Cosplay Photo Competition
We have exciting news for you! This year after a very long time we are once again holding a cosplay photo competition!
APPLICATION | MAIN RULES | AWARDS | JUDGES
Application
- Fill in an online application form stating all the required information on the character, model, and photographer. The deadline is 19th November 2023. Link to application
- Photos can be submitted by either the photographer or the cosplay model, but they must have CONSENT to do so from both parties involved.
- To take part in the contest the participant must submit photos both in digital format and a physical copy that will be showcased during the event.
- The physical photos must be sent by postal mail latest by 27th November 2023 to Vanemuise 48, 51003, Tartu linn, Tartumaa, Estonia or submitted on the first day of the event (2nd of December) until 13:00 to the information desk. If the photo hasn’t arrived by 1st of December, we will ask you to bring the photo to the event, otherwise you will be disqualified. NB! Packages can get lost in the mail so make sure that you have an extra copy just in case to bring to the event on 2nd December if the unfortunate event happens.
- If you wish, you will be able to get your photos back at the end of the 2nd day at the information desk or by contacting the cosplay staff, we will not however mail photos back.
- The awards will be announced on the 2nd day of the event (3rd of December) during the main award ceremony.
- Even though one photographer can submit multiple photos, they can only place once in the competition, meaning they can not win multiple prizes (other than audience favourite).
Main rules
- The photos cannot contain any sexual material, indecent gestures, profanities, or explicit violence.
- The photos must be printed in good quality on photo paper of at least A4 size (recommended 2480 x 3508 pixels) and maximum A3 size (4961 x 3508 px). Online photos must be submitted in JPG, JPEG or PNG format.
- It is allowed to use Photoshop.
- All photos must be sent to us via the online application form and approved by our committee to be valid. After receiving the confirmation email, the photos must be physically submitted via postal mail or given to the staff on the first morning of the event by 13:00 (Saturday, 2nd of December).
- Sending the photos via postal mail: must be sent latest by 27th of November 2023 to the address of Vanemuise 48, 51003, Tartu, Tartumaa, Estonia. Receiver name must be marked as MTÜ Jaapani kultuuriklubi Asashio. Behind the photo please write the photographer’s full name and model’s name. The photos must arrive by 1st of December (better send them earlier than later). If the photo has not arrived by December 1st, please bring the photo to the event or you will be disqualified.
- One photographer cannot submit more than 3 photos; one model cannot appear in more than 3 photos. Submissions that were not agreed upon between the model and the photographer will not be accepted and will not be exhibited at the event.
- Cosband/group is limited to one photoshoot with 3 group photos per, and if individual photos are submitted, one person still can appear only on 3 photos in total.
- By sending us photos, you confirm that all of the parties allow the photos to be involved in the contest. If photos are sent without consent of any party – the photos will not be accepted to compete in the event.
- By joining the competition, you agree that photos may be used for AniMatsuri advertisement purposes (with photographer info of course).
- By submitting your application, you agree to follow the contest rules.
The works that were approved and brought to us on time will be displayed in a gallery at AniMatsuri 2023, on 2nd and 3rd of December 2023.
Awards
All works will be evaluated by a professional jury and top 3 photos will be awarded with prizes. To find out the judges, keep a close eye on our social medias! Additionally, we have an audience favourite prize that will be chosen by the audience during the event.
In case you have additional questions, please contact us by cosplay@animatsuri.eu.
Judges
Syed Ali
Syed Ali (UK), D.Blarg354 on social media, is a photographer who has been attending conventions for over ten years, however it was only in 2018 that he got the photography bug, with his year in Japan being what set him on his current path. As of now his work has been featured in NEO Magazine, UK’s biggest and best journal of all things happening in Asian pop culture, and has hosted panels on photography. His unique set up of a mixture of old “vintage lens” with a modern system allows him to capture images that are unique to his process.
His portfolio can be found here: https://syedaali.myportfolio.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d.blarg354/
Kirill Dogadajev
Kirill Dogadajev (LV) aka DrAlian started to photograph in 2003. Since then he has been published in many papers, journals and media. The most interesting experience for him was to be published in the “National Geographic” journal. He crossed paths with the cosplay community in 2017 and since then he has participated in 16 conventions with his photo corner. The result of his work is not just the photo. He feels like it’s his job to give everyone an opportunity to build up confidence with photography and posing. He says that it is so satisfying to see the bright eyes and smiles of his guests, who just a few minutes before the shooting were thinking that they don’t know how to pose.
Have a look at his social media:
https://www.instagram.com/dralian/
Siiri Kumari
Siiri has been engaged in photography for over 15 years. In her works, she focuses on fairy-tale and fantasy-filled plots and environments. Most of all, she appreciates originality, emotion and good lighting solutions in artworks.
Have a look at her social media and portfolio:
https://www.facebook.com/siirikumariphoto
https://www.instagram.com/siirikumari/