• 1 spread for written content about your cosplay and a mid-length shot

• 1 spread for a full-length and headshot

• 1 spread for two cosplay detail shots

• 1 spread for the your bio/cosplay history and another mid or headshot

(Each spread consists of two pages. Format may vary slightly
depending on the final images I have to work with)

(example of spreads for a standard Annual shoot)

ADDITIONAL SECTIONS:

GENERAL GALLERY: A section that will be added to the DIGITAL version of the Annual (tbd for the print version depending on available space). This will consist of cosplayers I come across on the con floor and shooter’s alley. This will also contain photos from the cosplayers that participate in the project but do not submit their written content.

SHOOT DETAILS & TIME SLOT SIGN-UP

TIME SLOT SIGN-UP:

Time slot sign-ups will be made available the Sunday before Fanime weekend (May 19). Sign-ups will be done through Acuity scheduling, a link to the sign-up page will be posted on the #project-announcement channel on Discord.

NOTE: Group shoots will be considered by request (DM me directly via instagram). Please note, if you choose to do a group shoot you will be ineligible to sign up for an individual shoot (see next paragraph for exemptions)

A second individual shoot will be considered by request if time and space allows for it. If approved, second shoots will be arranged on an individual basis after the initial time slot sign-up phase has concluded. A set of spreads from the second shoot will be included in the digital version of the Annual, but may be excluded from the print version due to page count limitations.

As a courtesy, please make requests prior to time slot sign-ups.


SHOOT & MEET LOCATION:

The meet and primary shoot location will be outside the front of the convention center (to the right of the entrance when facing it) down at the alcove corner below next to the large grassy steps where they have the large Fanime gatherings. See picture below.

Please double check your instagram dms before your shoot. If the shooting location is occupied I will try to DM you at least 10 minutes prior to the shoot with a new location.

PRE-SHOOT PREPARATION:

Please have your poses prepared ahead of time. I may make a suggestion here or there, but in most cases you will know the character better than I will. We will be shooting 3 sets of full length, mid length, and headshot poses. The more variation between the poses the more dynamic the spreads will be. Also think about a variety of expressions/emotions for your poses, just a simple shift of expression can change the whole vibe. Keep in mind all the shots will be vertical.

(If you struggle with poses, please let me know a few weeks in advance and I can come up with a few poses to work off of).

THE SHOOT:

The shoot style is minimal/studio with natural light. The con walls will be used as a simple backdrop to highlight your cosplay and pose. Shoot length will range from 15-20 minutes. It’ll go as follows:

• 1 set consisting of a full-length, mid-length, and headshot

• Detail shots (either details of the cosplay or make-up)

• 2 more sets of full-length, mid-length, and headshots

Feel free to bring a friend or handler to the shoot. A second eye is always welcomed!

I’m fully vaccinated and boosted but for your safety and comfort I can wear a mask by request.

Often times shoots are back to back, one shoot that is late can throw off the whole day, so as a courtesy to other participating cosplayers please dm me through instagram if you’re running late (longer than 10 minutes) and we can re-schedule.

POST SHOOT

WRITTEN CONTENT: The written content portion consists of a write-up on your cosplay and your cosplay bio.

The write up on your cosplay is your chance to tell the viewers about your cosplay (ig. the process of creating the cosplay, favorite part about the cosplay, what drew you to the character, etc)

The bio is for your cosplay history: how long you’ve been cosplaying, what got you into cosplay, future cosplay plans etc.

See previous Annuals for examples.
https://www.apertureandpaint.com/cosplayerannual

DUE DATE FOR WRITTEN CONTENT: The written content on your cosplay and bio will be due by the end of June. A reminder will be sent out two weeks prior to the deadline via the Discord project announcement channel.

Please email written content to: thecosplayerannual@gmail.com

Full written content details and deadline will be posted in #project-announcements shortly after Fanime.

If you are unable to submit your written content in time, no worries, I know life happens. An extension can be arranged.

PHOTOS: Upon completion of processing your set a selection of the photos will be posted on @thecosplayerannual (and my main account @b.nishimoto at a later date).

Once I finish processing your set you will be notified via dm. The photos will be available to download from a temporary google drive and are yours to use and share for any non-commercial purposes.

When your photos are posted you will have an option to accept a collab invitation. I know some of you curate your instagram feeds so there is no obligation to accept the invitation (you can also accept and then remove yourself as a collaborator at a later time).

DIGITAL & PRINT ZINE: Once all the written content is received the Annual will go into production. This is a one man team, so it will take me a few months to put everything together. My goal is to have it ready to go to the printer by the end of August.

Once the spreads have been designed and completed they will be posted on @thecosplayerannual and on my website.

PRINT VERSION: The print version will be available for purchase from blurb.com. The estimated price will range from $45-50+ (depending on how many total pages, the last annual was 220 pages and cost $47.00). This a non-profit project so the pricing is for the print cost only, no additional cost is added.

Please note, due to printer’s total page cap of 240 pages, depending on how many participants there are, there may not be enough room to include everyone. If you plan to purchase the zine there will be a preview, but you can also contact me via dm inquiring whether or not you’re included in the print version.

DIGITAL VERSION: The digital version will be free and available in the form of a pdf file via a google drive link. All participants will be included.