::big grin:: I haven't been to a cosplay yet. But I've seen them on youtube. Why I'm I asking the wrong questions?

Cosplayers don't go out in fields and role-play like it's some SCA meeting or something. They go to conventions - comicons, steampunk cons, sci fi cons, etc., to display their creations.

What's presented here is a character shot, posed and produced by a professional photographer or talented amatuer. It's meant to showcase the artistry of the cosplayer's skill, and their success at creating a character.

It's not LARPing.

While neverending is right, cosplay is different from LARP (Live Action Role Play), I really appreciate your interest in my photo, Sculpt. ::wink:: The main goal of cosplaying is to recreate the outfit of a character. The character can be from film, television, anime, video games, literature, etc. and the cosplayer can choose either to copy the character's outfit as accurately as possible or interpret the character according to the cosplayer's preference.

For this particular cosplay, I've chosen to do the latter. I decided to merge two different characters from different fandoms, namely Merida from the Disney movie "Brave" and Katniss Everdeen from the "Hunger Games" series. Since both Merida and Katniss are archers, I thought it would be fun to try to create a look that pays homage to them both. For example, my hair is red like Merida's, but styled in the braid Katniss wore in the movie. The dress was a mass-produced item that I heavily altered and is blue like Katniss's Reaping dress, but medieval in style, like Merida might wear. The ruana I am wearing I designed as a sort of compromise between Merida's cloak and Katniss's hunting cowl and is fastened with a Mockingjay pin. The arrows were also handmade by me, along with the belt. The bow was purchased online, although I finished it myself and added the leather grip.

Like neverending mentioned, some cosplayers pay professional photographers to take pictures of them in their costumes. Since I'm on a budget, my Dad took this picture of me in our local park.

Anyway, I'm glad I could introduce you to the world of cosplay in all its geeky glory. ::big grin:: I'm currently working on a femme Loki cosplay, so I'll try to post some pics when it's finished.

Your dad did a great job on the photograph, and your costume is cool!

Thanks, Lee! And hey, it seems as though we have the first same name. ::cool::

LOVE THIS.

I also love the Brave/Hunger Games mashup concept; really unique! The costume is great!

Thanks, ChronoGrl! I'm so glad you like it. ::big grin::

Thanks to both of you! I'm was unfamiliar with the difference between cosplay and LARP. I see an aweful lot goes into the costume. That bow looks like it's about as tall as you are. Have you tried shooting any of your homemade arrows, or are they unshootable props?

"It only hurts when I'm LARPing"

It can definitely get out of hand