[Photographer Blacklist] Saying Goodbye to the TFP Photographer After a Failed Red & White Cosplay Shoot

Regarding the results of this TFP photoshoot, I really have some things I need to get off my chest. In the early stages, I invested a lot of time and effort into this cosplay look—from trimming and styling the wig, trying on the green colored contacts, to coordinating the red hoodie with white fluffy balls and the yellow inner shirt. We specially made an appointment on the weekend to scout locations and communicate in a well-lit indoor environment, all in the hope of producing some high-quality final photos.

But the moment I saw the photographer's returns, the drop in my expectations was massive. To be honest, I am very grateful that the photographer was willing to carry dozens of pounds of equipment to the venue; I can understand that hard work. However, the finished products shot with tens of thousands of dollars worth of equipment had many basic issues in focus, composition, and exposure control. Most of the photos focused on the chair behind me, or my face was completely overexposed. Comparing them to a quick snapshot taken by a friend nearby from the same angle using a phone—the natural depth of field and captured expression were actually far more vivid than this meticulously planned session. Is this really an equipment issue? No, it's an issue of light perception and basic focusing skills.

Since none of the raw photos are usable at all, after comprehensive consideration, we have decided that we will absolutely not keep this batch of photos for our own use, let alone allow them to be circulated. Therefore, we have also made a formal communication request to the photographer: we hope he can refund the milk tea money we treated him to that day through the original payment path, marking the end of this rather unpleasant TFP photoshoot experience. At the same time, we have clearly instructed him to completely delete all raw photos, not to save them unauthorized on any cloud drives or devices, and strictly forbid using my portrait for any form of promotion or display. If I find these photos publicly posted on any social media platform in the future, I will retain all communication evidence and take legal action to protect my portrait rights—this is no joke.

Lastly, as a coser who has been active in the Sydney ACG culture circle for a while, I want to offer some sincere advice to this photographer. If you truly love photography, whether it's convention photography or private sessions, please start with still life or the scenery around you, and slowly familiarize yourself with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO of your camera, understanding how to focus correctly and control the depth of field. Photography is a skill that requires accumulation and patience, not something that happens overnight. Please stop using the name of a 'TFP photoshoot' to drain the passion and effort of other cosers, because the pre-production prep and the time on the day of the shoot are equally precious to every coser trying to get good shots. I believe you will definitely improve one day, but before that, to avoid mutual awkwardness, please practice on your own before trying to book photoshoots with real people. I hope this experience helps you walk the path of photography more solidly.