Shooting at a comic exhibition for the first time after switching cameras was honestly daunting, especially with complex on-site lighting and crowded, chaotic scenes, making the initial handling quite frantic. After getting the D850 along with the Sigma 50mm f/1.4 ART and Tamron 24-70mm f/2.8 lenses, I hadn't yet gotten used to switching focal lengths quickly. Often, while busy tweaking settings, the model would move slightly and throw off the composition. Add to that bringing a Godox AD200Pro II and two V850IIIs—setting up lights on-site took considerable effort. Overall, it was a break-in process from unfamiliarity to getting comfortable.
Yesterday, I drained three batteries in a single day, which felt much faster than my previous gear, but shooting that much was thoroughly satisfying. The venue floor had very strong reflections, almost like a mirror, so I had to carefully utilize the reflections as foreground elements or mirror images, which added a fun dynamic to the shoot. Since it was my first time with this gear setup, I habitually checked the screen to verify exposure. Sometimes after tweaking for a while, the light output still felt slightly off, but fortunately, the final photos turned out well, holding shadow details while controlling highlight contrast nicely.
I also finally collaborated in person with several creators I had connected with online but never met face-to-face. Despite the crowded venue, everyone's positioning and eye contact were completely in sync. For instance, the creator in red outfit delivered amazing tension in a kneeling pose, and we tested several angles to adapt to shifting light. The pink-haired creator sitting on a white blanket made for a classic composition that showcased body proportions and leg lines perfectly, with spot-on expressions. Additionally, creators in black-and-white dresses and green outfits showcased unique standing stances and blade-holding poses, creating powerful visual impact.
After all, the essence of cosplay Convention photos lies in the atmosphere and character fidelity. Capturing quick snapshots on-site not only tested the camera's focus tracking capabilities, but also honed my ability to scout shooting angles amidst a crowd. For someone used to staged poses, finding a clean background in a bustling environment is challenging. Sometimes, to avoid passing crowds, I had to lie on the floor or raise the camera high up. Exhausting as it was, seeing these recorded frames made it all worthwhile.
Many friends who see my photos ask how the lighting was set up, and much of the credit goes to the strobes brought this time. However, lighting is merely an aid; the models' own character interpretation and emotional delivery in this convention setting remain the true soul of the photos. Editing until the early morning hours yesterday, watching the colors and transitions I was growing familiar with on the screen brought immense peace of mind. While I haven't fully pushed this gear to its maximum potential, the output from collaborating with these creators was very satisfying. Given the chance, I will shoot more often at conventions to gradually master handling this gear.