While I was at Saboten Con 2013, I was fortunate enough to have the chance to do a few photoshoots with the amazing Citrusbell. I did three shoots with her, each time in a different costume and lighting conditions. This makes it a good example of how what kind of light is used can affect the end result.
While scheduling was a bit hectic, I was able to get a few moments on Sunday to shoot her incredible Pirate Vriska cosplay from Homestuck. We were able to get a good location with two red high-backed chairs, which provided a really nice backdrop. I also had enough time to setup my Einsten light and beauty dish, and that really helped create deeper and distinct shadows for more dramatic final images. She already had some good ideas for poses to use, so I didn’t need to give much directions. I did have to be careful to position the light in such a way that it wouldn’t be seen reflected off her glasses or the sculpture/painting behind her.
Later that night, I had a few minutes to shoot her RTPD Panty Anarchy (Panty & Stocking) cosplay. There wasn’t enough time to grab my light, so I used my 580EX II. We setup near a metal gate and I was able to bounce the flash off a yellow wall to the left. The shadows have more of an edge here even with the bouncing, but since there wasn’t a solid wall behind her, it’s not too obvious.
On Monday, she came as Panty in a suit and tie and we started off at the bar first. I had some ideas for some shots there but I’m not sure they came out quite as I’d envisioned since the lighting was a little awkward. Then we moved to a nearby staircase with a really nice waterfall for a backdrop, though the light was a little dark since it was downstairs from the lobby. There wasn’t much time left so we finished near the entrance. The wall-sized windows there let in the daylight from outside so I was able to shoot without using the flash. Shadows here are very soft since it was done completely with indirect sunlight.
Working with Citrusbell was a lot of fun, and it was really impressive to be able to see the detail on those cosplays up close. I think I was able to get some really great shots to show off her costumes, and I hope I’ll have the opportunity to do it again.
Camera: Canon 6D with 24-105mm f/4L IS. Light: Einstein E640 with 22″ white beauty dish