Mostly for the photogs-
If any of the photo peeps want to take a look at ze outline and see what should be added/included or changed, poke me.
Kevin, this is what I'm figuring to use as a basic basic framework for panels when we do em. I think it covers all the topics we cover, but if you have suggestions or reworkings let me know. If/When Shiroin pokes me, I'll send this his way.
Basic Panel Outline: Photography
Introduction:
Who are we and what do we do?
Gear:
This panel is directed towards anyone who wants to learn how to take better photos. Gear can be a basic camera to a full SLR kit. We will not talk about what kind of camera you should buy, or what brands are better. That's what the internet is for.
What's the difference between an SLR and a Point and Shoot anyway?
-pitfalls of having a shiny giant camera
What kind of photos are you trying to take?
Con coverage is different than doing a photoshoot. Are you trying to take pictures of everyone you see, or do you want a dozen photos with one person? Do you want to document the costume, or are you trying to retell a story or show character interaction?
Be respectful, be Responsible
Respect your models, remember that it only takes one horror story to follow you forever, and be responsible for your work: don't put bad photos online, and use common sense. Process your photos: apply basic editing at least- colour, contrast and light adjustment if nothing else.
Practice
If you don't actually know how your camera works, now is a good time to learn. That funny paper book that came with it when you bought it? It's called a manual. Use it. Or Google. Learn how your camera reacts to things because every camera is different, and the better you know your gear, the better your photos will be.
Also, you don't get good at this by magic.
Composition
-Rule of Thirds
-Breaking the rule
-Angle of view zoom/wide
-lines of action/drawing the eye
-breaking the frame
-framing right vs left
Finding backgrounds at con/how to use what you have
-12 noon is good for lunch, bad for photos
-for goodness sakes, you have feet, USE THEM!
-Convention centre pitfalls (Backlight, reflections, lighting, Where's Waldo/Naruto)
Available light / flash / Bring your own light (Leave the DeathNote at home)
-Convention light
-Diffused lighting
-reflectors
-off camera flash
-shooting at night
Posing People
-no touchy!
-shapes, lines and curves
-posing guys vs girls
-working with groups
-eyes and expressions
-keeping an eye on costumes/wigs/details/loose ends
Questions?
Basic Panel Outline: Posing for better photos
Fabric Choice:
Take a camera with you when you fabric shop, and see how your costume is going to photograph before you even start
-Colour shift
-Reflective Tape Alchemists
-Vinyl/pvc
Basics:
-Wear Makeup
-Iron your costume
-invest in a wig cap
-practice in front of a mirror with your whole costume on- or better in front of a friend with a camera BEFORE con
-check loose ends (threads, wig strands, straps etc)
Posing
Know your character
-figure out enough of your character's personality that you can tell someone else what they're like. Shy? Outgoing? Clumsy? Cocky?
-Study their trademark poses (if applicable) and practice them. Have several planned
-check for costume malfunctions while you pose/practice
Look at what other people do
-deviantArt (photography, modeling), flickr, cosplay.com- take a look at what people do that you like, and save their photos. Make a folder called 'poses' on your computer so you can reference them before a con.
-if you're crossplaying, study the opposite gender. Ride a bus and watch how guys sit compared to girls.
Basic Posing
-3/4 turn, basic pose
-The S curve for girls and guys
-posing with props
-posing with others
-facial expressions
Working with photographers
-Use common sense
-how to make a con shot better (for one, pick your background!)
-Explain what you want
-bring a spotter (we never know your costume details, really)
There is a difference between a hall shot and a photo shoot
-Some things only work if the photographer is willing to try 50 shots to get it right (DANGER WILL ROBINSON)
-Posing pitfalls
Questions
Kevin, this is what I'm figuring to use as a basic basic framework for panels when we do em. I think it covers all the topics we cover, but if you have suggestions or reworkings let me know. If/When Shiroin pokes me, I'll send this his way.
Basic Panel Outline: Photography
Introduction:
Who are we and what do we do?
Gear:
This panel is directed towards anyone who wants to learn how to take better photos. Gear can be a basic camera to a full SLR kit. We will not talk about what kind of camera you should buy, or what brands are better. That's what the internet is for.
What's the difference between an SLR and a Point and Shoot anyway?
-pitfalls of having a shiny giant camera
What kind of photos are you trying to take?
Con coverage is different than doing a photoshoot. Are you trying to take pictures of everyone you see, or do you want a dozen photos with one person? Do you want to document the costume, or are you trying to retell a story or show character interaction?
Be respectful, be Responsible
Respect your models, remember that it only takes one horror story to follow you forever, and be responsible for your work: don't put bad photos online, and use common sense. Process your photos: apply basic editing at least- colour, contrast and light adjustment if nothing else.
Practice
If you don't actually know how your camera works, now is a good time to learn. That funny paper book that came with it when you bought it? It's called a manual. Use it. Or Google. Learn how your camera reacts to things because every camera is different, and the better you know your gear, the better your photos will be.
Also, you don't get good at this by magic.
Composition
-Rule of Thirds
-Breaking the rule
-Angle of view zoom/wide
-lines of action/drawing the eye
-breaking the frame
-framing right vs left
Finding backgrounds at con/how to use what you have
-12 noon is good for lunch, bad for photos
-for goodness sakes, you have feet, USE THEM!
-Convention centre pitfalls (Backlight, reflections, lighting, Where's Waldo/Naruto)
Available light / flash / Bring your own light (Leave the DeathNote at home)
-Convention light
-Diffused lighting
-reflectors
-off camera flash
-shooting at night
Posing People
-no touchy!
-shapes, lines and curves
-posing guys vs girls
-working with groups
-eyes and expressions
-keeping an eye on costumes/wigs/details/loose ends
Questions?
Basic Panel Outline: Posing for better photos
Fabric Choice:
Take a camera with you when you fabric shop, and see how your costume is going to photograph before you even start
-Colour shift
-Reflective Tape Alchemists
-Vinyl/pvc
Basics:
-Wear Makeup
-Iron your costume
-invest in a wig cap
-practice in front of a mirror with your whole costume on- or better in front of a friend with a camera BEFORE con
-check loose ends (threads, wig strands, straps etc)
Posing
Know your character
-figure out enough of your character's personality that you can tell someone else what they're like. Shy? Outgoing? Clumsy? Cocky?
-Study their trademark poses (if applicable) and practice them. Have several planned
-check for costume malfunctions while you pose/practice
Look at what other people do
-deviantArt (photography, modeling), flickr, cosplay.com- take a look at what people do that you like, and save their photos. Make a folder called 'poses' on your computer so you can reference them before a con.
-if you're crossplaying, study the opposite gender. Ride a bus and watch how guys sit compared to girls.
Basic Posing
-3/4 turn, basic pose
-The S curve for girls and guys
-posing with props
-posing with others
-facial expressions
Working with photographers
-Use common sense
-how to make a con shot better (for one, pick your background!)
-Explain what you want
-bring a spotter (we never know your costume details, really)
There is a difference between a hall shot and a photo shoot
-Some things only work if the photographer is willing to try 50 shots to get it right (DANGER WILL ROBINSON)
-Posing pitfalls
Questions
