The Cosplay Photography of Nelson Castro

I had the privilege to interview photographer Nelson Castro who has produced a series of phenomenal pictures of cosplayers that reside in the west coast region. Nelson Castro is a passionate artist who is more interested in the wonders of photography than making money. In our interview, we look into Nelson Castro’s background and explore his passion for cosplay photography.

Tell us about yourself, what were you like growing up before you discovered your skill with the camera? What animated series, film, book or video games gave you the greatest impression growing up?

I grew up mostly a video game freak. I’ve always played video games as far back as I can remember. My first console was the SEGA Master System! 8 bits of pure fabulousness… but what I think influenced me the most growing up was the release of the original Sony Playstation. Geek staple series like Final Fantasy VII, Resident Evil, and Metal Gear Solid influenced my young impressionable mind. It wasn’t until my twenties that I found out about Anime/Sci-Fi conventions. Realizing that there were people who took the time to design and produce very accurate depictions of the very same characters I hold dear to my heart sent me down the path in which I find myself now.

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

It was a sunny July morning in 2007. I was driving down Shoreline Drive, in Long Beach California, when I came across this huge line filled with people in costumes. I knew what comic conventions were, but I never knew that they were held to such an extent that it would fill an entire convention center. My curiosity got the better of me and I parked and bought the weekend pass to attend Anime Expo 2007 in the Long Beach Convention Center. At the time, I was only dabbling in photography, I didn’t know anything about lighting or composition. You could say that I discovered both my love for photography and cosplay on the very same day.

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

To me, the allure of cosplay is not really about the characters that are familiar to me, but the love that the cosplayer’s have for the character they are representing. They really get into it, and they give the cosplay more “depth,” almost like watching a performance.

I think with the video game and anime subcultures coming out into the mainstream media, more people are gaining an understanding and appreciation for the art of cosplaying. I come across so many people during conventions that ask me, “What the heck is going on here?” Once they hear the explanation however, their perspective changes, most of the time taking out their digital cameras and walking off to snap photos of everyone. I’m positive that the popularity of cosplay is only going to get bigger.

What mistakes would you advise novice photographers not to make?

Ok, five quick tips on what NOT to do…

1. Don’t be afraid to ask a cosplayer for their photo. Don’t just walk up and start snapping. One, you will not get a good photo or pose, and two, you aren’t a paparazzi, and cosplayers are not J-Lo.

2. Don’t be creepy.

3. Try not to take a million snap shots of the same pose, I know newer DSLR cameras can do that super shutter speed thing, but try to compose your shots to make them visually pleasing. Google “The Rule of Thirds.”

4. If you’re trying to make money on convention cosplay photography, remember this: There are probably like 200 other photographers there that are most likely better than you, and doing it for free.

5. Last, but not least, do not do what everyone else is doing. Look for your own style, and develop your own technique that sets you apart from the sea of photographers wanting to conform to the popular.. ahem.. cough steadycam cough…

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

There are many ways to go about taking photos. The photography field is split down the middle between the technical (what is a “correct” photograph), and the artistic side of photography which most of the time does not adhere to the rules. I’ve always believed that there is a healthy middle ground between both of those worlds, but who’s to say what is correct. If someone can produce strong images that capture your attention, and draw you into them, I would consider that a work of art.

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

Aside from technical difficulties, the main challenge for me is getting to shoot with people that are easy to work with. Having shot with many people, I have encountered different personalities. The outgoing personalities are easy to shoot with. The challenge is with the reserved people that take some time to warm up to you. Sometimes you don’t have the time to get to know them; especially at conventions where you’re asking strangers for five minutes of their time. It helps to have an easy-going personality, and being able to make someone giggle if need be. That has been my main challenge lately, but we shall overcome!

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

I use the Canon 5D mark II, and the reason for that is because it’s one of the most awesome full frame digital SLR cameras out there, or maybe I’m just being biased.

I also use a combination of Adobe Photoshop CS5, and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom. I can’t live without either.

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

There is no correct way to post process a photo in my opinion. I think it is your style or technique that sets photographers apart. I have my own “recipe” for standard photo post processing, which constantly changes with my growing experience. It’s a matter of preference, and the knowledge of such programs can greatly enhance the way you present your photographs.

What projects are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a project that involves getting the look of floatation or levitation. It’s currently only exclusive to the Lolita community (if anyone knows what that is). I try to think outside the box when it comes to projects that I work on. Levitation photography has already been done, but when I try to google search images for levitating lolitas or floating lolitas, I get zero results. This tells me I will most likely be the first to produce these types of images, and that excites me! I just started this project and I’m psyched about it! I have many appointments for this type of photo shoot, and I will have much work to do in the coming months. I do still need more loli’s to shoot with however, but hopefully once I get more photoshoots scheduled, it will become popular amongst the Lolita community (fingers crossed), and I can expand over to doing this with cosplayers.

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

They can email me at nelson@laphotonet.com

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

Just three? 🙁

1. This cosplayer is the prime example of being easy to shoot. This is one of my favorites, just because of how much it made me laugh while we were trying to get the pokemon “water blast” shot. We went through like two water bottles.

http://www.laphotonet.com/p390396779/h25843b2d#h25843b2d

2. I like this photo because it was one my first attempts to insert special effects into a shot (which I don’t do very often). The guy in the photo really liked it, and posted it all over every social network account he had. It’s always a big plus when people like the photos you take of them, especially on your first try.

http://www.laphotonet.com/p390396779/h3277dc7e#h3158568e

3. This photo is one my favorites because it represents new ideas. It received a big response when I posted it online. Not only that, but I love working with the model in this photo. She is so consistent at getting the perfect pose on the first try; very impressive… and intimidating. I have to step my game up every time we shoot, and I love to feel challenged. Floating Gothic Lolita anyone?

http://www.laphotonet.com/p112487440/h208259e8#h208259e8

All pictures in this article belong to Nelson Castro. If you want to see more of his work, check out LaPhotonet!