102 Questions
This is a questionnaire that kiratsukai took from Cosplay Kobo and translated. I'm rather bored and it popped up on cosplay.com again, so I figure I might as well kill some time (and then hopefully get some motivation to sew in that zipper).
General Cosplay Questions
1) What's the best part of cosplay for you?
Meeting new people, making friends, and showing some love to my favorite series and characters.
2) Do you use the term "kameko" ("camera-kid")?
First time I've heard of it, actually. XD I usually just say "photographer" for people of all ages and skill levels.
3) Do you read event catalogs?
I read them as soon as I get them, but I often forget the things that I want to see and do. One time I made a detailed schedule for myself with photoshoots, panels, time for shopping, etc. and I did not follow it at all. So now I just keep a mental list of things to go to and I keep an eye on the time.
4) Do you rsvp to events?
Sometimes. I usually rsvp to photoshoots at cons and some of my friends hold parties and gatherings, so I also rsvp to those.
5) Do you want to attend more events? Or are you content to remain in your local area?
I always want to attend more, but it's tough on the wallet. I try to go to a couple cons a year and my friends frequently hold gatherings while I'm home on break.
6) Do you use color contacts?
Nope. *shiver* Contacts freak me out--color contacts even more because they're not nearly as comfortable. Not to mention I don't even wear normal contacts because I have fairly good eyes. I can't even watch someone put in contacts without me freaking out. I'm content with this fear and I'll just edit my eyes in photoshop for pictures.
7) Do you make your own costumes or do you buy them?
Both. There are some things that I want to cosplay, but it's way over my skill level and I'm impatient and would rather buy it or commission someone to make it for me than to wait when I have the skills. (This is usually for Tales costumes. XD Because they make no sense.)
8) Do you stick to one genre?
I mostly cosplay from video games--usually RPGS--but I'm cosplaying from more anime now. Though I don't really cosplay from a specific genre from anime.
9) Do you think that when cosplaying, one should stick to the genre of a given event?
Nope. Do what you want! Hell, I love seeing comic book characters and Harry Potter cosplayers at anime conventions. Though, it's a little more strange to see anime characters at a sci-fi or video game convention.
10) Does it bother you when people break genre?
No. I love variety.
11) Does it bother you when people know nothing about the series they're cosplaying?
A little, but I'm not all butthurt about it. I can still appreciate the costume and find someone else to talk to about the series.
12) Does it bother you if people only know a little about the series they're cosplaying?
Nope. I do this all the time for video games that haven't been released in the west yet (*cough* Tales of Graces *cough*)
13) Does it bother you if people are familiar with the series, but have no affection for the character they're cosplaying?
Nope. I think it's a waste of time to get bothered by these things. I can connect more with people who love their character, but we can still talk about the series in general.
14) Does it bother you if someone else is cosplaying the same character you are?
Nope. I'm only bothered when someone is cosplaying the same character, but half-assed it and gets more attention. It makes me headdesk.
15) Do you like posed shots?
Yes. Some are very nice.
16) Do you like candid shots?
Yep. Some are absolutely beautiful! But for me, most of my candid shots are really derpy. Probably because I'm really derpy.
17) Do you think cosplaying characters from adult games or pornographic material is in bad taste?
If the costume is lewd and the convention is family-friendly, then it's absolutely in bad taste. But if it's appropriate to the setting, then I've got nothing against it.
18) If there's a problem at an event, do you jump to conclusions about the parties involved?
I do my best not to judge.
19) How many times do you cosplay in one month?
Generally, I put on a costume about once or twice in a month. Sometimes it's for a con or a party, sometimes it's for a photoshoot, and sometimes it's just because I wanted to put it on and see if everything still fits correctly.
20) Do you go to photo shoots?
Of course! I love meeting people who love my favorite series and cosplay is pretty much the only way I love having my photo taken.
21) Have you ever been included in a cosplay CD-ROM?
No, but I will be included in a friend's cosplay photobook. She does fantastic work and we did a photoshoot for my Chie (Persona 4) cosplay in a Best Buy (very sneaky-like) and I was her first new photoshoot for the book, which she hopes to have finished by next year's Otakon.
22) Is casual cosplay okay?
If it's just "I threw on a t-shirt and put on a wig!" then it's kind of stupid. But if you actually worked hard to put it together and I can see how much effort you put into it, then awesome.
23) Are you okay with your face appearing on the internet?
Yep. I look very different in cosplay and a lot of people don't recognize me. Plus, I don't do anything that I'll regret later. I don't advertise my cosplay, but if people want to know about it, then I tell them. I've had bosses find it very interesting when I explain how much work it is to put together a costume.
24) Do you find yourself thinking people are "too old" for cosplay? How old is too old?
200 is too old. Because everyone had better be dead by that point.
25) Do people who walk around in gothic lolita fashion bug you?
No. I think the fashion is really cute and I'd even really love to have a classic lolita dress.
26) Do you think Chinese dresses count as "cosplay"?
If it's just you in a Chinese dress, no. If you're cosplaying a character in a Chinese dress, yes.
27) What bothers you the most about cosplay?
It requires a heck of a lot of math, precision, and geometry--skills that I lack. Figuring out ways to transport props and wigs can also be a hassle. I also can't stand the elitism in this hobby.
28) Do you think it's important to be "in character"?
It's not important, but it can definitely be fun--when it's not taken too far. It's also kind of a necessity for photos.
29) Does it make you nervous to be eyed by regular visitors at a public event?
I get self-conscious when I'm the only one surrounded by "regular visitors," but I'm usually one of many cosplayers.
30) Do pre-scheduled cosplay appearances by popular cosplayers annoy you?
I wasn't even aware that this happened.
31) Do you tell other people your best locations for shoots?
Yes! My friends and I swap ideas for photo locations.
32) Do you put on your makeup before your wig or after?
Always make-up before the wig. It's just a lot easier for me to do the make-up when there's no hair in my face.
33) Do you know a lot about the series' you cosplay?
Yes! I usually only cosplay from series that I love.
34) Do you wear costumes only once or many times?
I did have one costume that I wore to one convention and then later for another photoshoot, but I didn't like the way it looked on me in full-body shots, so I retired it. I generally quickly retire costumes that I don't like on my body and then I keep other costumes alive for many years.
35) When you've decided what costume to do next, do you share that information with other people?
Yep. I like having friends know what I'm working on (sometimes we decided to cosplay from the same series) and it gets people really excited, which makes me even more excited.
36) Do you want to be in cosplay magazines?
A little bit. I don't think I'd want to be a main feature in one because I'd die of embarrassment (death by shyness!) knowing that everyone was staring at a giant picture of me, but I got a small shot of my Honey (Ouran High School Host Club) cosplay featured in Cosmode and I wouldn't mind doing something like that again.
37) What's the most important part of cosplay for you?
Having fun. That will always be my first goal.
Event Participation Questions
38) How active are you cosplaying in your own community?
I'm fairly active. I go to a couple cons a year and I go to events that my local friends plan.
39) What do you wear on the day of an event?
Uh...my costume? XD For cons like Otakon where I'm not traveling too far on Thursday to go pick up my pre-registration badge, I go in cosplay via car or the light rail. When we're traveling a far way to go pick up badges, I go in a t-shirt and jeans.
40) Do you eat lunch on event days?
BAHAHAHAHA. I'm always way too excited and busy to eat lunch. I usually have something small for breakfast, bring around something to munch on throughout the day, and then I go get dinner later.
41) Do you eat breakfast before attending events?
Usually something small--like a granola bar or some dry cereal.
42) How long does it take you to change?
It depends on the costume. If it's relatively simple, then only 30 minutes at most to do make-up and change. If it takes more make-up or more time to put on the costume, then it can take up to an hour. I try not to take too long, though, because I never want to miss anything.
43) Do you think it looks geeky to attend an event with a big SLR camera?
Nope! Those photos generally come out better. Hell, I wish I had a DSLR.
44) What camera do you use? A compact? An SLR?
At the moment, all I own is a dinky little point and shoot camera that doesn't know how to focus or accurately capture color. A friend has a DSLR that I borrow to take photos of her, so I do know how to use DSLRs.
45) Are you afraid of cameramen? Are you cool with them?
I'm only afraid of the sketchy ones, but I almost never meet those kinds of people.
46) Are you one of the first to line up to get inside?
Nope. It always takes too much time and effort to wake up my sleepyhead friends. XD
47) Do you not mind showing up late?
If I'm really tired, I prefer to sleep in a little bit, especially if there's nothing interesting going on at 9 or 10 a.m.
48) Do you have a small after party or a huge get-together?
Neither. After events, I'm pooped and I go home to sleep.
49) Do you like karaoke?
I love it, but I don't really know of any nearby places where I could do it. (I'm honestly not a good singer, though. XD)
50) Are you tolerant of bad singers?
I am one, so I kind of have to be. XD I just make sure not to sing anything out of my range.
51) Do topics unrelated to animation and manga bug you? Or do you think it's okay to talk about anything at all?
I like a hell of a lot and if I find someone who loves video games or comics, you bet I'm gonna talk about it with them. I even found someone who was majoring in communications, so we talked about journalism and marketing and stuff.
52) Do you eat lunch while inside event areas?
I usually bring a sandwich or something small to eat between panels and photoshoots.
53) Can you handle the cold?
Considering I live in freezing cold weather for most of the year, I'm pretty used to it.
54) Do you buy doujinshi at events?
Occasionally.
55) Do you make doujinshi to sell at events?
No.
56) Do you have a group that participates in group events?
I don't have a strict group. Usually it depends on what series I'm cosplaying from, but even then we break off at times to go do our own thing.
57) Are you a member of a cosplay circle/club?
You can't really call us a circle or a club, but my circle of friends at school also happen to cosplay. We cosplayed from K-On! together, and a friend and I keep doing sibling/twin cosplays together.
58) When the event is over, how late do you stay out?
Usually no later than 1 a.m. because at that point I just want to go to bed.
59) If a new face approaches you at an event and takes up a few minutes of your time, are you annoyed?
Nope.
60) Do you go to cosplay dance parties?
I go to the dances held at cons, but not cosplay dance parties. It's usually too sweaty in there and I wouldn't want to mess up my costumes.
61) Do you think your Layer status is higher than others if a lot of people want to take your picture? Does it bother you not to have your photo taken as much as you think you deserve?
I'm not on Layers, so I kind of don't care, but I do like getting my photo taken just because I put hard work into the costume and I would like that to be recognized.
62) Do you get jealous of other cosplayers having a lot of pictures taken of them?
Only if their costumes have zero to little effort put into them.
63) You're asked for a picture but have something else to do, do you refuse?
If I'm eating or something like that, I don't mind stopping to get my picture taken if it's just one person and there's not gonna be a huge swarm of people out of nowhere, but if I'm in a hurry somewhere, I usually explain that I already have somewhere to be and if they catch me later, I will happily strike a pose then.
64) When you take pictures of people at events, do you give them all copies of the prints or data?
No, but I do post a link of where to find photos.
Photo Shoot Questions
65) (at a studio or shoot) Do you give a copy of each photo to all of the participants in it?
If I'm the one doing the editing (which I usually am among my friends at school), then I send them photos. Otherwise, I spread the low-res photo around.
66) How do you approach photo shoots? As a chance to gather with friends and goof off or as a meeting to take nice pictures?
If it's a private photoshoot, it's a time to take nice pictures (and then goof off for some silly photos). If it's just a gathering at a con for people of the same series to take pictures, then it's a time to take some photos of the group and then meet new people/old friends.
67) Are you particular about how you look in the test shots before the shoot? Do you mind how you look in general?
I usually don't care how I look in general, as long as I don't look absolutely horrendous (I just want to look clean and healthy), but I do examine myself in costume in a mirror before I go to a shoot.
68) When you take photos, do you prefer shots from the front or odder angles?
Odd angles are fun. <3
69) Are you bothered by recieving lots of photos? Are you happy?
I'm usually quite flattered.
70) When you take photos, do you photograph only people you know personally and like? Or do you look for other people with great costumes to photograph too?
I photograph any costume that catches my eye.
71) Do you wander around to meet people at events or do you keep to your own group?
Both. I'm usually with my friends for the most part, but if I want to go to something that they don't, then I go off on my own and meet new people there.
72) How many photos do you usually take with your own camera?
I always mean to take 100 or so, but I often forget the camera. XD
73) How many photos do you usually take for others?
If it's for a photoshoot, then as many as they want or until we're satisfied/have no more ideas.
74) Do you mind if people resize or crop the pictures you've taken to make them look better?
I don't really like it when people do that because it's cropped a certain way when I do it. I don't want it changed because I think it usually looks terrible when others do it.
75) Do you crop and resize pictures others have taken for you?
I only do this when I give a novice a camera and they just take a couple photos. I never change a photo that a photographer already edited.
76) Have you ever set up a photo shoot by yourself?
A couple times, but nothing major.
77) Do you check shoot information beforehand?
Always.
78) Do you like it when there are a lot of people in the shoot area? Or do you prefer small events?
Having a lot of people in the background works well for some things (like a bustling city shoot for DRRR!!), but for calmer woodsy things, it's kind of a turn-off.
79) What size (how many people) is the best for a shoot?
If it's a formal shoot, usually 3-6 people, but I'm often the only one in a shoot. XD
80) What time of day do you like to take photos?
Around 10 a.m. or 4-6 p.m., depending on the season.
81) Do you prefer indoor or outdoor shots?
Outdoor shots are usually prettier, but I'm usually dying if I'm not inside.
82) Which do you dislike more - hot weather or cold weather?
Hot weather.
83) Do you know any cameramen?
No, but I know camerawomen. ;D
84) Do you eat in the photo area?
Because in the states we don't have a specific photo area (other than taped off areas in dealer's rooms and artist alleys for the sake of traffic), that usually doesn't apply.
85) Do you like taking parts-shots? Or do you dislike them?
Sometimes they're nice.
86) Do you retouch your photos?
Yep. I usually change the color of my eyes and there are some freckles and the occasional mole on my face or arms that I just can't cover with make-up. I also have genetic eyebags that cannot be accurately concealed with make-up and if they detract from the photo, then I edit them out.
87) Are you annoyed by people who don't retouch their photos?
Nope. It's up to them. Sometimes a good retouching can really enhance a photo, though.
88) Do you use reflectors?
Nope. No moneeeey.
89) Which is worse ~ breaking the rules and getting great pictures, or following them and getting poor ones?
Great pictures are always nice, but don't be an ass when getting them.
Friend Questions
90) Why are your friends your friends?
Because they're goofy and I love them. <3 They also always help me out when I need it.
91) If you hang out for one day, do you consider yourselves friends?
Not usually, no. I'd consider us acquaintances.
92) Do you give copies of your photos to others?
I upload photos online for them to see.
93) Do you want to make more friends?
I always love meeting friendly people!
94) Do you at least remember the names of people you meet at events?
I really, really suck at remembering names, but I usually re-learn them when we talk online afterward. XD
95) Do you find yourself adjusting your behavior to that of the character you're cosplaying when dealing with people dressed as characters your character knows?
I only do that when it's prompted or I feel comfortable enough to do so.
Home Page/Websites
96) Do you recieve permission every time you post a photo of someone else online?
Because that attitude's a little different in the west, I think we generally assume that when we're cosplaying, pictures of us WILL end up online. I rarely ask for permission to put a photo online.
97) Do you get angry if a foreign site links to your page? Or are you flattered?
I'd probably laugh. XD It would be quite the honor. Though, stealing is never tolerated.
98) Are you happy to get mail from Layers overseas or does it scare you?
I've never had it happen.
99) Do you try to increase your web sites' contents/hits? Or doesn't it matter to you?
I usually have a goal for pageviews on DA, but I don't go crazy over it. It's just a number.
100) Do you not particularly care who links to you? Or do you ask people not to link without permission?
I'm happy to have people link to me.
101) Do you credit the location or studio when posting photo shoot images?
Only if I had to talk to them at first to get permission to shoot there. If I actually went into a studio, then of course. If I had to go to a special place or something and ask for permission to shoot there, then of course. But if it's just in like a park or something, then no because it's a public place.
Final Question
What do you think people who have "good cosplay manners" are like?"
Be yourself, but please don't be obnoxious. Respect "personal space," do not glomp, do not touch anything without permission, do not be elitist, do not make snide comments, do not bash on people for something they cannot control, etc. Basically, don't be an ass, but enjoy yourself.
General Cosplay Questions
1) What's the best part of cosplay for you?
Meeting new people, making friends, and showing some love to my favorite series and characters.
2) Do you use the term "kameko" ("camera-kid")?
First time I've heard of it, actually. XD I usually just say "photographer" for people of all ages and skill levels.
3) Do you read event catalogs?
I read them as soon as I get them, but I often forget the things that I want to see and do. One time I made a detailed schedule for myself with photoshoots, panels, time for shopping, etc. and I did not follow it at all. So now I just keep a mental list of things to go to and I keep an eye on the time.
4) Do you rsvp to events?
Sometimes. I usually rsvp to photoshoots at cons and some of my friends hold parties and gatherings, so I also rsvp to those.
5) Do you want to attend more events? Or are you content to remain in your local area?
I always want to attend more, but it's tough on the wallet. I try to go to a couple cons a year and my friends frequently hold gatherings while I'm home on break.
6) Do you use color contacts?
Nope. *shiver* Contacts freak me out--color contacts even more because they're not nearly as comfortable. Not to mention I don't even wear normal contacts because I have fairly good eyes. I can't even watch someone put in contacts without me freaking out. I'm content with this fear and I'll just edit my eyes in photoshop for pictures.
7) Do you make your own costumes or do you buy them?
Both. There are some things that I want to cosplay, but it's way over my skill level and I'm impatient and would rather buy it or commission someone to make it for me than to wait when I have the skills. (This is usually for Tales costumes. XD Because they make no sense.)
8) Do you stick to one genre?
I mostly cosplay from video games--usually RPGS--but I'm cosplaying from more anime now. Though I don't really cosplay from a specific genre from anime.
9) Do you think that when cosplaying, one should stick to the genre of a given event?
Nope. Do what you want! Hell, I love seeing comic book characters and Harry Potter cosplayers at anime conventions. Though, it's a little more strange to see anime characters at a sci-fi or video game convention.
10) Does it bother you when people break genre?
No. I love variety.
11) Does it bother you when people know nothing about the series they're cosplaying?
A little, but I'm not all butthurt about it. I can still appreciate the costume and find someone else to talk to about the series.
12) Does it bother you if people only know a little about the series they're cosplaying?
Nope. I do this all the time for video games that haven't been released in the west yet (*cough* Tales of Graces *cough*)
13) Does it bother you if people are familiar with the series, but have no affection for the character they're cosplaying?
Nope. I think it's a waste of time to get bothered by these things. I can connect more with people who love their character, but we can still talk about the series in general.
14) Does it bother you if someone else is cosplaying the same character you are?
Nope. I'm only bothered when someone is cosplaying the same character, but half-assed it and gets more attention. It makes me headdesk.
15) Do you like posed shots?
Yes. Some are very nice.
16) Do you like candid shots?
Yep. Some are absolutely beautiful! But for me, most of my candid shots are really derpy. Probably because I'm really derpy.
17) Do you think cosplaying characters from adult games or pornographic material is in bad taste?
If the costume is lewd and the convention is family-friendly, then it's absolutely in bad taste. But if it's appropriate to the setting, then I've got nothing against it.
18) If there's a problem at an event, do you jump to conclusions about the parties involved?
I do my best not to judge.
19) How many times do you cosplay in one month?
Generally, I put on a costume about once or twice in a month. Sometimes it's for a con or a party, sometimes it's for a photoshoot, and sometimes it's just because I wanted to put it on and see if everything still fits correctly.
20) Do you go to photo shoots?
Of course! I love meeting people who love my favorite series and cosplay is pretty much the only way I love having my photo taken.
21) Have you ever been included in a cosplay CD-ROM?
No, but I will be included in a friend's cosplay photobook. She does fantastic work and we did a photoshoot for my Chie (Persona 4) cosplay in a Best Buy (very sneaky-like) and I was her first new photoshoot for the book, which she hopes to have finished by next year's Otakon.
22) Is casual cosplay okay?
If it's just "I threw on a t-shirt and put on a wig!" then it's kind of stupid. But if you actually worked hard to put it together and I can see how much effort you put into it, then awesome.
23) Are you okay with your face appearing on the internet?
Yep. I look very different in cosplay and a lot of people don't recognize me. Plus, I don't do anything that I'll regret later. I don't advertise my cosplay, but if people want to know about it, then I tell them. I've had bosses find it very interesting when I explain how much work it is to put together a costume.
24) Do you find yourself thinking people are "too old" for cosplay? How old is too old?
200 is too old. Because everyone had better be dead by that point.
25) Do people who walk around in gothic lolita fashion bug you?
No. I think the fashion is really cute and I'd even really love to have a classic lolita dress.
26) Do you think Chinese dresses count as "cosplay"?
If it's just you in a Chinese dress, no. If you're cosplaying a character in a Chinese dress, yes.
27) What bothers you the most about cosplay?
It requires a heck of a lot of math, precision, and geometry--skills that I lack. Figuring out ways to transport props and wigs can also be a hassle. I also can't stand the elitism in this hobby.
28) Do you think it's important to be "in character"?
It's not important, but it can definitely be fun--when it's not taken too far. It's also kind of a necessity for photos.
29) Does it make you nervous to be eyed by regular visitors at a public event?
I get self-conscious when I'm the only one surrounded by "regular visitors," but I'm usually one of many cosplayers.
30) Do pre-scheduled cosplay appearances by popular cosplayers annoy you?
I wasn't even aware that this happened.
31) Do you tell other people your best locations for shoots?
Yes! My friends and I swap ideas for photo locations.
32) Do you put on your makeup before your wig or after?
Always make-up before the wig. It's just a lot easier for me to do the make-up when there's no hair in my face.
33) Do you know a lot about the series' you cosplay?
Yes! I usually only cosplay from series that I love.
34) Do you wear costumes only once or many times?
I did have one costume that I wore to one convention and then later for another photoshoot, but I didn't like the way it looked on me in full-body shots, so I retired it. I generally quickly retire costumes that I don't like on my body and then I keep other costumes alive for many years.
35) When you've decided what costume to do next, do you share that information with other people?
Yep. I like having friends know what I'm working on (sometimes we decided to cosplay from the same series) and it gets people really excited, which makes me even more excited.
36) Do you want to be in cosplay magazines?
A little bit. I don't think I'd want to be a main feature in one because I'd die of embarrassment (death by shyness!) knowing that everyone was staring at a giant picture of me, but I got a small shot of my Honey (Ouran High School Host Club) cosplay featured in Cosmode and I wouldn't mind doing something like that again.
37) What's the most important part of cosplay for you?
Having fun. That will always be my first goal.
Event Participation Questions
38) How active are you cosplaying in your own community?
I'm fairly active. I go to a couple cons a year and I go to events that my local friends plan.
39) What do you wear on the day of an event?
Uh...my costume? XD For cons like Otakon where I'm not traveling too far on Thursday to go pick up my pre-registration badge, I go in cosplay via car or the light rail. When we're traveling a far way to go pick up badges, I go in a t-shirt and jeans.
40) Do you eat lunch on event days?
BAHAHAHAHA. I'm always way too excited and busy to eat lunch. I usually have something small for breakfast, bring around something to munch on throughout the day, and then I go get dinner later.
41) Do you eat breakfast before attending events?
Usually something small--like a granola bar or some dry cereal.
42) How long does it take you to change?
It depends on the costume. If it's relatively simple, then only 30 minutes at most to do make-up and change. If it takes more make-up or more time to put on the costume, then it can take up to an hour. I try not to take too long, though, because I never want to miss anything.
43) Do you think it looks geeky to attend an event with a big SLR camera?
Nope! Those photos generally come out better. Hell, I wish I had a DSLR.
44) What camera do you use? A compact? An SLR?
At the moment, all I own is a dinky little point and shoot camera that doesn't know how to focus or accurately capture color. A friend has a DSLR that I borrow to take photos of her, so I do know how to use DSLRs.
45) Are you afraid of cameramen? Are you cool with them?
I'm only afraid of the sketchy ones, but I almost never meet those kinds of people.
46) Are you one of the first to line up to get inside?
Nope. It always takes too much time and effort to wake up my sleepyhead friends. XD
47) Do you not mind showing up late?
If I'm really tired, I prefer to sleep in a little bit, especially if there's nothing interesting going on at 9 or 10 a.m.
48) Do you have a small after party or a huge get-together?
Neither. After events, I'm pooped and I go home to sleep.
49) Do you like karaoke?
I love it, but I don't really know of any nearby places where I could do it. (I'm honestly not a good singer, though. XD)
50) Are you tolerant of bad singers?
I am one, so I kind of have to be. XD I just make sure not to sing anything out of my range.
51) Do topics unrelated to animation and manga bug you? Or do you think it's okay to talk about anything at all?
I like a hell of a lot and if I find someone who loves video games or comics, you bet I'm gonna talk about it with them. I even found someone who was majoring in communications, so we talked about journalism and marketing and stuff.
52) Do you eat lunch while inside event areas?
I usually bring a sandwich or something small to eat between panels and photoshoots.
53) Can you handle the cold?
Considering I live in freezing cold weather for most of the year, I'm pretty used to it.
54) Do you buy doujinshi at events?
Occasionally.
55) Do you make doujinshi to sell at events?
No.
56) Do you have a group that participates in group events?
I don't have a strict group. Usually it depends on what series I'm cosplaying from, but even then we break off at times to go do our own thing.
57) Are you a member of a cosplay circle/club?
You can't really call us a circle or a club, but my circle of friends at school also happen to cosplay. We cosplayed from K-On! together, and a friend and I keep doing sibling/twin cosplays together.
58) When the event is over, how late do you stay out?
Usually no later than 1 a.m. because at that point I just want to go to bed.
59) If a new face approaches you at an event and takes up a few minutes of your time, are you annoyed?
Nope.
60) Do you go to cosplay dance parties?
I go to the dances held at cons, but not cosplay dance parties. It's usually too sweaty in there and I wouldn't want to mess up my costumes.
61) Do you think your Layer status is higher than others if a lot of people want to take your picture? Does it bother you not to have your photo taken as much as you think you deserve?
I'm not on Layers, so I kind of don't care, but I do like getting my photo taken just because I put hard work into the costume and I would like that to be recognized.
62) Do you get jealous of other cosplayers having a lot of pictures taken of them?
Only if their costumes have zero to little effort put into them.
63) You're asked for a picture but have something else to do, do you refuse?
If I'm eating or something like that, I don't mind stopping to get my picture taken if it's just one person and there's not gonna be a huge swarm of people out of nowhere, but if I'm in a hurry somewhere, I usually explain that I already have somewhere to be and if they catch me later, I will happily strike a pose then.
64) When you take pictures of people at events, do you give them all copies of the prints or data?
No, but I do post a link of where to find photos.
Photo Shoot Questions
65) (at a studio or shoot) Do you give a copy of each photo to all of the participants in it?
If I'm the one doing the editing (which I usually am among my friends at school), then I send them photos. Otherwise, I spread the low-res photo around.
66) How do you approach photo shoots? As a chance to gather with friends and goof off or as a meeting to take nice pictures?
If it's a private photoshoot, it's a time to take nice pictures (and then goof off for some silly photos). If it's just a gathering at a con for people of the same series to take pictures, then it's a time to take some photos of the group and then meet new people/old friends.
67) Are you particular about how you look in the test shots before the shoot? Do you mind how you look in general?
I usually don't care how I look in general, as long as I don't look absolutely horrendous (I just want to look clean and healthy), but I do examine myself in costume in a mirror before I go to a shoot.
68) When you take photos, do you prefer shots from the front or odder angles?
Odd angles are fun. <3
69) Are you bothered by recieving lots of photos? Are you happy?
I'm usually quite flattered.
70) When you take photos, do you photograph only people you know personally and like? Or do you look for other people with great costumes to photograph too?
I photograph any costume that catches my eye.
71) Do you wander around to meet people at events or do you keep to your own group?
Both. I'm usually with my friends for the most part, but if I want to go to something that they don't, then I go off on my own and meet new people there.
72) How many photos do you usually take with your own camera?
I always mean to take 100 or so, but I often forget the camera. XD
73) How many photos do you usually take for others?
If it's for a photoshoot, then as many as they want or until we're satisfied/have no more ideas.
74) Do you mind if people resize or crop the pictures you've taken to make them look better?
I don't really like it when people do that because it's cropped a certain way when I do it. I don't want it changed because I think it usually looks terrible when others do it.
75) Do you crop and resize pictures others have taken for you?
I only do this when I give a novice a camera and they just take a couple photos. I never change a photo that a photographer already edited.
76) Have you ever set up a photo shoot by yourself?
A couple times, but nothing major.
77) Do you check shoot information beforehand?
Always.
78) Do you like it when there are a lot of people in the shoot area? Or do you prefer small events?
Having a lot of people in the background works well for some things (like a bustling city shoot for DRRR!!), but for calmer woodsy things, it's kind of a turn-off.
79) What size (how many people) is the best for a shoot?
If it's a formal shoot, usually 3-6 people, but I'm often the only one in a shoot. XD
80) What time of day do you like to take photos?
Around 10 a.m. or 4-6 p.m., depending on the season.
81) Do you prefer indoor or outdoor shots?
Outdoor shots are usually prettier, but I'm usually dying if I'm not inside.
82) Which do you dislike more - hot weather or cold weather?
Hot weather.
83) Do you know any cameramen?
No, but I know camerawomen. ;D
84) Do you eat in the photo area?
Because in the states we don't have a specific photo area (other than taped off areas in dealer's rooms and artist alleys for the sake of traffic), that usually doesn't apply.
85) Do you like taking parts-shots? Or do you dislike them?
Sometimes they're nice.
86) Do you retouch your photos?
Yep. I usually change the color of my eyes and there are some freckles and the occasional mole on my face or arms that I just can't cover with make-up. I also have genetic eyebags that cannot be accurately concealed with make-up and if they detract from the photo, then I edit them out.
87) Are you annoyed by people who don't retouch their photos?
Nope. It's up to them. Sometimes a good retouching can really enhance a photo, though.
88) Do you use reflectors?
Nope. No moneeeey.
89) Which is worse ~ breaking the rules and getting great pictures, or following them and getting poor ones?
Great pictures are always nice, but don't be an ass when getting them.
Friend Questions
90) Why are your friends your friends?
Because they're goofy and I love them. <3 They also always help me out when I need it.
91) If you hang out for one day, do you consider yourselves friends?
Not usually, no. I'd consider us acquaintances.
92) Do you give copies of your photos to others?
I upload photos online for them to see.
93) Do you want to make more friends?
I always love meeting friendly people!
94) Do you at least remember the names of people you meet at events?
I really, really suck at remembering names, but I usually re-learn them when we talk online afterward. XD
95) Do you find yourself adjusting your behavior to that of the character you're cosplaying when dealing with people dressed as characters your character knows?
I only do that when it's prompted or I feel comfortable enough to do so.
Home Page/Websites
96) Do you recieve permission every time you post a photo of someone else online?
Because that attitude's a little different in the west, I think we generally assume that when we're cosplaying, pictures of us WILL end up online. I rarely ask for permission to put a photo online.
97) Do you get angry if a foreign site links to your page? Or are you flattered?
I'd probably laugh. XD It would be quite the honor. Though, stealing is never tolerated.
98) Are you happy to get mail from Layers overseas or does it scare you?
I've never had it happen.
99) Do you try to increase your web sites' contents/hits? Or doesn't it matter to you?
I usually have a goal for pageviews on DA, but I don't go crazy over it. It's just a number.
100) Do you not particularly care who links to you? Or do you ask people not to link without permission?
I'm happy to have people link to me.
101) Do you credit the location or studio when posting photo shoot images?
Only if I had to talk to them at first to get permission to shoot there. If I actually went into a studio, then of course. If I had to go to a special place or something and ask for permission to shoot there, then of course. But if it's just in like a park or something, then no because it's a public place.
Final Question
What do you think people who have "good cosplay manners" are like?"
Be yourself, but please don't be obnoxious. Respect "personal space," do not glomp, do not touch anything without permission, do not be elitist, do not make snide comments, do not bash on people for something they cannot control, etc. Basically, don't be an ass, but enjoy yourself.