1. According to Mountfort et al. (2018), what are the three main genres of cosphotography, and how did they historically develop?
Cosphotography is the art of capturing cosplay through the medium of photography. Throughout cosphotography’s lifespan, it has developed new methods and styles that have expanded our perspective of the global phenomenon. The art of cosphotography originates back to the early 1910s, in which a rising interest of sci-fiction costuming was gaining mainstream attention with photos appearing in newspaper articles. However, it did not begin to resemble modern cosphotography until the late 1930s, with the inception of an influential sci-fiction convention, Worldcon (Mountfort, 2020). During the 1940s, sci-fiction conventions began to gain widespread popularity. Consequently, cosphotography also continued to develop, later embracing new genres and styles. Mountfort et al. (2018) state that there are three main types of cosphotography, the runway style, hallway shots and the studio-style.
Firstly, the runway style. The runway style of cosphotography is achieved by capturing active cosplayers on a stage or runway. The mainstream fashion culture heavily influenced the runway style of cosphotography, essentially transforming cosplay into a fashion show event. This style of cosphotography provides numerous cosplayers with a platform to showcase their costumes and designs. Additionally, it allows the audience to appreciate the craft and quality of the participant’s costumes (Mountfort, 2020). First accounted by Mike Resnick in the 1940s, the Chicago Conference annual masquerade served as a precursor to the runway style of cosphotography (Mountfort et al., 2018). This approach towards cosphotography produced a formal perspective on the art form. However, during this period, informal styles of cosphotography had begun to emerge, the hallway shots.
Secondly, hallway shots. The hallway style of cosphotography is considered fairly casual in comparison to the other techniques. The hallway style tends to be more relaxed and spontaneous. Instead of being photographed in elaborate settings and areas, cosplayers are often photographed wandering the convention space (Mountfort, 2020). Controversially, these photos are often taken without the consent of the cosplayer, emerging questions regarding the morality of this style. The hallway shots were the result of emerging portable cameras in the late 1930s (Mountfort et al., 2018). This accessibility of which allowed participants to capture their favourite cosplay moments through their own lens. By the 1940s, portable cameras were widespread, consequently increasing the popularity of the hallway style of cosphotography (Mountfort et al. 2018).
Finally, the studio-style. The studio-style of cosphotography functions as an opportunity for amateur photographers and fans to capture photos of cosplayers in a designated space during a convention (Mountfort, 2020). This style of cosphotography came into notability during the 1970s, thanks to stars of the genre such as Angelique Trouvere. Furthermore, one of the defining features of the studio-style was the “presentation of the costumed self in a consciously staged manner in ad hoc settings” (Mountfort et al. 2018, p. 51). Therefore, the studio-style can be understood as a combination of the runway style and hallway shots. However, in these early stages, this style did not maintain the same quality as a studio style photoshoot. Sets tended to be simple backdrops with a few additional props (Mountfort et al. 2018). However, as this style developed, it continued to adopt many features from professional photographic shoots. Now, the studio-style of cosphotography tends to operate independently from conventions, within professional photo studios.
References.
Mountfort, P., Peirson-Smith, A., & Geczy, A. (2018). Planet cosplay:
Costume play, identity and global fandom. Intellect Books.
Mountfort, P. (2020). Popgenres week 9 cosphotography and fan capital [PowerPoint Slides]. Blackboard. https://blackboard.aut.ac.nz/
Pop Genres 2020 