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Regarding Katsucon and 2013
1 min read
Update regarding Katsucon 2013 - Unfortunately, before I even posted slots for photoshoots, I managed to overbook for the convention, so unfortunately I can't take anymore times. I'm really sorry guys, it wasn't even anything I expected to happen! Next con I head to I plan on organizing a lot better.
What I do want to know is WHAT CONS DO YOU WANT ME AT FOR 2013? I'm open to a lot of ideas, and I'd like to hear from everyone! I'd like to visit a new con or two (within reasonable traveling distance), so lay 'em on me?
Also... gonna add more deviations since I'm missing a good 3 cons from this page, sorry everyone!
What I do want to know is WHAT CONS DO YOU WANT ME AT FOR 2013? I'm open to a lot of ideas, and I'd like to hear from everyone! I'd like to visit a new con or two (within reasonable traveling distance), so lay 'em on me?
Also... gonna add more deviations since I'm missing a good 3 cons from this page, sorry everyone!
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Some major changes on Skwinkogaphy
6 min read
Hey all!
There are going to be a lot of major changes on how I function as a cosplay photographer at conventions and events. Here's the quick TL;DR -
- For the remaining events of the year (NYCC & AUSA specifically), I will not be taking photoshoots other than ones already planned with good friends.
For cons next year - Two things!
1. I will no longer be doing the usual sign up slots I normally have done in the past. Instead I am actually going to be setting up a site with an email form where you can send me an inquiry for a con. I'll post more info in the near future when the site is up.
2. I no longer will be charging/will be accepting payment for photoshoots.
That's the quick and skinny! Click the read more if you're interested in my reasoning for making these decisions. Feel free to ask me any questions too if you have any questions afterwards as well!
---
So. Warning. This gonna be long. (which dA had a Read More feature haha)
Lately I have been doing some big time reconsidering how I run cosplay photography, events, conventions, etc. Cosplay photography, weird as it may sound, means a lot to me. It's how I've made a lot of friends, how I've gotten up the courage to cosplay myself, a whole bunch of things. But this past year, it's been becoming more of a business and less of a fun thing to do with friends, and I'm really not happy with that. It's added a lot of stress to me on my half, whether it's wanting to make sure I satisfy people, or even to satisfy enough people, and it starts to get even more complex and complex.
Initially, this was supposed to be a hobby. I mean, I identify as a hobbyist photographer. I never intend or intended on being a "professional," which I realize is a loaded thing to say. In my eyes, "being a professional" and "acting professional" are very, very different. I strive to always act and behave professionally. That means respecting people in every way you can, being on time and prompt, communicating well, etc. These are things I always want to improve upon.
"Being a professional" implies that I treat cosplay photography as a job and a living of sorts. When I decided to charge for shoots, my goal wasn't to make money because I wanted extra spending cash, or an extra income, or anything like that, nor am I ever implying that anyone who charges does! Most con photographers who charge do it for the same reasons I decided to - to cut con costs. Conventions are EXPENSIVE, and as a con photographer, there tends to be more demand to attend more events, and this was especially hard when I was a a student and short on money.
But now that isn't the case at all. Now I am lucky enough to have a a full-time job that pays fairly well. Paying for a convention isn't as hard as it used to be, and so as long as I have this job, I don't really see a point in my charging because, again, I don't really want to make money as a cosplay photographer. I understand cosplayers are teenagers and young adults, a lot of whom ALSO don't have a lot of money. My goal is to take some sweet photographs and have fun with friends, not to make bank. (But gonna stop there CAUSE THAT'S A HUGE RANT NO ONE IS INTERESTED IN.) But who knows. Maybe there will be a day when I feel like it's necessary to charge. Right now I don't feel like I do. Without charging and adding money to the ordeal, I feel like everything gets way simpler.
What I am really excited for is this website though. I want to set time aside to build a site where you can view what I consider my best work and easily send me specific messages! I want to have a "Request an Event" page where you can type in an event you'd like to see me as, even anonymously, and if I get enough people saying "omg you should come to DragonCon" or "why aren't you at Fanime yet" then HEY MAYBE I'LL GO.
I also am excited to have a special form for each con where you can email me a request for a photoshoot. The form will go up the second I'm confirmed to go to the con and no more of this "sign up for slots" business which is something that also stresses me out. With those, then there's people rushing to get them before others now (which is weird to think is even a thing???) and people who miss out AND GOSH THAT MAKES ME SAD. I feel like, since there is a rush, I'm disappointing people. So instead with this site, everyone can email me at their leisure and we schedule a time to shoot and whatnot from there. And when the time comes that I feel like I have as many shoots as I can take, I take down the form! Hopefully this'll work for everyone else, cause it'll be way simpler on my end.
The last thing I guess I wanted to still explain was actually my first point— I won't be scheduling anymore photoshoots at cons for this year. NYCC is mostly because I actually have jury duty that weekend, and have to cram an entire 4 day con into 2 days, and that includes my own cosplays that I'm really excited for! On the other hand, AUSA is a really personal con for me where it's low-key enough that I get some legitimate time to spend with friends. Making yet a photoshoot schedule for this con, at this time, is just something I don't think I'm able to do for my own stress level and mental health. Maybe next year! But for now I'm simplifying everything as much as I can.
I guess that's it! I thought about this all a whole lot, and I hope it's something everyone is okay with, because I feel much more at peace now that I've made these decisions. Again, comment or message me if you're confused, or want something better explained, etc. I'll be more than happy to answer!
There are going to be a lot of major changes on how I function as a cosplay photographer at conventions and events. Here's the quick TL;DR -
- For the remaining events of the year (NYCC & AUSA specifically), I will not be taking photoshoots other than ones already planned with good friends.
For cons next year - Two things!
1. I will no longer be doing the usual sign up slots I normally have done in the past. Instead I am actually going to be setting up a site with an email form where you can send me an inquiry for a con. I'll post more info in the near future when the site is up.
2. I no longer will be charging/will be accepting payment for photoshoots.
That's the quick and skinny! Click the read more if you're interested in my reasoning for making these decisions. Feel free to ask me any questions too if you have any questions afterwards as well!
---
So. Warning. This gonna be long. (which dA had a Read More feature haha)
Lately I have been doing some big time reconsidering how I run cosplay photography, events, conventions, etc. Cosplay photography, weird as it may sound, means a lot to me. It's how I've made a lot of friends, how I've gotten up the courage to cosplay myself, a whole bunch of things. But this past year, it's been becoming more of a business and less of a fun thing to do with friends, and I'm really not happy with that. It's added a lot of stress to me on my half, whether it's wanting to make sure I satisfy people, or even to satisfy enough people, and it starts to get even more complex and complex.
Initially, this was supposed to be a hobby. I mean, I identify as a hobbyist photographer. I never intend or intended on being a "professional," which I realize is a loaded thing to say. In my eyes, "being a professional" and "acting professional" are very, very different. I strive to always act and behave professionally. That means respecting people in every way you can, being on time and prompt, communicating well, etc. These are things I always want to improve upon.
"Being a professional" implies that I treat cosplay photography as a job and a living of sorts. When I decided to charge for shoots, my goal wasn't to make money because I wanted extra spending cash, or an extra income, or anything like that, nor am I ever implying that anyone who charges does! Most con photographers who charge do it for the same reasons I decided to - to cut con costs. Conventions are EXPENSIVE, and as a con photographer, there tends to be more demand to attend more events, and this was especially hard when I was a a student and short on money.
But now that isn't the case at all. Now I am lucky enough to have a a full-time job that pays fairly well. Paying for a convention isn't as hard as it used to be, and so as long as I have this job, I don't really see a point in my charging because, again, I don't really want to make money as a cosplay photographer. I understand cosplayers are teenagers and young adults, a lot of whom ALSO don't have a lot of money. My goal is to take some sweet photographs and have fun with friends, not to make bank. (But gonna stop there CAUSE THAT'S A HUGE RANT NO ONE IS INTERESTED IN.) But who knows. Maybe there will be a day when I feel like it's necessary to charge. Right now I don't feel like I do. Without charging and adding money to the ordeal, I feel like everything gets way simpler.
What I am really excited for is this website though. I want to set time aside to build a site where you can view what I consider my best work and easily send me specific messages! I want to have a "Request an Event" page where you can type in an event you'd like to see me as, even anonymously, and if I get enough people saying "omg you should come to DragonCon" or "why aren't you at Fanime yet" then HEY MAYBE I'LL GO.
I also am excited to have a special form for each con where you can email me a request for a photoshoot. The form will go up the second I'm confirmed to go to the con and no more of this "sign up for slots" business which is something that also stresses me out. With those, then there's people rushing to get them before others now (which is weird to think is even a thing???) and people who miss out AND GOSH THAT MAKES ME SAD. I feel like, since there is a rush, I'm disappointing people. So instead with this site, everyone can email me at their leisure and we schedule a time to shoot and whatnot from there. And when the time comes that I feel like I have as many shoots as I can take, I take down the form! Hopefully this'll work for everyone else, cause it'll be way simpler on my end.
The last thing I guess I wanted to still explain was actually my first point— I won't be scheduling anymore photoshoots at cons for this year. NYCC is mostly because I actually have jury duty that weekend, and have to cram an entire 4 day con into 2 days, and that includes my own cosplays that I'm really excited for! On the other hand, AUSA is a really personal con for me where it's low-key enough that I get some legitimate time to spend with friends. Making yet a photoshoot schedule for this con, at this time, is just something I don't think I'm able to do for my own stress level and mental health. Maybe next year! But for now I'm simplifying everything as much as I can.
I guess that's it! I thought about this all a whole lot, and I hope it's something everyone is okay with, because I feel much more at peace now that I've made these decisions. Again, comment or message me if you're confused, or want something better explained, etc. I'll be more than happy to answer!
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Otakon 2012 Photoshoots [CLOSED]
6 min read
Hey Everyone!
Below is both the schedule and bulleted, quick info for shoots since I'm trying to streamline the signup process to make it as easy for myself and you guys as possible! HOPE THAT'S OKAY FOR EVERYONE.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with how I work, to schedule for a timeslot, you can ONLY comment on this journal! I will no longer be accepting emails or private notes, and slots are given on a first come, first served basis. Also please only sign up for ONE slot. There is too little time for me to offer more than one shoot to the same person.
Sorry once again to how limited Otakon is this year! For those who don't know, I spend a majority of my time working in Artist Alley promoting my webcomic and other freelance work, and it's a really important show for me and my career! If you don't get to shoot with me this con, I plan on being at San Diego Comicon, Ellicott City, New York Comicon, and Anime USA still! I will GLADLY do shoots at these events! If you plan on being at any of those, I encourage you to possibly not sign up for Otakon for those who ONLY go to this event!
Thank you again for your time and patience everyone! I look forward to the cosplay epicostity this year!
- Steph, Skwinky/skwinkography
INFORMATION
Photoshoot Info
Pricing - All shoots start at a base price of $15, and $5 for each additional person after that. Payments will only be made through Paypal (sent to smstober[at]gmail[dot]com) prior to the convention, and I ask that you send this as soon as your spot is confirmed! If this is not possible for, speak privately and I will be more than happy to make arrangements!
Scheduling - To sign up, comment on this journal with the ONE timeslot you would like to reserve. Please also include the number of cosplayers in your group (if you have one), the series you are cosplaying from, and the names of the characters!
If you have any questions at all, feel free to comment (or simply note me if that is more comfortable) and I'll be more than happy to answer! It is possible I have missed something in the above info and would love to clear up anything if I can!!
PHOTOSHOOT SCHEDULE
MOST RECENT WORK
The following photos were taken between at Katsucon 2012
Below is both the schedule and bulleted, quick info for shoots since I'm trying to streamline the signup process to make it as easy for myself and you guys as possible! HOPE THAT'S OKAY FOR EVERYONE.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with how I work, to schedule for a timeslot, you can ONLY comment on this journal! I will no longer be accepting emails or private notes, and slots are given on a first come, first served basis. Also please only sign up for ONE slot. There is too little time for me to offer more than one shoot to the same person.
Sorry once again to how limited Otakon is this year! For those who don't know, I spend a majority of my time working in Artist Alley promoting my webcomic and other freelance work, and it's a really important show for me and my career! If you don't get to shoot with me this con, I plan on being at San Diego Comicon, Ellicott City, New York Comicon, and Anime USA still! I will GLADLY do shoots at these events! If you plan on being at any of those, I encourage you to possibly not sign up for Otakon for those who ONLY go to this event!
Thank you again for your time and patience everyone! I look forward to the cosplay epicostity this year!
- Steph, Skwinky/skwinkography
INFORMATION
Photoshoot Info
- A photoshoot will last approximately 45 minutes, beginning promptly at the time assigned to the time slot.
- All shoots will be done in public spaces inside or near the convention center.
- The max number of cosplayers per group is 6. Sorry guys! 45 minutes is not enough to get decent photos nor manage that many people!
- After processing your photos, you/your group will receive 10-15 quality shots that will be uploaded to Flickr and ACP
- A week or so before the con, I will privately message you to make sure everything is set to go as well as exchange contact information if we do not already have it, and also send a reminder to forward payment if it has not been done already!
- I will NOT deny a shoot because I don't know the series, just be aware that I may not have time to research it, so be sure to come prepared with lots of posing ideas and to tell me a little about the character you're cosplaying!
Pricing - All shoots start at a base price of $15, and $5 for each additional person after that. Payments will only be made through Paypal (sent to smstober[at]gmail[dot]com) prior to the convention, and I ask that you send this as soon as your spot is confirmed! If this is not possible for, speak privately and I will be more than happy to make arrangements!
Scheduling - To sign up, comment on this journal with the ONE timeslot you would like to reserve. Please also include the number of cosplayers in your group (if you have one), the series you are cosplaying from, and the names of the characters!
If you have any questions at all, feel free to comment (or simply note me if that is more comfortable) and I'll be more than happy to answer! It is possible I have missed something in the above info and would love to clear up anything if I can!! PHOTOSHOOT SCHEDULE
9AM - Closed10AM - Closed11AM - Closed12PM - Closed
MOST RECENT WORK
The following photos were taken between at Katsucon 2012
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I heard you like updates.
2 min read
On Otakon shoots!
- I'm posting signups sometime early next week, most likely monday!
- I'm sorry if this is an inconvenience to everyone but there WILL be a price change due to, well, me doing less shoots PLUS the financial state I'm currently in doesn't support my normal prices!! I'm super sorry guys!! Next con prices should go back to $10 start/+$5 addtl. person after.
- NEW PRICING: All shoots start with $15 for the first person, and $10 for each person after. If you are in a group, organize with your friends! If this is something you can't afford, I apologize, but please do not sign up for Otakon shoots since there's only 4 spots!
- If you can't shoot with me at this con, I'm still going to San Diego Comicon, and 90% sure I'll be at New York Comicon as well!
Ellicott City Photoshoot!
Yes! I am officially photographing at the Ellicott City Photoshoot at Patapsco Female Institute! I'm super excited!! I've spoken to a few people already, but if you're going let me know! I'm stoked to catch up with old friends, and hopefully meet loads new photographers and cosplayers!
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Summer Updates
5 min read
Hey everyone! It has been FOREVER since I both checked and updated deviantArt and that's a major MY BAD. So here's the skinny, and I'm going to try to keep this as concise as I can since I like to talk so much -
On Contacting Me
As a heads up! If you've contacted me and I haven't replied, I promise it's because I haven't seen it! It is TOTALLY OKAY to email me (smstober at gmail) or message me on tumblr (photoshoot related questions here and cosplay related questions here please!), or even just tweet at me!
I'm not the type of person to get offended if you sort of pester me, though I DO ask you use this at your discretion. If I haven't gotten to you in a day or two, go ahead an message me again, I either missed it or forgot and it slipped down into my inbox. However I will cry if I get multiple messages in ONE day or something.
On Conventions
AnimeNEXT
I am going to officially state now that I will not be shooting at ANext this year, and it makes me really sad! This is because I have family commitments that weekend, and the only day I know I'll be able to make is Friday, and that in of itself is a big MAYBE. If I see you there/you see me, say hi! Let's take a shot or two! If I can make it I'm undoubtedly going to the Homestuck meetup (which I'm assuming will be at 4:13 like always?) and kinda hanging around until the evening. ANext, if it happens, is officially a social con for me.
San Diego Comicon (SDCC)
I am officially going, and yes I'll be doing shoots! However, I am NOT posting a signup since I'm also doing(/maybe working?) portfolio reviews, and I don't know what that schedule is like yet. But I would really love to do some photoshoots! Please contact me if you're interested and we can figure out something!
Otakon
Lots of people are asking me about this AND I APOLOGIZE FOR THE VAGUENESS. I've spent a whole lot of time thinking about this, and I am doing Otakon a bit differently this year where I am heavily cutting down the number of shoots at this con. I'm really sorry to everyone! The story behind this is that last year at Otakon I did SDCC the weekend before, artist alley, AND at least 3 shoots a day, and by the end of the day on Sunday I was utterly exhausted. I really don't mean to make this a whiny or "first world problem" kind of thing, but it's not only an unhealthy thing to do to myself, but I also think it's unfair that the people who get me on Sunday don't get as fun, exciting, etc. shoot as the Friday and Saturday people because I'm so tired. I already have a habit of overbooking as is, so I am planning as few things as possible for this con.
That said, I am only opening signups on Friday, and there will only be 4 spots. Yes, I am doing shoots on Saturday, but that's already booked and I apologize for those who were hoping to work with me that day. Sunday I will not be working at all due to Artist Alley commitments. I will be opening signups here in early June, so keep your eyes peeled!
Again I sorry for how limited my shoots are for this summer and if anyone was depending on me for this! If I could shoot all day, I really would!! Unfortunately Otakon is just not the event I am able to do that.
Future Cons
My goal for the fall is doing New York Comicon and AnimeUSA! Nothing is set in stone yet, but if you don't catch me in the summer, maybe try one of these events instead!!
I am also VERY interested in hearing other Conventions or cosplay events you guys would like to see me at! If I don't go to it, it's probably because I don't know about it! If an event is affordable, even one day things, I want to try and go!
Comment with any questions! THANKS EVERYONE, YOU ALL DA BESS.
On Contacting Me
As a heads up! If you've contacted me and I haven't replied, I promise it's because I haven't seen it! It is TOTALLY OKAY to email me (smstober at gmail) or message me on tumblr (photoshoot related questions here and cosplay related questions here please!), or even just tweet at me!
I'm not the type of person to get offended if you sort of pester me, though I DO ask you use this at your discretion. If I haven't gotten to you in a day or two, go ahead an message me again, I either missed it or forgot and it slipped down into my inbox. However I will cry if I get multiple messages in ONE day or something.
On Conventions
AnimeNEXT
I am going to officially state now that I will not be shooting at ANext this year, and it makes me really sad! This is because I have family commitments that weekend, and the only day I know I'll be able to make is Friday, and that in of itself is a big MAYBE. If I see you there/you see me, say hi! Let's take a shot or two! If I can make it I'm undoubtedly going to the Homestuck meetup (which I'm assuming will be at 4:13 like always?) and kinda hanging around until the evening. ANext, if it happens, is officially a social con for me.
San Diego Comicon (SDCC)
I am officially going, and yes I'll be doing shoots! However, I am NOT posting a signup since I'm also doing(/maybe working?) portfolio reviews, and I don't know what that schedule is like yet. But I would really love to do some photoshoots! Please contact me if you're interested and we can figure out something!
Otakon
Lots of people are asking me about this AND I APOLOGIZE FOR THE VAGUENESS. I've spent a whole lot of time thinking about this, and I am doing Otakon a bit differently this year where I am heavily cutting down the number of shoots at this con. I'm really sorry to everyone! The story behind this is that last year at Otakon I did SDCC the weekend before, artist alley, AND at least 3 shoots a day, and by the end of the day on Sunday I was utterly exhausted. I really don't mean to make this a whiny or "first world problem" kind of thing, but it's not only an unhealthy thing to do to myself, but I also think it's unfair that the people who get me on Sunday don't get as fun, exciting, etc. shoot as the Friday and Saturday people because I'm so tired. I already have a habit of overbooking as is, so I am planning as few things as possible for this con.
That said, I am only opening signups on Friday, and there will only be 4 spots. Yes, I am doing shoots on Saturday, but that's already booked and I apologize for those who were hoping to work with me that day. Sunday I will not be working at all due to Artist Alley commitments. I will be opening signups here in early June, so keep your eyes peeled!
Again I sorry for how limited my shoots are for this summer and if anyone was depending on me for this! If I could shoot all day, I really would!! Unfortunately Otakon is just not the event I am able to do that.
Future Cons
My goal for the fall is doing New York Comicon and AnimeUSA! Nothing is set in stone yet, but if you don't catch me in the summer, maybe try one of these events instead!!
I am also VERY interested in hearing other Conventions or cosplay events you guys would like to see me at! If I don't go to it, it's probably because I don't know about it! If an event is affordable, even one day things, I want to try and go!
TL;DR
• I don't check dA often! Email me, message me on tumblr, or tweet! (See top of post)
• I am not shooting at ANext, but at least MIGHT be there on Friday.
• I AM shooting at SDCC, but there will be no signups! Contact me if interested!
• There will only be FOUR spots for shoots on Friday at Otakon, signups will go up early June!
• INVITE ME PLACES. I don't shoot at enough events!
Comment with any questions! THANKS EVERYONE, YOU ALL DA BESS.
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