Whether you are a professional photographer or just a con goer with a digital camera looking to get some fun costume shots, these tips will help you take good photos this year at Comic-Con.
– Make sure you have everything! Pack extra batteries & make sure they are charged! Do you have extra memory cards, lenses, business cards & anything else you think you’ll need? Make a checklist a couple of days before so you don’t forget anything important. Pack a good comfy bag that you can carry around for hours.
– Before you even get to the con decide what your needs are. Are you taking photos for your blog, to be published in a magazine, or just for fun? This will dictate the kind of equipment you bring, the types of photos you’ll take and how you approach people.
– When you approach people to take their picture, be polite! Make sure to ask before you just start snapping away. Most people are happy to have their picture taken and will gladly stop and pose for you, but don’t be angry if they decline. They could be on their way to a panel, a signing or making a beeline for the nearest booth babe.
– Do NOT stop in the middle of the walkway to take someone’s photo. You’ll get bumped and jostled. Someone will inevitably walk between you and your subject and you’ll basically just look like a jerk for stopping traffic. It takes two seconds to step to the side and find an open spot. Have some spots scouted out ahead of time that aren’t packed with people. Sometimes staying in one spot and shooting people as they go by is better than wandering around and stopping people. But do both! It will give you good variety in your shots.
– When you’ve got someone ready to shoot respect their time. They are there for fun too and have probably been stopped a dozen times already. Have your camera ready! Nothing is more annoying than posing for someone who makes you wait while they dig for a lens, mess with their flash or fiddle with their settings.
– Don’t be afraid to suggest poses if your subject just stands there. Tactfully give them direction like “I’d love to get your shoes in the shot, could you put one foot forward” or “Wow, great Catwoman outfit, can you give me a sultry, cat stare?”
– Compliments go a long way – use them!
– If you are specifically taking costume shots make sure to get the whole costume! Is the back of the outfit cool –ask them to turn around so you can get that too. Take close up shots of details. People want to show off all the hard work that went into their outfits, so make sure you capture it all.
– Take multiple shots in multiple poses if possible. The more shots you take of each outfit, the more likely you are to get at least one good shot.
– Don’t be afraid to set up shots. Ask Chewbacca to pose next to an Ewok for the funny perspective, set up two arch villains to fight or put the tall guy next to the Oompa Loompa!
– Posed shots are fun, but sometimes candids are even better. Keep your camera ready when wandering the floor for those unexpected fun shots. You might just catch Spiderman with his mask pulled up drinking an energy drink or Catwoman adjusting her ears.
– Remember that bad costumes are just as fun to look at as really elaborate ones, so take shots of anything you find amusing or interesting.
– It helps your subject get ready for the photo if you countdown for them. This gives them a chance to get into character and hold a pose at the right moment. A standard 3-2-1 works well.
– Respect other photographers at the con whether they are professional or not. Don’t step in front of them to get your shot. It’s really rude to jump in on someone else’s photo. A lot of times a cool costume or group will draw a crowd of photographers. It is ok to join them, just keep common courtesy in mind. If you wouldn’t want someone to do it to you …
– Have a card to hand out with your website url, flickr account name or link to where you’ll be posting your photos. People will want to see their photos and are more likely to pose for you if they know they can find them later. This is a good chance to promote your photography. If they give you a card, make sure to follow up and send them the link. You never know when you’ll meet a potential client.
– Watch your equipment. It is going to be very crowded. Your camera will get bumped and knocked around. Be prepared for this. Also keep your bag and equipment close or stashed very securely as you don’t want it broken or stolen.
Check back often to see how well we did with our own advice! We'll be posting costume photos all weekend. Don't forget to comment and give us a link to your shots too!
