What is the golden rule of cosplay? The unspoken etiquette of asking for photos
When it comes to Phoenix Fan Fusion, comic cons and other geek-centered events where cosplayers roam about, there are rules to approaching and photographing them, and certain etiquette is expected from non-cosplaying guests.
Many cosplayers experience problems with strangers touching them or their costumes, taking pictures without asking — sometimes in inappropriate ways — and being overall rude to the people wearing the cosplay simply because they think it's OK.
Such behavior can be upsetting or even traumatizing to the cosplayers and can keep them from returning to certain cons or even quit the hobby altogether.
With Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024 quickly approaching, here's a quick refresher on the do's and don'ts of approaching cosplayers at conventions and out in the wild.
What is the golden rule of cosplay?
First and foremost, "cosplay is not consent" is the biggest rule to follow. Just because someone is dressed up as your favorite character doesn't mean you can touch them or their props without permission.
If you want to compliment someone on their cosplay or take a photo, just ask.
Here are some general cosplay rules to follow:
Don't grab a cosplayer to stop them as they are walking by.
Don't touch any part of the costume or the person wearing it without permission.
Don't interrupt a cosplayer while they are talking to someone else. Wait until the conversation is over.
Don't take photos without the person's permission.
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2024 guests: Dick Van Dyke, Simu Liu, Gina Torres and more
Is it OK to take pictures with cosplayers?
Yes, it's perfectly fine to take a picture with a cosplayer as long as you politely ask permission first.
Keep in mind that just because you have nicely asked doesn't mean the cosplayer has to agree. If they decline, don't take it personally.
Remember, the cosplayers are just trying to have a good time and enjoy the con, same as you.
Don't take photos without the cosplayer's permission, and when asking for a photo make sure you are not interrupting them as they are talking to someone else or concentrating on a panel or other activity.
Don't be a cosplay critic
No one likes a critic, especially when a cosplayer has spent hours upon hours creating a look they are proud of.
If you notice someone's costume isn't perfectly accurate or changes have been made to it for whatever reason, don't point it out. Whether it was intentional, or materials couldn't be obtained, or the cosplayer ran out of time or money, whatever the reason, it's not your job to point it out.
Cosplaying is for everyone
No matter your race, gender, body type or any other physically defining feature, anyone can cosplay as whatever character they want.
Be respectful and don't discredit any cosplayer and the work that went into their cosplay. Treat it like you would with kids on Halloween: They are that character they are dressed as.
See something? Say something
It's no secret that cosplayers have experienced a lot of stalking, harassment and overall unacceptable behavior in private and in public.
If you see someone taking unauthorized photos — especially inappropriate ones — or if you witness a cosplayer being harassed or showing signs of being uncomfortable around someone, let a member of the event security team know.
Meredith G. White is the entertainment reporter for The Arizona Republic | azcentral.com. You can find her on Facebook as Meredith G. White, on Instagram and X, formerly Twitter, @meredithgwhite, and email her at meredith.white@arizonarepublic.com.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Cosplay is not consent: How to take photos with cosplayers
