Scoop: What did you have an interest in first – photography or cosplay?
Richard Ankney (RA): Cosplay was my first interest, as I have only been doing photography for just over two years now. I have been going to conventions for over 20 years so seeing the cosplayers was always a treat!

Scoop: What piqued your interest in photography?
RA: Well I kept seeing so many amazing photos with such great artistic insight that I thought, “Hey, I wanna try that!” So I started working with some photographers and cosplayers as a visual concept artist and eventually picked up a camera and started shooting.

Scoop: What about cosplay?
RA: Cosplay as an interest was always there. Because of my enjoyment of the convention scene, one of the things I always looked forward to was seeing people in their costumes.

Scoop: What do you think differs between cosplay photography and other more “conventional” forms of photography?
RA: I feel that cosplay photography has an inherent level of fun to it. When you get a photographer and cosplayer together who are both obvious fans of the cosplay being done, there is nothing but awesome coming from it. Whereas, while the more convention-oriented photography can be fun, it can also really come across as a job. 

Scoop: What are the biggest challenges that a cosplay photographer tends to face?
RA: I think as a new photographer on the scene, the biggest hurdle is getting people to shoot with you, as there are so many amazing cosplay photographers out there. But don’t be discouraged, as this is a community where a lot of the photographers and cosplayers are all about sharing ideas, experience and just enjoying their fandom.

Scoop: Would you say there are trends in cosplay photography in the same sense that there are noticeable trends in cosplay itself?
RA: Of course: be it from wanting to use similar equipment, to shooting similar poses, you cannot help but see trends. A good example is the use of the 85mm lens – many cosplay photographers will say that is their go-to lens. I feel doing what is trendy isn’t a bad thing, because it may be a new style of shooting for you, but don’t let it take away from your individual style as well. Always try to stay true to your own art.

Scoop: Do you have any memorable moments from your time as a cosplay photographer that you’d want to share?
RA: Wow, there are so many! I think that the most memorable things I have experienced so far are those moments when you see a cosplayer online in social media and develop a love for their craft, only to then meet them at a convention and getting to fan out with them over their work – only to hear that they love my work as well! Those are the moments I love best! Oh… and then getting to shoot with them!