The Story Behind Lights, Camera, Cosplay: A Journey of Passion and Community

At Lights, Camera, Cosplay (LCC), we are more than just a magazine; we are a community-driven platform fueled by a passion for uplifting the voices of cosplayers, con-goers, vendors, photographers, and everyone in between. Our heart lies with "the little guy"—the everyday cosplayer whose stories deserve to be heard. We believe in creating a space where everyone can come together to share their experiences and celebrate their love for cosplay.

I'm thrilled to share the journey of how LCC began and how my lifelong love for cosplay and photography led to the creation of this magazine.

A Lifelong Love for Cosplay

I have been cosplaying since I was 10 years old, which means nearly 19 years of diving into this vibrant world of creativity. My parents supported me and my sibling, encouraging cosplay as a creative outlet. We immersed ourselves in the community, attending up to 10 conventions in a single year. Through cosplay, I found a kind of magic—a unique blend of artistry and expression that has stayed with me ever since.

Discovering a Passion for Photography

From a young age, I had an interest in capturing moments, but photography didn't take center stage in my life until 2011. At the age of 15, I picked up a Canon T2i, and it transformed the way I viewed the world. Suddenly, life was a series of fleeting moments waiting to be captured. After making photography a business, I suffered an extreme burn out, abandoning my passion due to being overwhelmed. This was largely due to undiagnosed mental health related issues at the time. However, after a hiatus of nearly eight years, my passion for photography reignited, inspired by Tony Revolori, a Latin American actor from Anaheim, California, who also shares a love for photography. Connecting with him in a small way, reading interviews about his passion for photography, and getting the opportunity to meet Tony in person at Spookala 2024 was incredibly influential in my life, and was a turning point for me to jump back into my long time love.

Rekindling the Spark

When I returned to photography, I reached out to my friend Marci Leigh, a beautiful cosplayer who graciously agreed to model for me. Her support helped me find my flow again, setting the stage for what would become a pivotal moment in my journey.

The Birth of Lights, Camera, Cosplay

My desire to engage more deeply with the cosplay community led me to start cosplayer interviews on my photography Instagram. I was fortunate to connect with some incredible cosplayers, including Angel Rose, who would become a significant figure in my life. Just days before Tekko 2024, I connected with Angel, and we met briefly at the convention. That meeting sparked a new wave of inspiration.

Returning from Tekko, I brainstormed ways to uplift the community, make people feel special, and give them a voice. The idea was initially loose, aimed at creating blog posts or website features. When LX_FENIX, another talented individual I met at Tekko, expressed excitement and support for the idea, it fueled my desire to turn it into something bigger. From that spark, Lights, Camera, Cosplay was born—a magazine dedicated to celebrating the community and the art of cosplay.

Though the idea was good, I knew I couldn't do it alone. Despite having just met Angel, there was an undeniable synergy between us. I recognized in Angel someone who shared my passion for cosplay and had the drive and vision to help spearhead this new project. It was a leap of faith, but I asked Angel to be my business partner. The decision felt natural, as though we were both destined to bring this magazine to life together.

Challenges and Triumphs

Launching our first edition, Lights, Camera, Cosplay: Take One, was not without its challenges. Navigating the logistics of creating a magazine was a learning curve, and our launch day was rocky. I was on a cruise ship in Mexico, dealing with internet issues and time constraints, which led to a delayed launch. Despite the hiccups, our community's understanding and support were overwhelming. It was a testament to the strength and kindness of the cosplay community.

When the magazine finally launched, just days before Halloween, it was a proud moment. In a few short months, we had turned our passion into a tangible product, and the response was heartwarming.

Looking Ahead

As we move forward, our focus remains on the community. We have exciting plans, including organizing cosplay socials to bring Pittsburgh's local cosplayers together for fun-filled events. We aim to attend conventions and set up booths to connect with more people. The possibilities are endless, and we are excited to see where this journey takes us.

Lights, Camera, Cosplay is more than just a magazine; it's a reflection of my heart and soul. For me, it's never work when you love what you do. Every story shared, every photo captured, and every connection made fuels my passion for this incredible community. It's a joy to wake up each day knowing I get to be part of something so meaningful and uplifting.

To our readers and the wider cosplay community, I encourage you to continue doing what you love. Share your stories, create with passion, and uplift one another. Be the vibrant, talented, and passionate individuals that make this community so special. Together, we can continue to celebrate the art of cosplay and the incredible people behind it.

We couldn't have achieved any of this without the incredible support of our community. Thank you for being part of this adventure and for sharing your stories with us. We look forward to continuing this journey together, celebrating the art and magic of cosplay.