Fandom Spotlight: Cosplay Photography with Nickolas Iampietro
By: MithrandielHappy Monday! To kick off 2016 I wanted to begin a new segment where we'll be highlighting different aspects of fandom across the anime, video games and tech fields. To start us off, I interviewed a good friend of mine, Nickolas Iampietro, who does some great work in cosplay photography. Take a look at his work below, and some thoughts he had to share on being a cosplay photographer.
What got you into professional cosplay photography, and when did you start?
I already begun toying around with photography as a little kid and discovered the joy of cons when I was a sophmore in highschool (2002 for the record). The idea came when I wanted to show off the really cool and well made costumes I would see .The first con I ever took photos at was Fanime 2004 as a High School Senior. I was broke, so I took the only thing I could afford: a disposable film camera. 
Have you noticed any common misconceptions about cosplay photography?
Yeah, having a expensive camera is going to get you great pictures. Which is far from the truth.
What’s the best thing about cosplay photography?
Cosplay photography exists as a part of an ecosystem of the cosplay community. Talented photographers can help cosplayers show off their finished designs and ideas. The sky (and imagination) is the limit.
Which shoot has been your favorite, and why?
It was holiday 2012 and I had a idea for a christmas submission for a cosplay magazine. One of my good cosplay friends, Artistic Psyco was down to collaborate on the project. We ended up going with a Holiday themed Hatsune Miku photoshoot, complete with powdered sugar for snow. It became quite the mess, but it was a blast to shoot.
What’s the worst thing about cosplay photography?
Being afraid. Being afraid of trying something new. Being afraid to get out of your comfort zone. Being afraid of criticism. Don’t be afraid.
Which shoot was your most challenging, and why?
Any shoot at Anime Expo. The conditions of the weather itself along with the restrictions put in by the LA live staff plus the sheer number of people made photographing there an extreme challenge. Not impossible, but not for the faint of heart. Travel light is my word to the wise. 
Which conventions will you be attending this year? Where can people contact you if they’re interested in arranging a shoot?
I’ll be attending AOD, Kraken Con, Fanime, AX, and Sac Anime. All of which are california based conventions. You can reach me at my facebook fanpage.
For someone just starting out with professional cosplay photography, what’s some advice you would give them?
Don’t be afraid to try something different. It may or may not work out but you at least tried something out of the box. Experimenting and pushing your boundaries is not only improve your work but also set yourself apart from the rest.Don’t be afraid to fail. That's it for today's installment of "Fandom Spotlight"! If you're interested in me covering you and the way you express your fandom, please email mithrandiel@mithicalentertainment.com.
