Cosplay 101: Posing for Cosplay || MangoSirene 

I find that when you cosplay a character you love a lot, then you generally do feel more confident for photos because you are embodying someone who's important to you! And I heard a comparison that confidence is like a muscle, it is something we have to work on and it doesn't magically occur overnight, it comes with time and practice! So it's okay to go easy on ourselves and if we work on it, it'll get better over time and shine in our photos!

As a photographer there are a few things about posing I tell the cosplayers I work with, usually at the end rather than the beginning so I don't confuse them and so they have something to think about. First, think of your body as three shapes: your hips, your shoulders and your head (your arms and legs matter too but I've noticed people usually pose with their limbs but rarely with their hips, shoulders or weight balance). When you stand straight up with all of them aligned and square in the same direction you look stiff and awkward. Take them out of alignment to add interest to your pose. Shift your weight over your right side and your hips dip to your left. Drop your right shoulder slightly and it exagerates the shift. You can also shift the planes of your hips by extending your butt or thrusting your pelvis forward slightly which I've heard called "leading with your hipbones." You can also rotate at the waist or neck to change the planes. The point isn't to consciously use this concept to pose, rather its so you understand what you're doing when you pose. Even if you point with your left arm and turn your head for a pose if your body weight is evenly distributed and your body is otherwise aligned the pose will look stiff and awkward because your body language is not communicating what your head and arm are. Second, practice in front of a full length mirror. Try to read your own body language to make sure it is actually communicating what you want it to rather than just what you mean it to. Are you emoting too much or too little? Look careful at your facial expressions and body language and adjust so you aren't just in the general emotional range but are effectively displaying nuanced emotions. Third, when you pose don't just imagine the instant of the pose, picture the moments before and after the pose and how you would have moved to get into and after the pose. This can give you a clue about weight balance, muscle tension and make the microadjustments to make the pose seem more dynamic. All these small movements, positioning, and body control are as important to the end result as they are to an athlete to throw a fastball or to hit a golf ball hundreds of yards into a small hole.

What a coincidence, I get the notification for this as I'm working on my cosplay.

Thank you for including the part about asking for permission from artists before trying to recreate fanart pieces!

I freaken love your hair.

"Now you're standing in front of the camera with absolutely no idea what to do." STORY OF MY COSPLAY LIFE, lol. I'm not wildly photogenic, so I'm always mildly uncomfortable when it comes time for posing. I think you covered a lot of good tips. I know the communication one is something I need to do more of!

I really recommend thinking and practising poses before a photoshoot. In my first cosplay I didn't even planned on having a photoshoot but there was a free pro stand for photos. I made the worst pose in my picture(s) and I regret it every time I see the picture.

I am going to share my knowledge in this comments section in hopes it will help someone! Over my various cosplays, I've learned a few tips and tricks to get better photos, and they make your cosplay a whole lot better. For those out there who may be a little self-concious and feel they are chubby (like me), a quick way to make yourself look slimmer is to put your hands on your waist instead of your hips. With your hands on your waist, your body appears to be longer and slimmer as the mind develops the illusion that your hands are on your hips (the widest part of your body). Another tip to avoid 'fat' arms is to pose with your arms away from your body. Having your arms down at your sides squishes them a little and makes them appear rounder, and moving them away causes them to appear slimmer as the weight is evenly distributed. To avoid any 'double chins' in front facing poses, try craning your next towards the photographer. With your neck out, it automatically avoids any awkward doublechins. For those who are just looking for general posing, try following what Mango suggested above, Follow your character! Props are always a plus for posing, like if you are doing Tamaki Suoh from Ouran High School Host club, I could imagine tons of possible poses with a rose prop. If you can't decide on a pose you like, follow the character's stereotype. If your character is very shy, try a cute pose where you appear nervous (Head tilted down, eyes looking up, one arm bent grabbing the other that is straight, and toes slightly pointed at each other). If your character is more outgoing, you might do a fist and a hand on your hip with your stance wide. And finally, for you fursuiters! I've learned that because the heads are so large sometimes, holding your head normally makes it look like your head is looking down, try tilting your head slightly up if you want to look at the camera. As for group poses, try to keep your claws/paws/hooves in view. Some people out there like to blame fursuiters if something goes missing after they've taken photos, and its better to have photo evidence of you being no where in contact with their possible valuables.

I've know people to actually exercise and train to hold heavy props steady or work on their flexibility to get a pose just right. There's many cosplayers whom gotten into healthier lifestyles to get the character just right. I know you should be yourself and just have fun while cosplaying, but it's nice seeing people get motivated to take better care of themselves so they feel like they did a good job representing the character.

This is why I love cosplaying video game characters: they have canon "sprites" and poses already. It's definitely a big help.

I'm so excited, I'm doing a Yang Xiao Long cosplay and I'm so happy that I get to embody her for the day eeeep

"Physically or mentally let your photographer know" I didn't know photographers had telepathic powers to communicate with their clients 😂😂

i needed this a lot. ive been interested in cosplaying for years and recently went to my first con (as venti from genshin, it was really fun :) ), but didn't realize how much people would be asking for pictures... and i didnt realize how bad i was at getting a confident pose. thank you so much. i have another con coming up and im doing a vocaloid group cosplay with my friends, and i want to give all the people there the hatsune miku they want to see rather than some nervous, unphotogenic teen in a big pigtail wig

Sorry, were you saying something? I couldn't take my eyes off that awesome Blue's Clues tank.

Great tips 😍✌🏻️

I have an issue smiling in pictures, whether I'm posing or it's just a regular picture, but my first photoshoot is gonna be in my Jessica Jones cosplay so I won't have to do any smiling #blessup. Really great and helpful video though!! (I'm cosplaying Undyne soon and I have zero clue what I'm gonna do for posing...). Also, could you do a video about binding? I've told my mom that binders are designed to not permanently disfigure you and aren't meant to be worn in long periods of time, which I don't plan on doing, and she still thinks I'm gonna hurt myself.

My terrible posing hasn't been a problem YET, since the only character I've cosplayed is closed off enough that I can get away with glaring, slouching, and sticking my hands in my pockets - which is pretty much my default position, anyway, haha - but this was super helpful! I'll take all of it into consideration for future characters~ ^~^ Thank you so much!!!

You are amazing! Your whole 101 series has been more than helpful, and gotten me out of a few stress related snags. Just your love of the hobby and wanting to help others really com's out in your videos. You give me confidence in allmy projects. Thank you!!

All the Hibike Euphonium in this video makes me really happy, as I'm finishing up my Kumiko cosplay :D Also, this video couldn't have come at a more perfect time, my dad and I are going to do a mini photoshoot with my Kumiko and Duck costumes and posing has been a huge concern for me! I'll definitely be looking up all those resources you mentioned! Thank you so much for making these Cosplay 101 videos, both they and you are absolutely amazing :)

Posing is always tough! But doing the shoot and running around is so much fun!

I wanted to comment on the content of this vid and how good you taught, but I'M SO DISTRACTED BY YOUR ROOM. I love everything in the background. Hibike, free, pokemon, kingdom hearts, etc

I really need to practice my posing more. ..Thank you for all your great tips and videos!

My friend and I are having an Ereri shoot soon, so I'm kind of nervous, but this really helped!! Thanks!!

Great as always! I ended up becoming very ill, hospitalization dire, during my last convention. But I was able to get in a photo shoot of a costume that I had worked so hard on. It was only my second photo shoot professional one, my first one being at Katsucon. I learned so much in between those two photo shoots. And you are so right, there has to be communication between you and your photographer. If there isn't, it's not going to come out as good as you it could. I tend to rely on the photographer a little bit more if it's an actual professional photo shoot. And then I have some default poses for hall photography.

I really should of watched this before my first con 😂😂 i went with my friend and her friend and were all beginner cosplayers so i didnt expect anyone to ask to take a picture of me well... they did and my pose(s) were trash

I will definitely be sharing this video with some people I am doing photo shoots of at a con in a week! Some of them are very nervous and I'm sure this will help! Thanks always!

I LOVE YOUR SHIRT

I'm really lucky because basic modeling skills such as how to position your body have been engrained In me since I was little as my mom worked as a photographer for years and still takes a lot of pictures of me. she even put me into modeling when I was really little but that only lasted a year or two.

i see Free figures omg

I am always excited for a new Cosplay 101 upload and need to watch them asap. They are really insightful and helpful. I even show them to a few of my newbie friends. Thank you so much!!! Here's a Cosplay 101 idea, since you've done some panels yourself at conventions, like the fitness and youtubing panels (you were in faerie cosplays), perhaps a how to put together a panel post, or tips and tricks, or advice for hosting your own panel? I think your experience in that aspect would be something very insightful for your viewers out there. Thank you so much for all you do!!

You look so pretty in this video. This was very helpful, and in perfect timing as my friend and I are preparing for a cosplay shoot

I just finished binge watching your cosplay 101s lol

2:17 , oh wauw.. Its funny that Yamaguchi popped up bcs I am going to cosplay him, and he's a cute shy fluffball.. But its already a good thing for me that we share the same shyness :>

this video ;-; I like how you delve into shoot dynamics a bit haha

Thank you so much for this!! I've been cosplaying for many years but oddly enough I'm gonna do my first shoot soon and I'm sooo nervous and I'm typically awkward on camera so thanks for the tips!! ♡♡♡

Wow I've never cosplayed but have ways wanted to. Your videos are really helpful and motivating!!! I think I'm actually going to try and make my costume and cosplay with my best friend at my next con!!! Thanks for the inspiration!!!

this is so so helpful !

this so convenient! I'm doing my first photoshoot this weekend. now to just finish my cosplay. XD

Yay, a video on posing! I've always had such trouble :D

Thanks for this video Nina! I am glad this came before my next Convention and something to keep in mind for my next photoshoot. I'll keep this in mind when I might shoot a friend of mine or take hall shots of cosplayers. I had a bit of a rough day but this really excited me and made my night! :)

awesome vid for an amateur Photographer that wants to focus on cosplayers. thanks for this great vid.

I love that wig!!

Thanks for the tips !!!!!

What perfect timing! Im heading to florida for vacation! Im also bring my sailor pluto and haru nanase cosplays with me for beach pictures! xD thank you so much!

Veeery good advices! Thank you :D

Thank you for your great work and afford to make the video! Also the links in your video are a great help!

this really helps thanks

You're so helpful, I love watching your videos! Thank you for sharing

thank you this was great!

Thank you mermomma for the helpful video

I have a little tip! If you need a checklist for your cosplay, on the google play app store there's an app called Cosplanner.

Ahh this makes me so happy to see XD I have a photoshoot next week as Shinoa Hiragi so it's time to practice poses! Haha

I love your hair

This was incredibly helpful! We've been waiting for a good posing video like this. Thanks so much for posting :D -J

This was awesome and really helpful! Thank you!

Ooh, I saw that you were at louisianime- will you be at mechacon as well? 💕 hehe thank you for these videos by the way, they're very helpful to get my hyped and prepared for mechacon cx

you look magical 💖💖💖 can you do a hair tutorial ?

Omg

This was perfect timing, I have a convention tomorrow! (:

No but I love your shirt!

Aaaaa thank you 😍😍😍

coulda used this 101 last year lmao

I saw you're a guest at Anime USA. I hope I'll rin into you!

I love your Hair

This is all super cool information, but not so much when I consider my next couple of photoshoots will be Homestuck.

I just found you and I love you so mcuh already!!!!!! Any tips for a cosplay first-timer?

thank God I found ypu before I go to NerdCon!

Great video, as always! :)

Omg Sesshomaru gif :D

Aha, so good to see another cosplay 101! Thank you! I turn into a bit of an awkward turtle with a gazillion chins on camera so this is super helpful :D (then again all of your videos are!)

You are amaaaazing! I love cosplaying but I suck at posing, but maybe someday I shall become better at it :D Hopefully... XD

Thanks for the tips! They were very helpful :)! Also your look in this video is so cute^w^

Can I just say how pretty the blue contacts are with your pink hair and makeup? Sorry it's unrelated, I just had to get it out there xD

If you ran out of ideas when it comes to pose idol character and don't want to copy the art just google an japanese group idol girl and learn it until u can!! This tip is also helpful for girls crossplaying or vice-versa ^^ Happy Cosplaying !!

P.S. Thanks for the confidence booster!!!

Holy cow your shirt

Thanks :)

Random but you are beautiful ❤️ love the hair!!!

Mango, I've been trying to look around your video descriptions, but I can't find it. What's the name of the piano songs at the end of your most recent videos? Thank you and you're so amazing!

Great video and tips! Just have a quick question, are there any things you can think of to make quick posing in the hallway at a con look better?

Tbh I suck at posing so I just find one that looks good and use the same pose for when random people ask for my photo. Photo shoots, well. I only just had my first one, and it was short, but I think I sort of know what I'm doing? 😂

Love your videos!!! I'm very new to cosplaying and your videos have been super helpful! I began last year going as a street style sailor moon scout. I went as Usagi! And this year I went as Princess bubble gum to supercon in Miami. Because I only do this once a year, I don't know what to do after wearing my cosplay lol any tips on where to sell costumes and wigs second hand?

This is not related question but do you play poke go and what team did you join? Also thank you so much for putting the time and effort to educate us on our journey to be epic cosplayers 🙇🏻

But where is the demonstration...in cosplay? :( I see that the video itself has sailor mars on it but when i watch the video all i see..is someone explaining how to pose in cosplay instead of demonstrating it

for a cosplay photoshoot should my makeup be traditional or airbrushed?

Where did you find your shirt? It's beautiful 😂❤️

For me, the hardest thing is facial expression Omg I suck at this

something I've been having a hard time with in terms of cosplay is finding glasses for the characters I'm cosplaying, like I want to be Rize from Toyko Ghoul, but I can't find glasses that are only red on the bottom anywhere, and I find the same issue with many other characters, finding glasses that are even similar to the ones most anime characters wear is very difficult, do you have any ideas on where to find glasses, or what to do for glasses for cosplay?

I have a question, when is a costume not qualified for contests? For example, if I cosplay Tracer from Overwatch and I buy the official leggings and a similar looking brown leather jacket and alter it and add all the other accessories by buying bases and hand-painting them, is that going to be qualified for a contest?

I'm wearing a mask, thank god

spidey cosplay advice?

Your hairstyle reminds me of Lightning from Final Fantasy 13. It looks pretty cool.

I love you

Sewing part 2

2:56 -smashes head into desk-

We have a comic con near by our house coming In a month or two, and I really want to try to go. Some of my friends are, so possibly I could try and get my parents to allow me to go with them. This will be my first convention! 💗 I also want to cosplay, but I'm a basic beginner who's never really cosplayers at all... So I'm probably just going to make an undertale cosplay of temmie, since they have a VERY simple pattern..but the problem is, do you suggest any way to paint my face+arms white? Any good makeup that will not come off if I touch it? This would be my only issue thankfully, since I can wear white tights under my shorts. Thanks future someone if you guys answer.😜

Whats the editing program? :p

no se ingles, no entiendo nada no podrías poner subtitulos??

I tried to JoJo pose....my foot is now behind my ear and I don't think its supposed to be there

Is it bad to buy costumes?