“I believe a photograph is worth a thousand words. What makes it more worth is when you have captured an amazing photo! A cosplayer’s existence is exposed thanks to their respective photographers.. or those who have exposed them. That’s why for my next feature, it won’t only be a cosplayer.. but the person behind the camera as well.” - katz

CosFeature n#22: JM Chua.. a.k.a. Angrylittleboy

K- During my first photoshoot, I was oriented by a good friend about the basics of photo shoots. This is where I learned the photographer-model ratio rule. Then I was exposed to the BIG 5, five awesome cosplay photographers out there (one of which I already featured here) and another one from the group is today’s feature.

Konnichiwa! Thank you so much for squeezing some time for me.

JC- Hi. No worries.

 

K- Such an honor! Let us start from the beginning, shall we? What would you like to be called?

JC- JM would be fine.

 

K- *waves* Your interest in photography,  when did it start?

JC- I can remember fiddling with the family cameras back when I was way younger, but I only really got into it when my dad gave me my first camera back in 2003. Since it was a digital camera and I didn’t have to worry about film, I just snapped away at anything I could see.

 

K- ZOMG I think that has got to be favorite shot! *x* Photographer MUST-HAVES, what do you think one should be equipped with?

JC- It would depend on the kind of photos that you’re after and the situations that you would often find yourself in, but for me, aside from a camera, the essentials would include:

•  Spare memory cards (or spare rolls of film if you’re using a film camera). Always always always carry a spare memory card with you whenever you’re shooting, and never put all your photos in one card. I would say it’s preferable to have 4 4GB cards rather than dump everything in 1 16GB card. In the event that one of the cards conk out, you’ll still have a couple more you can use.
•  Spare batteries same thing with spare cards- One of the worst things that could happen to you while shooting is your camera running out of batteries.
• If you’re using an SLR (digital or film), a nifty-fifty. For its price, a 50mm f/1.8 lens is one of the best lenses that you can put on your SLR. If you’re using a full-frame camera, it can almost be used as a do-all walkaround lens. For APS-C cameras, it works as a great portrait lens and awesome for taking cosplay photos.

 

K- gahh! *faint* I think I died hehe! Do you prefer working solo or do you participate in groups?

JC- I don’t mind working with a group, though I’m more comfortable working solo.

 

K- What can you say is your specialty? If none, what do you love most about taking pictures?

JC- I’m still at that stage where I’m trying to find out where I’m really good at, but I enjoy street photography the most. To be able to present (or change) facts just by putting a frame around it is challenging, but can also be rewarding.

 

K- Pros and Cons of Photography?

JC- Photography can be an expensive hobby, especially for users of interchangeable-lens bodies. Aside from lenses, you’ll also have to consider other accessories like flash units, spare batteries and cards, a tripod, bag, etc. It’s possible to make a career out of it to cover your expenses, but the chances for that are often low.

What’s good about it is photography can complement an already existing hobby or make way for a new one, as well as the personal satisfaction whenever you get the photos that you want.

 

K- How did you get involved with Cosplay Photography then?

JC- I often attend events with cosplay, and some of the people I know are cosplayers as well. I guess it was only natural for me to get into taking photos of cosplayers.

K- Have you tried to cosplay as well? How did it feel the first time, not holding a camera? And will you be doing it sometime again soon?

JC- I’ve been cosplaying for some time before I received my first camera. It wasn’t as well-known then, and I was both jittery and excited the first time I cosplayed. I can’t cosplay as much like before, though I would like to if given the opportunity.

 

His most famed cosplay that grew legendary due to accuracy: Saito Hajime of Rurouni Kenshin

Saito: Shinsengumi version

K- Wahhhh the legendary Saito!! *bows* I remember first seeing you in Cosmania 2009! Pictures aside, what other things you would like to do for yourself off the camera?

JC- Cycling, mostly. Aside from that, building plastic models, playing videogames and reading on history.

K- Based on your experience, how about a message to aspiring photographers out there?

JC- More than your equipment, it’s the picture that matters the most- so don’t get too hung up on gear. A good picture will always be a good picture, regardless if it’s taken with a film camera, a DSLR or an iPhone.

Also, invest on photography books! Looking at other photographers’ works can be inspiring and aid your photography by letting you see things from different perspectives.

K- Now, please tell me something about yourself that no one knows. Like, what makes you YOU?

JC- I’m a frustrated Fine Arts major. Due to some circumstances, I ended up studying Psychology- I would still like to be an FA major in the future.

 

K- Thanks again!

JC- You’re welcome!

 

WHERE YOU’LL FIND HIM: DeviantART, Angrylittleboy

Till next feature~~!