Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
What is SkywingKnights.com?
It seemed like every other year, there was a new site that everyone “just had” to have an account on. While I enjoyed these sites (and still do), not a lot of them either had everything I wanted. Not to mention, not all were always user friendly. And after a while, having all those sites became much too time consuming. Updating one photo to five websites? (Cue the OTL). So instead, I originally devised “SkywingKnights.com” to be a collection of all of my work.
Since I first conceived of the idea in my head though, it grew to be a multi-functional website. I realized I wanted to share so much more than just cosplay photos. I wanted to share other art forms that I take part in. In addition, I wanted to promote the works of the fabulous people that I work with and know. I wanted to share personal blog posts detailing tips, travel experiences, thoughts, reviews on media, and so on. I wanted to build a positive environment where people could share their successes.
To sum up this little FAQ section, I wanted to inspire others to create, live life to the fullest, and to share happiness.
Getting Recommended
Requirements vary per craft. See below for details.
How can I get listed on your recommended photographers/commissioners/shops list?
Requirements for Photographers:
“For some reason, I’ve always had trouble finding cosplay photographers online. Traditionally, I’ve had to scour the internet for photographers in my area, look through a variety of pages to see if I enjoyed their work, and then reach out to them in hopes that they were in my price range. Then it occurred to me – how much easier would it be if there were a bunch of cosplay photographer listings all in one place? Enter my PLATINUM and Standard Photographer Listings Page, where I list available cosplay photographers to help cosplayers find their partners in crime. Hopefully, this can help provide an easier way for different artists to connect. Something I would have liked a long time ago.” – SkywingKnights
You’re based in Washington DC. Do I have to travel to DC to do a photoshoot with you if I want to apply for a Platinum listing? What if I’m based internationally?
No, you do not have to travel to DC. I travel often and if it works with my schedule, I am happy to do a shoot with you in your area. In the meantime, if you qualify, I am happy to put your information in the Standard Listings.
*Please note that due to COVID-19, my ability to travel is currently limited. However, I can make note of your interest and will do my best to reach out to you in the future the next time I have the opportunity to do a photoshoot in your area. 🙂
Why do you need to do a photoshoot with a photographer for the Platinum tier?
The Platinum tier is reserved for personal recommendations, which is how they are distinguished from Standard tier listings. Thus, it would not be appropriate for me to list you in this tier without having worked with you, nor would it be fair to those already listed in this tier.
Why should I bother with a Standard Listing?
Due to the limited number of Platinum listings I have (due to the limited number of opportunities I have to work with photographers), Standard listings still receive plenty of attention. They are just not listed at the top and they are not given a personal recommendation.
Additionally, if the listings section becomes long, filters will be added based on location. If there are no Platinum listings in your area, your listing may show up first regardless of the tier once filters are in place.
You’re a photographer – won’t this just benefit you the most in getting photoshoot requests?
I am a photographer, but I am a hobbyist photographer primarily. I only act as a photographer for specific projects that I do with close friends or for my own purposes. Additionally, I do not take on clients at this time (I don’t have the confidence to do so). It’s possible that that may change in the future, but I don’t foresee it happening anytime soon, particularly because I just don’t have the time. As such, I direct all inquiries to my Listed Photographers – which would be you! 🙂
Cosplay photographers are welcome to submit their information to SkywingKnights.com and if they meet a certain set of requirements to screen for professionalism and work ethic, they are eligible to receive a Standard Listing as a cosplay photographer on SkywingKnights.com.
Standards all photographers must meet include:
- An online portfolio of work including at least 10 different photoshoots with clients.
- Have been in the cosplay photography business for at least 3 years (not including 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions).
- 3 client recommendations, which are each contacted by SkywingKnights.com for authenticity and verification.
- Are above the age of 18.
- Do NOT focus on pornographic material (an immediate disqualification).
PLATINUM Listed Photographers are those who have met all of the requirements for a Standard Listing, but have also worked with SkywingKnights personally on at least one photoshoot that was both successful and a positive experience. This allows SkywingKnights to personally vouch for positive experiences and engagements with these cosplay photographers.
To apply to be listed on SkywingKnights.com as either a Standard or PLATINUM photographer, visit our Photographer Application Page. This application confirms your photography portfolio and your references, while also gathering information regarding your mode of operations so we can provide the most accurate information about you in our listings.
For those interested in becoming a PLATINUM photographer, SkywingKnights is open to arranging a photo session to vouch for you if it works with her schedule. To do so, check the final box on the application page to indicate your interest before submitting your application.
Requirements for Commissioners:
“I know so many amazing commissioners who just don’t get enough credit or the work load they should be getting considering their talent. My goal with listing commissioners on SkywingKnights.com is to help those with extraordinary talents reach new customers and to help cosplayers find skilled craftsman that can help make their cosplay dreams a reality.” – SkywingKnights
Cosplay Commissioners are welcome to submit their information to SkywingKnights.com and if they meet a certain set of requirements to screen for professionalism and work ethic, they are eligible to receive a Standard Listing as a cosplay commissioner on SkywingKnights.com.
Standards all commissioners must have and meet include:
- An online portfolio of work including at least 10 different commissions with clients.
- Have been in the cosplay commissioner business for at least 3 years.
- 3 client recommendations, which are each contacted by SkywingKnights.com for authenticity and verification.
- Are above the age of 18.
PREMIUM Listed Commissioners are those who have met all of the requirements for a Standard Listing, but whose work SkywingKnights has seen personally. This allows SkywingKnights to personally vouch for the excellent craftsmanship produced by these cosplay commissioners.
To apply to be listed on SkywingKnights.com as either a Standard or PREMIUM commissioner, visit our Commissioner Application Page. This application confirms your commissioner portfolio and your references, while also gathering information regarding your mode of operations so we can provide the most accurate information about you in our listings.
For those interested in becoming a PREMIUM commissioner, SkywingKnights is open to arranging a time to meet to see your work to vouch for your skills if it works with her schedule. To do so, check the final box on the application page to indicate your interest before submitting your application.
Requirements for Shops:
All shops listed are shops that I have purchased or used items from. These stores sell high quality items that are reliable under the stress of cosplay, tested by myself or associates for durability. If you would like your store listed or have questions not answered in this FAQ, reach out to us! To do so, use the Contact Us page.
Services
Do you do cosplay costume / wig commissions?
No, I do not as my schedule doesn’t allow me to do so. 🙁 However, I can recommend some excellent costumers who do take commissions. Just ask or check out the Commissioners page under Resources! 🙂
Do you do photography photoshoots? Do you charge?
Sometimes I do photoshoots. This varies greatly depending on the event. Generally I do not charge unless my schedule at an event is very busy. However, I highly recommend visiting the “Resources” page. There you can find a detailed list of highly skilled photographers who are regularly available and open for photo sessions.
If I am open for photoshoots and give you a quote, regardless of if my schedule becomes busy though, your reservation price will not change. Quoted prices are subject to change prior to reservation though.
Do you teach at all? If so where? Do you charge?
Presently, no, but that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t be interested in doing so! I would set rates based off of each location’s/event’s specific standards. I will donate a portion of any NET income for speaking opportunities towards Autism Research.
