Anime Convention Photography: Capturing the Cosplay Magic at CAD 2023

Anime conventions have grown really popular, attracting fans of anime, manga, and cosplay from all around the world. It’s where people dress up as their favorite fictional characters from these stories. For photographers, these conventions offer a special chance to capture the unlimited creativity and infectious excitement of cosplayers. It’s an opportunity to capture unforgettable moments and showcase the incredible dedication and hard work that go into making these costumes

One such exciting event is Con+Alt+Delete (CAD 2023), a family-friendly anime convention located in Rosemont, Illinois, just outside of Chicago, and right by O’Hare Airport. It’s a gathering that perfectly represents the liveliness of this subculture. CAD 2023 spans three incredible days and is all about celebrating video gaming, Japanese anime, manga, and immersing yourself in authentic Japanese culture. It’s organized by AnimeCon.org, the same dedicated group that puts together seven anime events every year.

Preparing for the Convention

Before you set foot in the convention and indulge in some cosplay photography, it’s crucial to be well-prepared.

· Selecting the Right Equipment: Having the right photography equipment is crucial. Choose a camera that suits your skill level and budget. DSLR and mirrorless cameras work well, but even a high-quality smartphone can suffice. Invest in a versatile lens for flexibility and bring extra batteries and memory cards.

· Familiarizing Yourself with the Schedule: Study the convention schedule to know when and where cosplay events will take place. This helps you plan your shots.

· Understanding the Cosplay Culture: Familiarize yourself with popular anime and manga characters to recognize cosplays. Understanding the culture will help you connect with cosplayers and take better photos.

Mastering the Basics of Convention Photography

• Composition Techniques: Learn basic composition rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and depth of field. Apply them to frame your subjects creatively.
• Proper Exposure Settings: Set your camera to the right exposure settings. Use a wide aperture for a blurry background, adjust the shutter speed to capture motion, and fine-tune ISO for varying lighting conditions.
• Using Lighting: Make the most of available light, whether natural or artificial. Use flash sparingly and experiment with different angles to avoid harsh shadows.
• Candid Moments: Capture candid moments to convey the convention’s atmosphere. Cosplayers often interact with each other, offering great opportunities for candid shots.

Navigating the Convention

Take the time to walk around the convention venue to look for suitable backgrounds and lighting. Indoor settings provide controlled lighting, while outdoor areas offer natural light. Themed backgrounds enhance cosplay photos. Cosplayers put effort into their costumes, so be respectful. Don’t touch costumes without permission, and ask before taking close-up shots.

Approach cosplayers politely and ask for their consent to photograph them. Some may prefer not to be photographed, so respect their decision. Conventions can get crowded. Be patient and wait for the right moment to take your shot. Avoid blocking pathways and be considerate of others.

Interacting with Cosplayers

Try to engage in friendly conversation with cosplayers. Compliment their costumes and ask about their characters. Building rapport can lead to more natural and cooperative poses. Compliment cosplayers genuinely, as they put a lot of effort into their outfits. It shows respect for their dedication.

Offer to share the photos you take with the cosplayers. This can be a rewarding exchange and a way to connect with the community. Always respect personal boundaries and cultural differences. If someone declines to be photographed, accept it gracefully. Give credit to cosplayers by tagging them in your posts. Recognize their hard work and creativity.

Don’t Miss Out on Convention Events

While anime conventions offer fantastic opportunities for cosplay photography, there’s more to these gatherings than just capturing amazing costumes. To fully enjoy your convention experience and make the most of your visit, consider exploring various convention events and activities. Here are some key aspects to delve into:

Panels and Workshops

Anime conventions often host a wide range of panels and workshops covering various aspects of anime, manga, cosplay, and pop culture. These events provide opportunities to learn, discuss, and engage with experts and enthusiasts in the field. Topics may include character design, voice acting, anime history, and more. Be sure to check the convention schedule for panel timings and locations. There may be anime screenings too, where you can enjoy both classic and current series. If you get lucky, you might get the chance to take a sneak peek at up and coming shows too!

Special Guests

Many conventions invite special guests, including voice actors, industry professionals, and renowned cosplayers. Attending guest panels and Q&A sessions allows you to gain insights into the industry, hear behind-the-scenes stories, and even get autographs or photos with your favorite celebrities. Prepare ahead of time by checking the guest list and schedule.

Autograph Sessions

If you’re a fan of a particular voice actor, artist, or industry figure, autograph sessions provide the perfect opportunity to meet them in person. Make sure to arrive early, bring any items you want signed, and follow any specific rules or guidelines set by the convention.

Dealers Hall and Artist Alley

The Dealers Hall and Artist Alley are bustling marketplaces filled with anime-related merchandise, from figurines and posters to manga and rare collectibles. Take your time to explore these areas and find unique treasures to add to your collection. You can also discover talented independent artists in the Artist Alley, where you may purchase one-of-a-kind art pieces or commission custom artwork.

Cosplay Masquerade and Contests

Cosplay contests and masquerades are highlights of any anime convention. Attendees showcase their costumes on stage, often accompanied by skits or performances. These events offer a chance to see incredible craftsmanship and creativity in action. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture memorable moments on stage.

Gaming and Arcade Areas

Anime conventions often feature dedicated gaming rooms and arcade areas where you can play video games, card games, and tabletop games. Whether you’re a competitive gamer or just looking for some casual fun, these spaces are perfect for socializing and enjoying your favorite games.

Convention Food and Dining

Conventions usually have a variety of food vendors and dining options on-site. CAD 2023 has ConSweet which gives you access to unlimited Ramen and Mountain Dew. Grab a meal with fellow attendees or take a break to refuel during your busy day.

Fan Meetups and Gatherings

Online communities often organize fan meetups and gatherings at conventions. These can include gatherings for fans of specific anime series, character themes, or shared interests. Joining these events is a great way to connect with like-minded individuals and make new friends.

Themed Parties and Nightlife

Some conventions host themed parties and nightlife events in the evening. These can range from cosplay dance parties to themed gatherings celebrating popular series or genres. Check the convention schedule for any after-hours activities that interest you.

Exploring these convention events and activities will certainly enhance your overall convention experience but also broaden your understanding of anime culture and fandom. So, don’t limit yourself to just photography; immerse yourself fully in the world of anime conventions.

See you at CAD 2023!

If you’re excited about CAD 2023, make sure to get your tickets early. You need to sign up in advance to attend the convention. You can do this well before the event or when you arrive at the convention site.

But signing up ahead of time is the smart choice. Firstly, it’s a great way to save money because you’ll get a discount. So, if you’ve already decided that you’re going on December 15–17, 2023, be sure to sign up early. It would be a shame to miss out on those savings. Registering for CAD 2023 costs only $35 — that’s an incredibly low price for three full days of anime fun.

We look forward to seeing you at CAD 2023!