Beethy: Aussie Cosplay Photographer

When people think of cosplay, most think of Japanese, American or European cosplayers participating, but Australia has a very strong following for the art. In this interview, we talk to Beethy, one of Australia’s popular cosplay photographer about his views of cosplay, photography and how the culture of cosplay is different in Australia from the rest of the world.

Tell us about yourself, what were you like growing up before you discovered your skill with the camera? What did you enjoy watching, playing or reading growing up?

I was living a normal and quiet life. Growing up I always loved video games. My first machine ever was the MSX. It ran on cassettes. Games could take around 20 minutes to load. I believe this is what made me so patient. Other than that I loved movies and cartoons. When I was 10 years old my favourite movies were Robocop, Terminator and Predator.

Describe, in detail, how you were first became acquainted with cosplay and photography?

In 2004 my girlfriend at the time owned a tiny 2.1 megapixel point and shoot. We were living in the Netherlands at the time. I would always carry it and take photos of things I enjoyed.

She told me I might have a talent there. Ever since then she’s supported me in photography. Bought me my first SLR camera and other things. I got interested in portraits by practising on her. Eventually she pushed me to take photos of other people.

In 2009 I took my camera to an Anime/Comic convention ‘Supanova’. That’s when my cosplay photography started.

What is the allure of cosplay? Why do you feel cosplay is becoming more popular worldwide?

The one thing I noticed with cosplayers in general is that many of them used to be social outcasts and are introverted. When in cosplay they can be somebody else. Conventions are great and fun social events for them. That and it’s cool to look like the character you love.

In terms of it becoming more popular worldwide,  anime becoming mainstream has a lot to do with it. When I was a kid, anime and manga was a real underground thing. You had to look really hard to find any movies or comics for sale. Since Pokemon, Naruto, Bleach and One Piece it’s become a whole lot more popular.

Do you feel the cosplay culture in Australia is different from the rest of the world? If it is, how so?

I believe so. In Australia the level of quality in general is a little lower than other places in the world. This has a lot to do with the laid back nature of Australians… and the fact that it’s seriously hard to get decent fabric, materials, etc.

What do you think that cosplayers outside Australia would be amazed to find out about the cosplay community in Australia?

How helpful some of the top cosplayers are. William Wong (www.amenokitarou.deviantart.com) is a good example. He usually answers every question anyone shoots at him and goes into extreme detail. A lot of cosplayers here band together and help each other finish their costumes and such.

Do you think cosplay becoming more mainstream is a positive or negative thing? Do you foresee any dangers to the culture?

It’s mostly a positive thing. I think it’s amazing that some cosplayers actually get hired by video game companies. My very own Yasemin Arslan ( www.tarotea.deviantart.com ) has been hired by Gearbox Software and one of my personal favourite US cosplayers Crystal Graziano ( http://www.facebook.com/crystalcosfx ) by Red 5 Studios. More of this trend will likely happen in the future.

As far as the dangers go, anime conventions attract very young girls in skimpy clothing. Which in turn attracts old men who sneak photos with their long telephoto lenses and 9000 megapixel cameras. It’s harmless in a way but security has never addressed this issue.

What mistakes would you advise novice photographers not to make?

In terms of cosplay photography at conventions, there’s one mistake most people make.

Don’t shoot inside on con grounds with a lot of people in the background. Keep the background simple and plain. Going outside helps.

What exactly makes a photograph a work of art, in your opinion?

When it evokes a certain feeling, when you look at it a little longer than a few seconds.

What challenges do you face in your shoots? How do you overcome them?

For me to create decent images I need a certain understanding or connection between the subject and myself. If that simply isn’t there at a convention then I simply move on and thank them for their time.

What camera(s) do you use and why? Which programs, if any (for example, Photoshop) do you use to enhance to your photos?

Old camera was a Canon 5D II. Currently using a Canon 1000D. Saving up!

I only use Photoshop CS5 to do my post work.

What is the correct way to use digital programs, in your opinion, when it comes to enhancing photos?

There is no correct way, I believe. The photographer should have complete freedom in the post processing domain. If it works, it works. A good photographer knows what needs to be done to an image. This comes with experience. Experimental post processing is the best way to improve. Never play it safe.

What projects are you currently working on?

Got another Borderlands 2 shoot coming up in a few months. In talks with Gearbox Software about this. Should be huge.

Other than that I have a few artsy non-cosplay side projects happening.

Where can someone contact you if they are interested in working with you?

www.beethy.com

Share with us three of your favorite pictures you’ve taken and share with us the stories behind them.

We had to sneak into a government room to get this shot. I had a friend help me with the lighting. We must’ve looked somewhat important because at one point an employee came into the room, apologised and left.

I have some of the best memories ever from this shoot. We basically went far south of Sydney and stayed in her parents’ summerhouse with all our friends. We all played Halo, got drunk and went jet skiing.

My first proper cosplay photoshoot. The chemistry was real good. We collaborated conceptually and everything just kinda clicked and worked. I remember how happy I was when I got home.

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All photos in this article belong to Beethy