Introducing Stefanie Candelario: Spotlight Feature in CanvasRebel Magazine

A few weeks ago, we had the opportunity to engage in a conversation with the talented and insightful Stefanie Candelario, and we’re excited to share our discussion below.

Stefanie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences with us today. Let’s delve into your mission – can you elaborate on the origin of the mission that propels your brand?

I’m a freelance Cosplay Photographer, capturing portraits of individuals portraying their beloved characters from comics, anime/manga, or television. I derive great pleasure from witnessing people’s joy and how they embrace their true selves, often sharing how the character they embody resonates with them positively. My aim is to diligently preserve those moments for individuals who wish to treasure those life experiences.

I’ve had a passion for Photography for most of my life. As a child, I often asked my dad to showcase slideshows of the photos he had taken. High School served as a foundation for my photography journey, as I enrolled in an elective black-and-white photography class. One day, a former student of my teacher visited us, sharing her experience of majoring in photography and her aspirations to enter the industry. This inspired me to explore the possibility of studying it further. With that motivation, I applied to colleges offering photography programs. During my time in college, I became part of a publication known as “Serpentine/Artifacts” Magazine, where select students received press passes to attend events like New York Comic Con and other art and literature conventions. My inaugural year at NYCC was in 2009, where I connected with college friends and met others who shared similar interests. I’ve always been intrigued by anything pertaining to superheroes, and various imports from Japan that were accessible in the States, yet I seldom encountered many individuals who enjoyed them. It often felt as if I had to conceal my interests. This led me to gradually consider ways to express my passion through photography. Until 2019, my visits to NYCC were as a spectator, capturing random shots of cosplayers. Some attendees noticed their images on my camera’s preview screen and expressed their delight, asking if I could share them. When events resumed in 2021 after the COVID-19 lockdown, I embraced the opportunity to fully immerse myself. I established an Instagram photography account, collected individuals’ information, and began sharing images while tagging them for visibility on my profile. A unique advantage I have is being among the few female photographers in the cosplay realm. Regrettably, some male photographers in the cosplay scene often take photos purely for their own enjoyment and do not share them. I’ve frequently heard accounts of female cosplayers feeling uncomfortable in situations where a male photographer requests something they find inappropriate. Those I collaborate with should consider it a secure space, free from judgement for whichever character they choose to cosplay and should feel accepted and respected. I take pride in fostering an environment that unites individuals and highlights the joy and uniqueness of cosplaying. In September 2024, I organized my first photoshoot, assembling a group of cosplayers, many of whom had never met before, and they instantly bonded. The shoot featured characters from an Anime/Manga Series titled “My Hero Academia,” which I coordinated and planned post the release of the final chapter in August 2024. I aimed to acknowledge the conclusion of the series through this project. Within just an hour of gathering, everyone intertwined and connected as if they had been friends for ages. Remarkably, two of the cosplayers began dating shortly after the shoot due to the intense connection they felt and shared numerous common interests during the session. Every time I reflect on that shoot, I’m filled with awe, and it reinforces my love for cosplay photography. This experience has also inspired me to broaden my photography endeavors, including working at Japan Society, a Non-Profit Organization dedicated toJapanese events and cultural programs, film, and art classes. I have captured moments at events featuring prominent figures from Japan, including Jake Adelstein, the journalist who inspired the HBO Max series “Tokyo Vice,” and media director Ishii Gakuryu, recognized for his works “The Box Man” and “August In The Water.”

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We’d love to learn about the journey of how you cultivated your social media following?

I promoted myself and my social media profiles by engaging in conversations at as many gatherings and conventions as I could attend. Several cosplayers and photographers arrange informal meet-ups where they can come together to produce as much content as possible outside of a convention setting. Positive word circulates quickly if you are favorably regarded in the community.

We’d love to know how you maintain contact with clients.

During photoshoots, individuals often share their stories about how they became interested in cosplay and what motivated them to represent each character. I frequently inquire about what other cosplays they aspire to create next. They share their thoughts, and I encourage them to pursue those ideas. I also enjoy motivating individuals to express more creativity through their cosplays as it showcases their enthusiasm and effort. My goal is to ensure that I capture every moment flawlessly. If they aren’t satisfied with a particular shot or its editing, I always offer the opportunity to either reshoot or re-edit an image at no additional cost because my priority is their happiness and satisfaction with the final photos.

Contact Information:

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Photo Attribution

Personal image by Jonathan Lee
Behind the Scenes images from Maria Moran (grassy image), Klar Posadas (train), and Joseph Depaola (rooftop)