By Kendra Tallman
If there’s one thing that can turn a great cosplay into a truly stunning cosplay, it’s skilled photo editing. For a lot of characters, some of the magic is lost on the convention floor because we simply can’t reproduce the effects. While there’s much we can do now with LED lights and plastic, getting a prop to look like a real magical effect is difficult to say the least. That’s where a behind-the-scenes photo editor comes to the rescue. A talented photo manipulator can put lightning bolts in our hands, jungles at our backs, and glow in our eyes.
But some edits stand out as being truly above and beyond. Take a look:
#1- Princess Mia
From Civilization Online
58 Likes, 6 Comments - Rudi B (@rudibphotography) on Instagram: "Series: #civilizationonline Character : #princessmia Cosplayer : @risacosplay #anime #manga..."
Photographer/Editor: @rudibphotography
Cosplayer: @risacosplay
Why we love it: Putting a real cosplayer in with an animated character or object is not easy. Often, the end result looks tacky or forced. This editor made Princess Mia look natural in the artificial jungle, and managed to make her interaction with the saber tooth cat look natural. Clearly, a lot of work and talent went into this piece and the end result is fantastic.
#2- Raven
From Teen Titans
63 Likes, 7 Comments - Sarah (@lollilane) on Instagram: "Here's one of my favourite images from my shoot with 📷 @staticmakesstuff You can see the full..."
Photographer/Editor: @staticmakesstuff
Cosplayer: @lollilane
Why we love it: Photo manipulation doesn’t always have to be super flashy to look incredible. This editor kept things simple and dark, which really works with the mood of the character. A simple (but very realistic) power ball on one hand and a spooky underground background allows the character design to remain the focal point. It’s dramatic, clean, and intriguing—we’re left wanting to know more about what Raven’s getting into.
#3- Storm
From Marvel Comics
295 Likes, 14 Comments - Keith Williams (@unmadesugar_cosplay_edits) on Instagram: "Swipe left for the before and follow @unmadesugar_cosplay_edits Throwback to my shoot with..."
Photographer/Editor: @unmadesugar_cosplay_edits
Cosplayer: @savannahwilddd
Why we love it: Lightning, smoke, glowing eyes, and a devastated background: this photo has it all! It’s easy to imagine this scene as a panel in an X-Men comic book, with Storm about to kick some major butt. Still, even though there’s a lot going on the photo, Storm doesn’t get lost in the elements. The lightning and smoke frame her perfectly and make her look extra awesome.
#4- Wolverine & Phoenix
From Marvel Comics
149 Likes, 6 Comments - @department_h on Instagram: "When the time comes, it always falls on me to do what the others can't... Phoenix: @meeversdesu..."
Photographer/Editor: @gatogordomx
Cosplayers: @department_h & @meeversdesu
Why we love it: There’s drama, there’s anger, there’s fire! You can truly feel Wolverine’s agony in this photo thanks to the added background, flame, and sparks. Again, the elements here aren’t overpowering the characters. Placed firmly in the center of the frame, Wolverine and Phoenix are caressed by the flames. A skilled photo editor knows how to amp up the emotion the subjects are showing, and this photo nails it.
#5- Lich Queen Elsa
Disney/Blizzard Mashup
111 Likes, 2 Comments - EandoraCosplay (@eandoracosplay) on Instagram: "I got back the second picture from my shoot with @aloha_airbrush_aloha_pictures 😱 First full body..."
Photographer/Editor: @aloha_airbrush_aloha_pictures
Cosplayer: @eandoracosplay
Why we love it: There’s a great deal of creativity involved in a cosplay mashup, and that definitely extends to the photo manipulation. Should the photo focus more on the Disney aspect or the Warcraft aspect? What powers does Elsa have in this case? How should they be depicted? This editor skillfully placed so snow effects and powers, and then to balance out the color scheme, added a touch of flame. The result is an incredible photo that makes us wish Lich Queen Elsa was a real character we could play!
However, tracking down a skilled editor/photographer with enough time to do a photoshoot and then edit your pictures isn’t always easy. But Cosplay Imaging has an expert team waiting to take on new projects. Stop by our contact page today and let us know what you’re working on!