Know Your Character's Poses
Before any photo session, identify the 3–5 poses that are most strongly associated with your character. These might be combat stances, iconic gestures, expressions — whatever visual shorthand communicates the character most clearly. Practice these in a mirror before the shoot so they feel natural rather than forced. A cosplayer who knows their poses gets significantly better results than one improvising in front of the camera.
Working with Convention Photographers
Convention photographers are generally enthusiastic about photographing well-executed cosplay. Good practices: ask before assuming they want to photograph you; be clear about what kind of shot you're looking for; bring your character's energy to the interaction; be ready to move quickly. If you find a photographer whose work you love, follow up and ask about a dedicated session.
Location and Lighting
Background matters enormously. An excellent costume in front of a cluttered convention floor loses half its impact; the same costume in front of an interesting background gains significantly. At conventions, look for: architectural features, outdoor spaces with green or interesting textures, areas with better lighting. Avoid: busy corridors, emergency exits, cluttered display booths.