Welcome to the extraordinary world of photography and cosplay! We are thrilled to announce our highly anticipated inaugural Michigan Cosplay Photography Shoot-Out contest that celebrates the captivating artistry of model photography. This contest offers a unique opportunity to blend two artistic realms and capture stunning visual narratives through the lens of a camera.

At 6:00pm on Saturday, July 1st, 2023, Capital City Comic Con will be hosting the inaugural Michigan Cosplay Photography Shoot-Out at the Lansing Shuffle. Photographers of every level are welcome, and we will have a grand prize champion crowned that evening. They will be granted the title “Master of the Frame”, and will be entered into next year’s contest to defend that title!

Cosplay, short for "costume play," has evolved into a global phenomenon where participants meticulously craft and portray characters from various fictional universes. With immense dedication, cosplayers bring these characters to life, embodying their essence and mesmerizing audiences with their attention to detail. Each cosplay creation is a testament to passion, creativity, and the transformative power of imagination.

Our photography contest aims to showcase the beauty and skill of both the cosplayer and the photographer, collaborating to capture breathtaking moments frozen in time. We encourage participants to explore different genres, from character portraits and action shots to imaginative settings and emotional storytelling. Let your camera become a portal to new worlds, where dreams and realities intertwine.

Whether you're an experienced photographer or an aspiring enthusiast, this contest invites you to embrace the challenge of capturing the essence of cosplay through your lens. We seek photographs that not only showcase the impressive craftsmanship and dedication of the cosplayers but also convey the depth and emotions of the characters they bring to life.

Join us on this creative journey, where artistry merges with fantasy, and the boundaries between reality and fiction blur. Inspire us with your vision, skill, and ability to capture the magic of cosplay. The possibilities are endless, and we can't wait to see the extraordinary photographs that will emerge from this contest!

So, photographers and cosplayers alike, grab your cameras, unleash your imagination, and embark on this adventure. Let your skills and passion shine as you explore the realm of cosplay through the lens. Get ready to amaze us with your talent and become a part of this remarkable inaugural Michigan Cosplay Photography Shoot-Out contest celebrating the enchanting world of cosplay and the skill and artistry of photography!

• Compose yourself like the Professional photographer you are. 
• Three person minimum: Every photographer that leaves the building to shoot must be accompanied by a provided chaperone: a judge, convention volunteer, or member of Convention Operations. The third person chaperone should not work with the photographer or the cosplay model to provide any suggestions or feedback. 
• Each photographer is allowed one assistant to carry equipment, but not to assist in actual posing or photography.
• One Light maximum: You are not allowed to utilize more than one key light when shooting.
• Inside shooting is allowed inside of the Lansing Shuffle only. Backdrops will be provided. Do not interrupt guests while inside the Lansing Shuffle.
• Shooting will be limited to a one block radius from the Lansing Shuffle. (See map)
• No consuming Alcohol or mind altering substances during the Contest.
• One hour to shoot, one hour to edit. 
• You must arrive and register by 5:30pm. At 5:45pm, instructions will be given to all photographers, models and chaperones. At 6:00pm, you may begin shooting for one hour. You must return by 7:00pm, and photographers will have one hour to edit their photos and submit to judges by 8:00pm. 
• No Limits on editing. Make your best photos possible. Laptops are allowed; No desktops permitted.
• No more than three poses can be submitted per model for judging.
• Photographer retains all rights to photos. Photographer extends an unlimited license to Capital City Comic con to do with the photos as they wish for advertising purposes. We cannot judge the photos without a signed licensing agreement.
• All Photographers are required to have their models sign a release. 
• Models will be provided. Model’s names will be picked out of a hat randomly, and you are assigned to that model when shooting. You may select a second model from the model pool if you return with the first model and have time for a second shoot.
• Photographers are prohibited from touching models while shooting. Please direct models without touching. 
• Photographers must have a convention badge to participate. There is no entry fee.
• Judges and Convention Operations have the right to disqualify photographers at any time.

You must stay within one block of the Lansing Shuffle at all times. Please refer to this map: