect to wait a couple weeks to see your photos.
9. You took my picture. How do I get my photos?
You come here to Otakuhigh.com and go the Cosplay Photography galleries. Locate your convetnion from the menu and look for your shoot. I name photoshoots by the character’s name you are portraying and not your name/nickname. If I shot a random passsing shot of you then you will be either in the Male or Female characters folder under your character’s name. They are listed in alphabetical order.
10. What format do your photos come in?
I use nearly lossless JPEG format at a resolution that will allow you to make up to 8×12 prints of your photos. You can get away with 11×17’s but you’ll lose some sharpness around the edges.
11. Can I get physical prints from you of my cosplay photos?
No. I do not offer this service. You are free to take your photos to any printing establishment to have them printed out there though.
12. Can I post my cosplay photos you took of me on other sites?
Yes, with restrictions. You may not alter the picture’s properties in any way with the exception of resizing it for the website you are posting too. Do not adjust colors, white balance, brightness or contrast or any feature in the photo. When you do this you have tampered with my work and it no longer represents me. Under no circumstance are you allowed to remove the OtakuHigh watermark logo UNLESS you plan to use the image as an avatar. Please ask permission before you do this so I know. Please credit me back for the work on whatever website you post the photos to.
13. Your work is beautiful. Do you plan to sell prints?
Not at this time. It is not economically sound for me to sell prints or photobooks of my work. The cost to produce such items would not be compensated by sales of said product. If my work ever becomes something of high demand I may reconsider.
14. Do you have a booth at conventions where you take pictures?
No. I do not like to shoot in a restrictive single location like some photographers do. I like to roam the convention and find natural backdrops to shoot against instead of curtains and sheets. I view my photos as more than just a photograph. I try to make my shots artistic and full of life. I can’t achieve that by sitting in a photo booth all day in my opinion.
15. What are your photoshop practices?
I retouch every photo in Photoshop, some a little, some a lot. When a cosplayer elects to shoot with me they will receive a confirmation letter telling them their chosen time slot and what to expect from the shoot. They are also informed at that time of my Photoshop practices and may elect to have all, some or none of them applied to their photo sets. If they do not speak up they will get the full works. Some people may not like what I like in a final product so it is the cosplayer’s responsibility to inform me what they want. I can do as little as just contrast and balance corrections to full blown digital makeovers that include alteration of skin color, eye colors, etc. I do not do any of these things without first informing the cosplayer about it. If you DON’T WANT IT then speak up or you are going to get it. I cannot stress this enough. They are your photos as much as mine. Don’t be afraid to ask. ^_^