PHOTOS: A Look Behind the Camera During 28 Days of Black Cosplay
With this being the last week of #28DaysOfBlackCosplay we wanted to take the time to feature the folks who go out there, camera in hand, and help capture the cosplayers who bring some of our favorite characters to life. Photographers are a big part of the cosplay community, and through their ability to get just the right angle, they help create absolute magic. After spending the month of February celebrating Black cosplayers, we’re now going to switch focus and celebrate Black photographers in the community!
RELATED: 28 Days of Black Cosplay Shows off Inspiring Dream Cosplays
From those who are grabbing a camera for the first time, to those who have been at it for years and even cosplayers who decide to be both model and photographer, here’s to the picture takers, the editors and the videographers of the cosplay community. Thank you for all of your hard work.
Bella Victress
Bella Victress is both the cosplayer and photographer/editor in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
I wanted to take my own cosplay photos that I would have full rights to, so during the 2020 lockdown I taught myself the basics. I got a used camera and a beginners studio light set up for my apartment and now I am able to take my own pics.
My main trade was 3D modeling and digital art so I was able to easily adjust my skills to be able to edit my photos and eventually practice background replacement and 3D rendering. Lately, I have been taking advantage of being near LA and I seek out unique studios to practice in.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Myself.
What’s something you love about cosplay?
I use cosplay as an extension of my artistic skills.
Where can everyone follow your work?
David Glasgow
David Glasgow in cosplay (photographer: @2playaa._livi)
What inspired you to take up photography?
It honestly happened by accident. I was gifted a DSLR for video purposes and wanted to how to use the rig. Out of boredom and curiosity, I went walking around my neighborhood taking pictures and trying to figure out what all the buttons did. When I looked at the photos, a spark was ignited and I haven’t laid the camera down since. It’s become a deep and meaningful vehicle for self-expression and exploration.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
The world of cosplay has always sparked curiosity and awe! I would see these people dawning these super creative and epic costumes looking (and what I imagine, feeling) totally badass! I admire the genius work and pure fandom that’s expressed and I wanted to capture that world!
Example of David Glasgow’s work
What’s something you love about cosplay?
For me, it brings me back to that childlike joy that we adults unfortunately often forget!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Seraph Snapshots
What inspired you to take up photography?
My love of cosplaying actually inspired me to try my hand at shooting.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
I’ve always loved cosplay photos since I joined Tumblr. I eventually wished to try making them myself.
Example of Seraph Snapshots’ work
What’s something you love about cosplay?
I love watching people share their love of a series through the medium of dressing up.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Ashton Zala
What inspired you to take up photography?
I was inspired to take up photography as I have always had an interest in visual media and felt that there was no one else that looked like me capturing photographs of the vibrant and diverse anime fandom culture that we have here in the UK.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
I have always had an interest in both visual arts and anime and these two interests perfectly intersect in the form of cosplay. In addition to this, I felt that there was a distinct lack of photographers in the UK whose work centered Black cosplayers, specifically Black women cosplayers and I felt that this was something that I needed to change.
Example of Ashton Zala’s work (featuring crepandcosplay and askyemii)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
I love both the intricacy and theatre of it. From the intricate way in which cosplayers craft their costumes and props and apply their makeup, to the theatrical way they pose for photographs, perform skits and create short-form video content for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. I am enamored with it all really.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Website (Black Anime Podcasts)
Cosmos
What inspired you to take up photography?
My uncle bought me a camera and when I created a clothing line and couldn’t afford to hire a photographer, I became one.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
All my friends cosplaying and becoming inspirations to me made me want to capture the essence of their characters.
Example of Cosmos’ work (featuring sunflow3rsamurai)
Note: be sure to check out the full Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba photo set!
What’s something you love about cosplay?
It allows us to be who we are inspired by.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Ryan DEE
Example of Ryan DEE’s work (featuring Roquois)
What inspired you to take up photography?
Wanting to ensure my cosplay friends were able to get quality photos of their hard work. It just grew from there.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Seeing the amazing work, knowing how hard many work to create their cosplay(s), and just loving the creativity as they brought a lot of my favorite characters to life.
What’s something you love about cosplay?
How it can bring people together from various fandoms, and for a weekend just celebrate that without judgement or worry of what someone else may think.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Kris G.
What inspired you to take up photography?
There are a few things that inspired me and one that really stands out to me is the seemingly limitless bounds and continued growth that come with the craft. There’s always a new experience, perspective and opportunity to learn with each individual or subject in front of the lens.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Growing up I’ve always been into anime and when I learned about the conventions, I had to take my craft to the events and capture the great people who put immense work in to embody those characters and bring them to life. It was a great opportunity to meet people and provide them with amazing photos I knew they would love.
Example of Kris G.’s work (featuring blackcrystalcosplay)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
Something I love about cosplay is the freedom to take your favorite character, make it your own design and bring that vision into reality. A lot of people only see the result but there’s so much that goes into putting a cosplay together. Witnessing my friends and people that I’ve met throughout the years master their craft has been very inspirational.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Tansura T Photography
What inspired you to take up photography?
I’ve been a cosplayer myself for over ten years and after being snubbed by photographers when trying to get photos, I wanted to make sure other Black cosplayers would be able to get great photos and have a great experience by providing that myself and hosting gatherings for black and brown cosplayers!
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Photography is something passed down in my family. I’ve cosplayed since Otakon 2002, so the two easily combined.
Example of Tansura T Photography’s work (featuring stardust_megu)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The creativity. The skill. The storytelling. And all the love. Cosplayers do what whole teams of people do, it’s incredible the things we create.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Jacson Wilde
Jacson Wilde is both the cosplayer and photographer/editor in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
I love to bring out the different aspects of a person that they didn’t normally think could be shown or appreciated in a photo. I also love to create new authentic edits as well as recreate my favorite anime/manga. I also love giving people the opportunity to really feel like they’re in their favorite anime or as their favorite characters.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
I’ve always been a huge fan of anime/manga/comics so once I began photography I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d get into photoshop. So once I learned the skills I thought it’d be dope to edit cosplayers, known and unknown, and give them an edit immersing them into the anime/manga even more.
Example of Jacson Wilde’s work (featuring asiammkay)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The creativity is so inspiring and it shows you that people really resonate with the stories and characters.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Zeroe Filter
What inspired you to take up photography?
I’ve always liked to take photos, one day I saved enough money to buy my first DSLR and the rest was history!
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
It was @bigcityblerds on Instagram! They had a goal to highlight cosplayers of color and I really wanted to help out with that.
Example of Zeroe Filter’s work (featuring sparknomad)
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
What’s something you love about cosplay?
Everything! Everyone does such an amazing job, from concept to execution, from simple to extremely detailed, there is nothing like seeing a character come to life.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Chris Yenn
Chris Yenn is both the cosplayer and photographer in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
This is my major from college. I have always been a fan of art and all forms of art, to tell a story through a lens is amazing.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Being amongst people who have similar interests.
Chris Yenn is both the cosplayer and photographer/editor in this picture
What’s something you love about cosplay?
Expressing yourself through a character you can see yourself as. It’s like becoming a hero or a villain, lol.
Where can everyone follow your work?
@theoddsheep5
What inspired you to take up photography?
Selfishly, I didn’t want to pay others for photography.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
I wanted to not only take photos of myself but do better than other photographers.
@theoddsheep5 is both the cosplayer and photographer/editor in this picture
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The people I meet and memories created.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Yanick Ivenso
What inspired you to take up photography?
Capturing moments and expressions that we casually and commonly tend to miss and being able to give people a wider perspective on the potentials of being alive and, most importantly, being human with the freedom we are given.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Capturing people in their cosplay is a way of expressing that freedom and creativity from the subject and the photographer. Being able to edit effects in post whether it is just a small prop or superpowers is always enjoyable for me to help bring a cosplayer’s outfit to life!
Example of Yanick Ivenso’s work
What’s something you love about cosplay?
I love that there is a cosplay out there for EVERYBODY. It’s not just confined to a group and whatnot. I live my life with Cerebral Palsy and I could adapt and turn my disability into a character from William Birkin from Resident Evil 2 or a Charger from Left 4 Dead. With cosplay, no one can be left out!
Where can everyone follow your work?
littleyellow.cosplay
littleyellow.cosplay is both the cosplayer and photographer in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
I was inspired by Chainsaw Man. There are many characters in the show that caught my eye. One of the characters I chose from the show was Makima, and I loved her appearance and personality. So I told myself, why don’t I give it a try?
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
I usually take selfies once in a while or in my free time so I’ve been teaching myself how to take better pictures.
What’s something you love about cosplay?
I like to see people express themselves through makeup and through having fun with cosplay. As a cosplayer myself I would like to show people that anyone can cosplay.
Where can everyone follow your work?
@banditsu
What inspired you to take up photography?
My craft is actually videography! But I noticed a hole in the scene as there weren’t many people documenting the Black fandom of anime that we all love so much.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
I’m the biggest anime fan. Initially, it was because I really enjoy public interviews, but it’s nice when it’s themed around the effort a cosplayer has made!
Be sure to check out @banditsu’s cosplay video
What’s something you love about cosplay?
Effort and craftsmanship. It always shows especially when they’ve worked hard!
Where can everyone follow your work?
InsomniacGodz
Example of InsomniacGodz’ work (featuring cosplayenergy)
What inspired you to take up photography?
I enjoy capturing moments for people that will last them a lifetime. I love the feeling of knowing that they’re going to feel proud and confident once the shoot is over and then they’ll have that physical memory, so when they look back on it they can feel that all over again.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
I got bored of doing standard portrait photography and wanted to be able to unleash my creative side. Cool lighting, wicked effects, horror, emotions, costumes, all of that. I’ve loved anime my whole life but never even thought of cosplay photography until I met my current girlfriend, who’s a cosplayer. Since then I’ve been doing it with her, and at conventions, every chance I get.
Example of InsomniacGodz’ work (featuring cosplayenergy)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
You get to see anime, and pretty much anything, come to life right in front of you.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Instagram (convention specific)
coserkaze
What inspired you to take up photography?
Photography for me started out as a little hobby, born out of my simple desire to capture the beauty of the world around me. Originally though, I focused more on environment rather than people — though that’s not to say I wasn’t just as interested in photographing people since I was a huge fashion nerd and spent countless hours looking through fashion magazines for fun. However, I just liked the act of traveling and taking pictures of pretty environments more.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Like I mentioned before, my love for photography is simply out of my desire to capture the beauty of things around me. However, after I became a cosplayer myself and got more involved in the anime community, I saw so many fantastic cosplayers who were unfortunately given photos that didn’t emphasize how phenomenal they looked. I felt like the photography standard for matters like high fashion and modeling was so drastically imbalanced as if giving cosplayers the iconic photos they deserve just wasn’t that important. So, like the saying goes, “if you want something done right, do it yourself,” and that’s exactly what I did.
coserkaze is both the cosplayer and photographer/editor in this picture
To maximize the beauty and/or coolness factor I see within a person is my ultimate goal as a photographer… even if that means breaking my knees and ankles for the perfect shot! Plus, doing cosplay edits are a way to hone my illustration skills so it’s a win-win all around!
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The fact that I can cool as all hell (can I say hell?) and basically become anyone I want while still looking like myself, so basically just becoming me x 2! Cosplay is also a HUGE confidence boost because of that.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Nagier Chambers — Big Gold Belt Media
What inspired you to take up photography?
Being such a technical person it has been fun to test and craft my artist side of things. I also wanted to show off so many people’s creativity in their cosplay and be a positive figure within the community.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Realizing maybe cosplay isn’t for me, I wanted to contribute in a way that bettered the community and showed off so many people’s talented/skilled work.
Example of Nagier Chambers — Big Gold Belt Media’s work (featuring bigsmu, brownelegz, hellspawned_cosplay, thesmoke007 and fitnessbysutton)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
Seeing my favorite characters come to life.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Crys.chan.cosplay
Crys.chan.cosplay is both the cosplayer and photographer/editor in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
I enjoyed taking really nice pictures of my cosplay.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
The need to feel beautiful in my cosplays.
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The fact I can interpret a character in my own way and make it unique.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Eyes of Aitch Photography
What inspired you to take up photography?
To see more representation of people of color in cosplay.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Seeing people of color doing great cosplay, putting together awesome costumes and showing off their talent.
Example of Eyes of Aitch Photography’s work (featuring kai.esh_black)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The talent and innovation of people from nearly all backgrounds.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Midnight Pursona
What inspired you to take up photography?
When I was really young I was always interested in capturing every moment in life. Since there weren’t a lot of photos of my childhood, I promised when I could afford a camera I would always capture the moments.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
When I didn’t see enough people in the community taking photos of EVERY TYPE of cosplayer, I decided to do it myself. It started with just taking photos of my friends, then I started to expand to anyone who needed it in my community.
Example of Midnight Pursona’s work (featuring subarucamui)
What’s something you love about cosplay?
I love the joy and excitement when someone sees how amazing they look. Bringing to life their favorite characters in their OWN ways and sharing that love with others. It warms my heart when I see people share their craft or love for something they really enjoy!
Where can everyone follow your work?
Joy
Joy is both the cosplayer and photographer in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
Seeing so many different and amazing cosplays.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Seeing different cosplayers who looked like me really encouraged and inspired me.
What’s something you love about cosplay?
Being able to be a whole new person.
Where can everyone follow your work?
King Yami Jackson
King Yami Jackson is both the cosplayer and photographer in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
Because it’s fun to be in pictures.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Because it’s a really fun thing to do and when it comes to a group that’s the best part.
What’s something you love about cosplay?
I love being my favorite character and being around other cosplayers.
Where can everyone follow your work?
BRIXX (Brianna Rose)
BRIXX (Brianna Rose) is both the cosplayer and photographer in this picture
What inspired you to take up photography?
My family.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
All my friends are cosplayers.
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The community is amazing and warm.
Where can everyone follow your work?
Huey T
What inspired you to take up photography?
There is beauty in everyone and everything, I want to show it.
What got you interested in taking pictures of cosplay?
Cosplayers take precious time and effort to create their characters but sometimes forget to take pictures, so I want to help.
Example of Huey T’s work
Note: be sure to check out the full photo set!
What’s something you love about cosplay?
The creativity is endless.
Where can everyone follow your work?
And that’s it! Once again thank you to all of the photographers who took the time to share their work with us, and all the cosplayers who submitted photos all throughout February.
Happy #28DaysOfBlackCosplay, everyone! Remember, you can embody any character you like, just remember to wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated while walking around in costume all day and book your photoshoots in advance!
Week One: First Cosplay Part One and Part Two
Week Two: Favorite Anime of 2022 Part One and Part Two
Week Three: Most Anticipated Anime of 2023 Part One, Part Two and Part Three
Week Four: Dream Cosplay Part One, Part Two and Part Three
Briana Lawrence is the Senior EN Features Editor here at Crunchyroll. When she’s not writing she’s taking care of her three butthead cats and playing Hades for the 100th time. You can check out her writings and her book series over at her website and give her a shout over on Twitter.
