Tip #1: Create an Account on Model Mayhem. This site will get you connected with photographers in your area by searching through the casting/travel section. Model Mayhem is a community for models, photographers, makeup artists and other professionals in the industry. I have to stress how careful you have to be on this site. There are creepers who are anything but professional. I highly recommend immediately blocking anyone who gives you any trouble. NEVER go to a photo shoot alone. Always bring someone with you (say that your companion is your assistant) and dont buy into the "I work better alone" excuse. A real photographer wont have issues with other people on set. Dont give out your phone number until you confirm everything in writing via email (date, location of the shoot, theme and compensation). Be sure to work out the details on what compensation you will both be receiving whether you are paying the photographer or doing a trade. I have met some wonderful photographers through Model Mayhem and have even been hired for modeling assignments. But there have also been major disappointments . Be sure to ask and sign a Model Release Form. If they dont provide one, create your own. Search Google for tips and feel free to email me: cosplay.girl@yahoo.com Remember to be fair; both parties who are coming together for a creative project must be satisfied.
include special guests such as comic creators or actors. Photographers sometimes set up a booth or have a meeting place at a show where they offer sessions with cosplayers.
I hope you found my quick guide helpful. Have fun and Happy Cosplaying!
Last years trip to Megacon was a whirlwind and a bit of a blur for me. I was invited last minute and flew to Orlando Saturday afternoon, having to leave Sunday afternoon. I also had work the following Monday so rest was nonexistent. This year I was able to plan ahead and extend my stay. I flew to Florida Thursday and didnt leave until Monday. Thursday I was able to spend some time with friends and make new ones. On Friday I attended the show dressed as Snow White. After picking up our badges, we went to see comic legend George Perez. I was able to tour the entire convention center this time and realized how much I missed last year. There were far more artists and vendors there than I had thought. My friends and I did some shopping, met up with friends and I posed for photos upon request. I really enjoyed the childrens reaction to Snow White. My favorite memory was when a little girl gave me a hug. I found a fellow Disney Princess; a stunning girl dressed as Belle in a beautiful gown she created. A friend introduced me to Adam Hughes which was very exciting for me. The day ended with dinner at Dennys with friends where oddly enough, I was recognized (out of costume) as we waited for our table. 
On Saturday I was dressed as Huntress. When my friends and I arrived at the convention center we were in for a bit of a shock. The crowds were huge, as in San Diego Comic Con huge. It was extrememly difficult to navigate through the crowds. The Dealer Room became impossible to walk through. After paying George Perez another visit, we watched a Belly Dancer show. After the show, we made our way to the main entrance where we ran into some fellow cosplayers and photographer Grace Moss. We took some photos then headed to the area where the DC shoot was to take place. I have to report that the shoot was poorly organized. There was a lot of confusion, conflicting direction and no leadership. People began breaking off and taking pictures in groups of their own, including myself. We ended up leaving, took some shots outside then made our way to a friends hotel room to rest before my shoot with SGH Photography. We had dinner at an Italian Resturant and were pleasantly surprised to find out the cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation was also there. We saw Patrick Stewart walk by our table and caught glimpses of the rest of the cast. We also happen to be outside when the cast took a group photo with the staff of the resturant.
