Smallville ComicCon 2015 Gallery

This past weekend KC Cosplay & Photography had the pleasure of participating in the second annual Smallville ComicCon in Hutchinson, or “Smallville” KS. The cosplay was amazing as always! We were honored to host a panel on Cosplay 101 moderated by one of our admins Hillary Lewis of Super Sirens. The panelists were; Sophii & Cissa of UltraGirls Cosplay,  Michael of IBOTS, and Kory of Saint’s Customs. They talked about how they got into cosplay and where they are now as well as answered questions from con goers. Check out the gallery below to see what you may have missed at Smallville ComicCon.

Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21 Kansas State Fair Grounds, Hutchinson/Smallville, KS

Cosplayers Credit: (If you are featured in this and have been missed please feel free to comment): Boba Fett – Bill Holmes, Crunk Panda – Ghostbuster, Elite Supergirl – Supergirl, Cullen Cosplay – Armored Superman, Huntress Hilz – Supergirl & Black Canary, Luke Reyes – Alien, 3nvy – Leeloo, Dan Kelly – Superman, Heather Kelly – Superwoman & Stargirl, Jae Byrd Wells – Kaylee Frye, IBOTs – Warmachine, Kaveman – Stormtrooper, Jae Byrd Wells – Bellydancing Jedi, Bill Holmes – Jedi, Ashley Webb – Vanellope von Schweetz, Amy Coleman – Beetlejuice, Baroness Von T Cosplay – Princess Leia, KCIronMan & family – Batman; Robin; & Bane, IBOTs – Iron Spider & Ironman, Carrie Givens – Imperial Officer, Daniel Bailey – Predator & Darth Jaeger, KC R2 Builders Club – R2D2, Butthead Costumes – Predator, Tony Ackerman – Predator, Ultra Girls Cosplay – Poison Ivy & Aquaman, Alyzza Dawn – Wolverine, JaneDoe Nerdgasms – John Hammond, Wintersoldier Ksadt – Winter Soldier, Ali Smith – Zephyr, Kory Burch/Saint’s Customs – Ariel, Kevin Austin/Saint’s Customs – Jedi.

Photographer Credit: Jae B. Wells, Joshua Smith, Carrie Givens, Roberto Gomez of RM Gomez Photography

Handler Credit: Joshua Smith, Jonathan Czerwinski, Logan LeCates

KCCP Member of the Week: Erica Bosko

This week, we spotlight Erica Bosko. She has many cosplay characters ranging from science fiction to fantasy, TV and movies. She loves sewing and making her own, unique creations. Check out our latest Member of the Week and see some of her amazing cosplay crafting work in the photos throughout her spotlight. 

How did you get into cosplay?
Through my husband. When we met neither of us had ever been to a convention and we decided to go together. We went to a local costume shop to find me a costume. I wasn’t fully into the whole con thing until I met James Marsters. Then I was hooked. Costuming, for me, is more a creative outlet.

How many characters are you currently cosplaying and what are they?
Mother Nature, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Ellaria Sand, a variety of Star Wars costumes, other non-specific costumes, and creations from my own imagination.

 

What’s your favorite cosplay you’ve done so far and why?
Mother Nature: I made this costume from the ground up including hand sewing each leaf onto the bra and forming and attaching the branches.

What’s your favorite way to craft?
Sewing.

 

What’s your favorite crafting item to work with and why?
I don’t have a favorite crafting item.

What are your cosplay goals (e.g. professional, hobbyist, charity, gateway to another career, etc)?
To have fun and bring fun to others.

 

What’s your dream cosplay and why?
A water goddess costume of my own design. I love the ocean and this costume would be very fitting.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get into cosplay?
Just be yourself and don’t feel like you are limited to cosplaying preset characters. Some of the most interesting costumes are characters of the maker’s design.

 

What other interests do you have outside of cosplay?
Painting, yoga, cooking, spending time with family and friends.

If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?
The Doctor…why? It’s never just dinner with the Doctor. It’s dinner on another planet, in another time and lots of travel in the TARDIS!

Disney Jedi Photo Gallery

Last week, roughly 20 KCCP Disney Jedi characters took to the Kansas City WWI Memorial for what was intended as a simple photo shoot. What happened instead, was four hours of absolute photo magic and costumed shenanigans.  Check out our gallery below featuring some of the insane talent the KCCP group has to offer and some fresh blood from Planet Comicon!

 

Photography Credits: Russ Matthews Photography, Noah Smith, Nick Schale of 29 Pixel Studio, Paige Houghton, Frank Jenks, Brooke Ryan

Cosplayer Credits:  Stephen Smith – Sith Oogie Boogie, Michelle Gorden – Jedi Esmeralda, James Gorden – Jedi Phoebus, Paige Houghton – Jedi Megara, Jill Stewart – Sith Minnie, Marisa Boles – Sith Maleficient, Frank Jenks – Imperial Gaston, Ana Chronistic Cosplay – Jedi Belle, Savant Masquerade – Jedi Beast, Nikki  Marshall – Jedi Charlotte, Gavin – Jedi Wart, Nicole Henderson – Sith Ursula, Rae – Jedi Snow White, Hillz – Jedi Sleeping Beauty

Handlers: Buster Props and Costumes, The Star Trek Dude, Jonathan Czerwinski

Podcast Ep. 27 – “Top 5 Sci-Fi Films”

This week, four of us sit down to discuss our individual Top 5 favorite science fiction films of all time. We’ve got everything from the classic 2001: A Space Odyssey up through some of the most recent sci-fi flicks. Join Rachel, Ryan, and I along with first-time guest, Timmy for our latest Top 5 podcast!

Podcast Credits

Hosts
Derreck Mayer
Rachel Stewart
Ryan Couture

Special Guests
Timothy Jackson

Theme Music
Michael Wallace

Editing
Rachel Stewart

Producers
Rachel Stewart
Derreck Mayer

A special thanks to the Johnson County Resource Library.

KCCP Member of the Week: Noah Smith

Our Member of the Week is a very talented photographer and winner of our Planet Comicon Photography Contest, Noah Smith! Noah started working in photography in high school and it is a personal passion that has endured. He began working with cosplayers fairly recently and was excited about our contest. He also joined us for the Return of the Jedi Princesses photo shoot that took place at Liberty Memorial. Keep reading to learn more about our contest winner!

What got you into photography and how long have you been doing it?
In high school I was on the yearbook staff and had to take photos at a lot of the events. It was the first time using a camera and I loved the experience of trying to capture that perfect moment that would be in every yearbook. So in college I got my first camera and started shooting. I’m going on 4 years.

What is your favorite thing to photograph (e.g. people, animals, cars, scenery, etc)?
People, hands down. I really enjoy the connection that can be made when photographing someone and the evolution that occurs during a shoot. And that everyone has a story and most go untold but in a photo some of it can be revealed.

Why did you decide to photograph cosplayers?
Well if you must know I’m kind of a nerd; don’t tell anyone, ha. But really it just hit me one day, that I can combine two things I enjoy, and PCC and the contest hosted by the fabulous KC Cosplay and Photography group was a great first experience for me. It was a great time diving into this culture and having so much fun with it. I am meeting some great individuals along the way.

What type of camera do you prefer to use?
Not to spark any silly wars but I’m a Canon person. Currently, I’m sporting a 5D MK II. It is a great camera and can really assist me in capturing some great photos.

What is your editing program of choice?
Lightroom and Photoshop.

What is the best advice you’d give someone who wants to get into photography?
Truly think about why you are doing it. If you want to make a lot of money really fast then I will demand that you rethink your decision. Photography is about having a good time and pursuing a passion.

Have you considered cosplaying?
Until PCC, I never thought about it. After it, I could see myself doing it down the road. I have no idea what I would do but I’d consider it for sure, if I could put the camera down.

What are your other interests?
When I’m not photographing a wedding or someone really cool, you can find me playing League of Legends, writing, reading, cooking/drinking, OR debating whether I should go to the gym.

If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?
Now that’s a tough one, but I would have to say Batman. Because one, he’s Batman and two, who wouldn’t want to have dinner at Wayne manor and chat with him? The stories that could be told, and I bet Alfred would serve up a fine meal.

You can check out more of Noah Smith on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

KCCP Member of the Week: Nicholas King

Once again, it’s Tuesday, which means we are bringing to you yet another unique member profile, this one featuring Nicholas King!  His talents include putting together hi  cosplays from found objects that he is always looking out for, as well as customizing each and every one of his costumes.  He has since become a driving force in local costuming groups Kansas City Umbrella Corp., and of course, KCCP.  Read on to find out exactly how he uses his various skills to create such wonderful costumes.

 

How did you get into cosplay?
I originally became fascinated with cosplay in my junior year of high school. I never had the money or the time to go to conventions. This remained true until late 2013.

My first actual convention was Crypticon 2013 in Kansas City, Missouri. My wife had suggested that I go to in a cosplay. After some discussion, we had come to the conclusion that I should go as a Umbrella Corporation Trooper. That’s how I got into cosplay.

How many characters are you currently cosplaying and what are they?
I currently have four custom characters that I cosplay.

• Darth Kassius- Custom Sith from Star Wars
• Col. King- Custom Umbrella Security Service trooper from Resident Evil
• Deathstroke- Custom soft mask version from D.C. Comics
• Raynor- Custom Wasteland Raider from Fallout

 

What’s your favorite cosplay you’ve done so far and why?
I have always been a huge Star Wars fan, so naturally my Sith lord is by far my favorite. It’s the oldest concept that I am still bringing to life. Plus, I get to wield an awesome lightsaber, which I picked up from Saberforge.com.

What’s your favorite way to craft?
My favorite way to construct a cosplay is by assembling purchased items. I have a knack for bringing pieces together into a seamless look. My wife and I haven’t had the space to go beyond soft fabrics and buying parts. Specialty soft fabric pieces are made by her.

 

What’s your favorite crafting item to work with and why?
I don’t have one yet. Though, I’m anxious about getting into foam and resin casts.

What are your cosplay goals?
I want to develop skill working with foam. I have seen some amazing things done in foam. There are a lot of difficult character projects that I hope to one day bring to life. Working with foam will allow me to make that happen.

 

What’s your dream cosplay and why?
My dream cosplay at this moment in time, is the horseman ‘War’ from Darksiders. It is a very detailed character and I can think of no other character that can best demonstrate the development of my skill working with foam.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get into cosplay?
There are really only two things every cosplayer should know and remember. These are the two most important rules of cosplay.

1: Cosplay is for “EVERYONE”
2: Don’t be a jerk

 

What other interests do you have outside of cosplay?
I have many other interests outside of cosplay. I like gaming, airsoft, studying metal work, and philosophy. Just to name a few.

If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with any one fictional character, I would have dinner with ‘Death”. Any rendition of the character. From a philosophical point of view, mankind only knows three truths: We are born, we live, we die. Death would have the answers to questions that science and religion can’t necessarily answer.

Keep up with Nicholas King on Facebook for more of his awesome work! 

PCC Photo Shoots!

A few weeks ago, we teased sponsoring group photo shoots at Planet Comicon.  Here are just some of the fabulous results that our photographers produced.

 

 

Photographers Credits:

Russ Matthews Photography
Brian Bartlett
Megan Follett – Be Vivacious
Kelly Luck
Jonny Hackett – No. 9 Photography
Paige Houghton

KCCP Member of the Week: Nick Schale

Our member of the week is none other than the fearless Nick Schale of 29 Pixel Studios, LLC. This man bravely worked his way through every cosplayer at Planet Comicon not too long ago.  What started as a fun hobby for him quickly turned into a flourishing career in capturing people at their very best, be it a couple’s wedding day or some cosplayer’s years of hard work.

 

What got you into photography and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve always been drawn to storytelling. Drawing as a kid, graphics and video in college, and then photography. After buying my first DSLR for a big vacation, I told my wife, “This will only be a hobby.” Seven years later… it’s a decent part of my business.

What is your favorite thing to photograph?
Honestly, it’s shooting people that are into it and who trust my abilities. When I say ‘into it’ what I mean is, wanting me there… wanting photographs created. Most often, this is weddings. I love capturing the story of the day. I love being part of such an important day in this couple’s life.

Why did you decide to photograph cosplayers?
I’m a geek at heart. In 2014, last year, I went to my first comicon and brought one camera, one lens… nothing else (this is a feat for me). I had a blast taking photos of cosplayers. The week after, I posted these photos and got some new friends out of the event. One asked if he could buy a shot I took of his kid. Apparently he did not get a good photo and the kid wanted one for his wall. I said, absolutely not, he could not buy it, he could have it! As long as I got a snapshot of it on the wall.

Browsing my new friends’ photos I saw many without ‘professional’ photography of their hard work and saw a need! I felt like I could be part of the cosplay universe by offering something I do have experience with.

What type of camera do you prefer to use?
I use a Canon 5D Mark III, prefer fast glass, 24-70mm f/2.8L, 70-200mm f/2.8L IS, 50mm f/1.4, 100mm macro f/2.8L IS, 16-35mm f/2.8L II. Couple canon speedlites, cheap cowboy radio triggers and Paul C Buff white lightnings along with an Alien Bee.

It’s also important to realize, it’s just a tool. I don’t care what hammer the architect used to build my house or the brand of pots/pans the chef uses when I go to a nice restaurant. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a gear hound, and some of this stuff is important when dealing with low light, or tight spaces… but it’s important to not get caught up in the noise, ‘this new camera is coming out, so your current camera is now useless.’

What is your editing program of choice?
Here is where I am a fanboy. For my business the Creative Cloud is the ONLY way to go. Too much goodness in there. I’m an Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) in Photoshop and Illustrator (which means NOOOTHHHING except that I passed a ridiculous test) so my photos stay in Photoshop (CameraRAW). I do however recommend to every photographer asking which program Lightroom. Remember that Photoshop has been around long before digital photography, Lightroom was built FOR photographers.

What is the best advice you’d give someone who wants to get into photography?
Never, ever, stop learning. Learn to to identify constructive criticism and ignore the rest. People are quick to offer negative feedback to make themselves feel big and strong, often they forget at one time, they were shooting on full auto. If you are getting into it on the professional side, manage expectations. And most of all, have fun.

Have you considered cosplaying?
There is a strong reason I don’t. I have an addictive personality and have a strong feeling that this universe would consume me. This way, as a photographer, I can still ‘play’ with you guys! If I did… Boba Fett, Imperial Guard, Joker (one Halloween I did), oh… and of course Dr. Algernop Krieger.

What are your other interests?
I married the smartest most amazing person I could find and we have three year old twins, and they are such great kids. As a family, travel and just spending time together is our top interest. The other half of my creative world is Video/Film/Cinematography (I created and manage KCVideoCore). Also consuming movies. I really enjoy running my business 29 Pixel Studios, moved from part-time freelancing to full-time entrepreneur about two years ago. Reading business/self-improvement/technical books, and every 10th book is normally for pleasure. I love helping those that are at an earlier point in their photography careers.

If you could have dinner with one fictional character, who would it be and why?
Hmm… Fett wouldn’t open up and remain a mystery, respect. Venom probably wouldn’t let me try him on…

I’m going to go with Tyler Durden. Maybe after a dinner conversation I will learn how to “Stop trying to control everything and just let go! LET GO!”

To see more of Nick’s photography you can visit him on Facebook and 29Pixel Studios. 

 

Planet Comicon Gallery!

When we asked our members what their favorite photos were from Planet Comicon, they responded with immeasurable enthusiasm!  Check out all the amazing photos that our cosplayers, photographers, and all around nerds picked out for your viewing pleasure.

 

Credits (in no particular order)

Jess Jones, Dustin Evans, Frank Jenks, Eric Collins, Brian Bartlett, Allen Jones, Ian Turner, Kevin Austin, Kory Burch, Andrew Tritz, Nick Schale, Susan Easter, Chris Dorsey, Dennis Butt, Devin Carter, Debra Wilson, Jonny Hackett, Steamworks & Shadows, Monika Lee, Talyn Helman, Lycaon Meyer, Duff Ricter, Alexis McGraw, Nicole Hill, Nikki Marshall, Brooke Ryan, Amber Bingham, Paige Houghton, Joshua Caito, Sabrina Hargis, Maurice Person, Nicole Henderson, Michelle Gordon, Jill Stewart, Melissa Wheeler, Russ Matthews, Rachel Dow, Nina Griffith, Neal Haze, Jessica Meditz-Porter, Katrina Rice, Jhatonna Turner, Justin Stiles, Justin Wilson, Ultra Girls Cosplay, Alyssa Di Paolo, Nina Lee, Douglas Epps, I love Bacon, Sheila Brandon-Allen, Nicole Hill, Amber Roper, Ali Smith, Bradley Beeghley, Ryan Couture, Amanda Brown, Chelsea McElroy, Lillith Ann, Megan Follett, Julie Thomas, Casey McBroom, Whitney Withers, Lisha Tetuan, Jacob Disberger, James Gorden, Ron Coleman, Mike Steinmetz, Jason Turner, Micheal Rich, Alyssa Lewis, Kenny Price, Jon Czerwinski, Abby Darkstar, Rougewench Cosplay

Honoring Nimoy at PCC

Greetings, Cosplayers!

I am here to announce a change in the planned group photo shoot for Planet Comicon on Sunday, March 15th. In honor of the late Leonard Nimoy, best known for Mr. Spock on Star Trek, we are adding Trek to the group photo shoot. So, if you have a Star Trek costume, get your pointed ears and phasers ready so we can salute one of the greats.

The shoot is scheduled for 2:00PM on Sunday, March 15th. We welcome all people in Star Wars and Star Trek costumes.

And of course, live long and prosper. \\\///