The Times Square Photoshoot
Cosplay Photography for Plus-Size & POC Cosplayers
Written by Christa Jenelle
Are you a cosplayer who always leaves conventions without the photos you truly wanted?
Maybe you go solo and forget your selfie stand—or maybe you just run out of time. We put so much work into our cosplays—months of planning and crafting—only to walk away with barely any photos to show for it. As a plus-size cosplayer and model, I know this struggle firsthand.
⭐️ Why Cosplayers Miss Out on Great Photos
It’s no secret that photographers at conventions often focus on “big name” cosplayers or certain body types.
For plus-size cosplayers, POC cosplayers, and disabled cosplayers, getting those perfect shots can be an uphill battle.
And even when we do get stopped for photos, sometimes they never get shared back to us.
🌆 My Unexpected Times Square Photoshoot
This year, after a long day at Comic Con 2024, I found an unexpected solution.
As I was heading back to my hotel in my Harley Quinn cosplay, a street photographer stopped me.
He showed me a quick snap on his camera screen and said, “Photoshoot?” The rate? Five pictures for twenty dollars.
I hesitated at first—New Yorkers know better than to stop on the sidewalk.
But I was curious. I said, “Why not?”
What followed was a whirlwind ten-minute shoot. He guided me into the crosswalk, snapped pictures under the neon lights of Times Square, and captured some of my favorite cosplay photos ever.
It was fast, a little chaotic, and completely magical.
📸 How to Get Good Cosplay Photos in the City
Here’s what I learned from this street photoshoot experience:
Be clear about pricing and number of shots—ask upfront and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Make sure you get the files immediately—some street photographers upload straight to your phone, so you walk away with everything.
If you’re happy, tip! Street photographers hustle hard, and it shows.
💪 Why It Matters for Plus-Size & POC Cosplayers
For many of us, the convention floor isn’t always welcoming.
We deserve photos that capture our hard work, our characters, and our confidence. This quick street shoot gave me that—no judgment, no waiting for watermarked downloads
. Just instant memories.
✨ Final Thoughts: Take a Chance on Unexpected Shoots
Next time you’re at a convention in New York City, don’t overlook those street photographers in Times Square.
Your best cosplay shots might not happen inside the convention center—they might be waiting for you under the bright lights outside.
🖊️ About the Author
Christa Jenelle is a plus-size cosplayer and model.
Follow her for more confident, creative cosplay looks:
Instagram: @coratexplorer & @christajenellecosplay
YouTube: Coratexplorer
TikTok: @coratexplorer2
OnlyFans: @cj1001
