Explore every episode of the podcast The Cosplayer and Photographer Podcast | In Front of and Behind the Lens

Hosted by Peter Voland
https://www.instagram.com/peterlikesphotography/
https://www.peterlikesphotography.com 

Special Guest
Kirakreates - https://linktr.ee/KiraKreates

Cosplay is much more than wearing a costume. It takes creativity, patience, problem-solving, and a willingness to learn through trial and error.

In this episode, I sit down with a talented cosplayer and creator to discuss their journey into cosplay crafting, how their skills have developed, and the work that goes into bringing a character to life. We talk about tackling new projects, learning from mistakes, preparing creations for conventions, and seeing completed cosplays captured through photography.

We also discuss social media, sharing creative work online, navigating expectations within the cosplay community, and the advice they would give someone interested in creating their first cosplay.

Hosted by Peter Voland
https://www.instagram.com/peterlikesphotography/
https://www.peterlikesphotography.com 

Special Guests
Diana
https://www.instagram.com/the_d1anasaur/

Wolf
https://www.instagram.com/wolfgang_24o/

In this episode of the Cosplayer and Photographer Podcast, Peter sits down with a cosplay couple to discuss how they each discovered cosplay, developed their own creative identities, and eventually began sharing the experience together.

They talk about conventions, creating content, navigating social media, supporting each other’s ideas, and balancing collaboration with maintaining their individuality. It’s a relaxed and honest conversation about creativity, community, relationships, and the connections that can form through cosplay.

Hosted by Peter Voland
https://www.instagram.com/peterlikesphotography/
https://www.peterlikesphotography.com

Special Guests
haefaecos - https://www.instagram.com/haefaecos/
cinnamobunny - https://www.instagram.com/cinnamobunny/

In this episode, Peter sits down with two female cosplayers for an honest conversation about getting started, growing within the community, and finding confidence along the way. They discuss their early cosplay experiences, attending conventions, building friendships, dealing with social media, and navigating body image, unwanted comments, and the sexualization of cosplayers. The conversation also explores what makes someone feel comfortable during a photoshoot, the qualities they value in a photographer, and how mutual respect can create a better experience for everyone. It is a thoughtful and relatable look at cosplay from the perspective of the people bringing these characters to life. 

Hosted by Peter Voland
https://www.instagram.com/peterlikesphotography/
https://www.peterlikesphotography.com 

Special Guest
Darrus - https://www.instagram.com/moonlitriversphotography/

In the first episode of the Cosplayer and Photographer Podcast, Peter sits down with Darrus of Moonlit Rivers Photography to talk about how they both found their way into cosplay photography and what has kept them in it.

They get into their early shoots, imposter syndrome, finding a personal style, community drama, social media frustrations, and why follower counts do not always tell the full story. They also talk about the shift toward video content, dealing with Instagram’s algorithm, building real relationships with cosplayers, and why the creative freedom of cosplay photography still makes all the headaches worth it.

Episode Notes

• How Peter and Darrus got started in cosplay photography

• Early shoots and learning through experience

• Dealing with imposter syndrome and comparison

• Finding your own photography style instead of copying others

• The good and bad sides of the cosplay community

• Staying out of community drama

• Why follower counts are often overrated

• Engagement versus popularity on social media

• The shift from photography to reels and video content

• Frustrations with Instagram and changing algorithms

• Showing more personality online to build trust

• Working with cosplayers based on creative fit, not follower count

• Handling negative comments and online harassment

• Building friendships and lasting connections through cosplay

• Why cosplay photography is still worth doing

Unfortunately Brandon has left the GuN to pursue bigger and better things but will always remain with us in Podcast Spirit so today we are lucky to have Rosa and Meg as our honorary nerd guests for today's episode, Heroine Addicts. We discuss current news, our week in nerdiness, and our all time favorite heroines.

Thai's friends work https://www.allstarpresschicago.com/

Meg's comic book mention http://www.monstrousworld.com/