First Ever Model Photo Shoot (Cosplay)

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gohan2091

Senior Member
I've been learning photography for about a year and a half now and off-camera flash is something new to me. Last week I had the opportunity to photograph my first model, who is a cosplayer and wanted some nice photos to submit to a cosplay group. The character she is dressed as is called Starfire. There are about 90 images in total that I am pleased with and I have included a handful here (Two have had the background removed) I used 2 shoot-through umbrellas with 2 speedlights which I did adjust from time to time. Unfortunately the room we were in was small so some of the full body shots were taken at wide angles like 16mm which I know distorts the body and is not flattering! She wanted her skin made slightly orange like her character and her eyes to be green.

What do you guys think for a first attempt? Any comments?
 

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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
gohan2091 said:
I've been learning photography for about a year and a half now and off-camera flash is something new to me. Last week I had the opportunity to photograph my first model, who is a cosplayer and wanted some nice photos to submit to a cosplay group. The character she is dressed as is called Starfire. There are about 90 images in total that I am pleased with and I have included a handful here (Two have had the background removed) I used 2 shoot-through umbrellas with 2 speedlights which I did adjust from time to time. Unfortunately the room we were in was small so some of the full body shots were taken at wide angles like 16mm which I know distorts the body and is not flattering! She wanted her skin made slightly orange like her character and her eyes to be green.

What do you guys think for a first attempt? Any comments?
Click to expand...

​The last one with the digital? background is fantastic
 
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Carolina Photo Guy

Senior Member
Very nice shots. If I may point out something...

Photoshop the wall areas with the chipped and peeling paint. It makes the shoot look like a quasi porn shoot in a crappy motel.

I presume this shoot is for your portfolio addition, so you might as well make it look as professional as possible. No offense intended.

JMTCW

​Pete
 
Scott Murray

Scott Murray

Senior Member
Great shots, and not being a person photog is it ok to say rectify the blemishes in the person eg stomach/legs!? I am presuming super heroes are toned and perfect. ;) PS I have no idea how to do this.
 
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RookieDSLR

Senior Member
IMO I would have laid down some kind of blanket or backdrop instead of the carpet and walls showing, that is the only thing that bothers me in this shoot. As far as the shots they look great especially the edited background, it almost looks digitally created the model and the background. Well done and look forward to some more shots!!! (Hot model by the way!)

Thanks
Jeremy V
 
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gohan2091

Senior Member
I actually did airbrush and remove some of the spots and skin flaws but I didn't do this for every photo (I'd be here forever if I did!) but I will eventually get around to doing that. Thanks so much guys, looks like I did a good job! I agree with you RookieDSLR, a white carpet or blanket would have been nice but I don't have a blanket large enough.
 
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§am

Senior Member
I think they're good shots indeed especially for a first run.

Echoing what others have said already - the room (walls, carpet/floor) etc give it no justice.
If you're after some cheap material large enough, just go down to the local market - there will be some stall there selling fabric to suit your needs.

I like the 5th shot more than the others, but the one with the firey backdrop is good too :)

Keep up the good work :)
 
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gohan2091

Senior Member
I felt because this was a cosplay shoot, that going a bit strong in colours would be ok and I think you're right vindex1963, bold colours but not going over the top. Thanks all so much for your comments, now I wonder if I can produce results like these outdoors? I have my doubts! I better practice!
 
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Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
If I were you I would not show any of them till they were finished and that means putting the flashy background in. That finishes the total look. To me it is the difference between an non professional and professional. The one you did with the background looks slick and finished.
 
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gohan2091

Senior Member
While I appreciate you all praising my photoshop skills, I posted the images here for comments on the photography (composition, lighting etc). The model wanted 2-3 photos with a replacement background and I don't have time to edit the backgrounds on all photos (it's an extremely time consuming job).

I added a background (which I shot in spring this year) to another photo, I thought I'd show you all :)

_DSC1207-Edit.jpg
 
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