• 1 spread for written content about your cosplay and a mid length shot

• 2 spreads for character quotes with paired photos

• 1 spread for your bio and a headshot or mid-length shot

• 1 spread for either a concept or horizontal shot

• The remaining spreads will have a variety of full, mid, head, and cosplay detail shots

(see example below of various types of spreads)

SHOOT & MEET LOCATION:

Outside the front of the convention center (to the right of the entrance when facing it) down at the alcove below where they have the large Fanime gatherings.

If the shooting location is occupied I will DM you at least 10 minutes prior to the shoot with a new meet location.

PRE-SHOOT:

• Please have some poses prepared. In most cases you will know the character better than I will. We will be shooting 2 sets of your pre-planned poses, each set will consist of a full length, mid length, and headshot. The more variation between the poses the more dynamic the spreads will be. When thinking of poses, keep in mind the majority of the shots will be vertical.

I will also have 2 sets of my own suggested poses sketched out.

• Prior to the shoot I’ll have a selection of quotes for you to choose from to use for the shoot. Suggestions are also welcomed. Knowing the quotes ahead of time will help with creating a specific shot to go with the quotes.

THE SHOOT:

The shoot style is minimal/studio with natural light. The con walls will be used as a simple backdrop to highlight your cosplay and pose. Shoot length will be 30-45mm or so (although I’ve allowed for 1 hour for a little breathing room). It’ll go as follows:

• a quick warm up exercise to loosen up

• 2 sets of full length, mid length, and headshots

• Detail shots (either details of the cosplay or make-up)

• 2 shots that will go with your chosen character quotes

• 1 shot for the middle spread (either a horizontal or a paired concept shot)

• 2 sets of my sketched out full length, mid length, and headshot poses

I’m fully vaccinated and boosted but for your safety and comfort I’ll be wearing a mask by default. If you’re okay with me not wearing a mask please let me know. I’m fine either way!

Often times shoots are back to back, one shoot that is late can throw off the whole day, so as a courtesy to other participating cosplayers please let me know if you’re running late (longer than 10 minutes) and we can re-schedule.

POST SHOOT:

WRITTEN CONTENT: The written content portion consists of a write-up on your cosplay and your cosplay bio.

The write up on your cosplay is your chance to tell the viewers about your cosplay (ig. the process of creating the cosplay, favorite part about the cosplay, what drew you to the character, etc)

The bio is for your cosplay history: how long you’ve been cosplaying, what got you into cosplay, future cosplay plans etc.

See previous Annuals for examples.

DUE DATE FOR WRITTEN CONTENT: The written content on your cosplay and bio will be due by the end of June. A reminder will be sent out two weeks prior to the deadline.

PHOTOS & ZINE: Once the written content is received and all the photos are processed, production on the zine will begin. I have the Annual and the other featured shoots to work on so expect about two months for production.

The processed photos and the digital zine will be made available for download via a google drive link. The photos are yours to use and share for any non-commercial purposes.

Selected photos from the set will be posted on @thecosplayerannual (and later on my main account, @b.nishimoto). The completed zine spreads will be posted on @thecosplayerannual as well. You’ll also have your own dedicated page on my site with your photos and links to the digital and print zine (see example: https://www.apertureandpaint.com/cosplay-zine-anasui).

Upon request, a print version will be made available to purchase for $5.99-12.99 (cost dependent on total pages) at blurb.com. This a non-profit project so the pricing is for the print cost only, no additional cost is added.