Framing the Fandom:

If you’ve ever walked the crowded, cavernous halls of the ExCeL London during MCM Comic Con, you know it is a masterclass in controlled chaos. Thousands of brilliant costumes stream past, but translating that vibrant, fleeting energy into a singular, breathtaking image requires a specific kind of eye. It requires someone who doesn't just see the costume, but understands the heart of the maker wearing it.

Enter Olivia Flannery, known across the UK scene by her professional handle, liv4_cosplay.

Olivia brings a unique dual perspective to the lens. With a decade of experience cosplaying herself, she transitioned behind the camera nearly four years ago. That history as a maker allows her to view her subjects not just as models, but as collaborators. To sit down with Olivia is to speak with a visionary who values the creative connection between photographer and subject far above any fancy studio lighting.

"In our mutual friend group, I was always the one who volunteered to take people's photos," Olivia smiles, tracing her artistic roots back to the days of casual phone photography. "After a while, people would start complimenting my photos, which gave me the confidence to invest myself further into the craft."

That organic beginning shaped her entire approach to the medium. Olivia’s "look" isn't manufactured in a heavy post-processing phase or hidden behind layers of artificial digital painting. Instead, she captures the magic right there in the moment.

"A lot of the look is mainly captured on the day with my camera," she reveals. "When I edit, it is primarily to make the colors bolder or to highlight the subject—unless I'm asked by the cosplayer for a specific, stylized edit."

Because she respects the physical labor that goes into these builds, Olivia treats the camera as a magnifying glass for craftsmanship. If a cosplayer has a custom-fabricated prop or a meticulously sewn accessory they want showcased, she intentionally manipulates natural light and shadow to bring those textures to life, ensuring the details aren't lost in the frame.

When asked about the definitive moments that have shaped her portfolio, Olivia points back to May of last year, during an unforgettable hour spent with a group of creators cosplaying Marvel's The Thunderbolts. The team took to the iconic footbridge next to London's ExCeL Building, resulting in one of her favorite shoots to date.

"Although we had some planned poses and ideas, a lot of the shoot was completely spontaneous because the group was just bouncing ideas off each other," Olivia recalls.

Of course, shooting in a bustling public space brings classic British convention challenges. "There were some issues with the wind interfering with the wig hair, and of course, the bridge was open to the general public, so we had to work around people walking in the background. But we all managed to make it work and just have a fun time."

Pushing past her comfort zone is a recurring theme for Olivia. Just a few months later, in October, she tackled her first official night shoot. Stepping away from the safety of natural daylight meant grappling with unfamiliar flash equipment and autofocus issues in the dark. It was a massive learning curve, but one she conquered thanks to the community itself. "I was really lucky to be working with people who were patient, understanding, and willing to help me learn on the fly."

"We're just as excited to work with you! We want to help you show off you and your passions."

For Olivia, a truly great cosplay photograph isn't a dictatorship; it's a mutual conversation. She notes that the absolute most vital element of a successful shoot is a comfortable relationship where both parties feel respected.

"I think to have a relationship where both parties are able to give suggestions or are comfortable to say 'no' to an idea is really important," she explains. "The cosplayer knows their character more than the photographer, but the photographer also knows whether or not certain poses, ideas, or lighting will be attainable. To be able to collaborate comfortably and respectfully is incredibly important."

That humility extends to her own growth as an artist. "Not every idea I have will work," she says candidly. "Sometimes I will have a vision in my head that just won't work out in real life—and that’s completely okay."

As she looks toward the rest of this year and beyond, Olivia is eager to continue chasing location shoots, mastering night photography, and meeting new faces on the convention floor. For those readers who are still a bit nervous about booking their very first professional shoot, she offers a reassuring hand:

"Remember, we're just as excited to work with you! We want to help you show off you and your passions. You are always welcome to bring friends with you to a shoot—they can help bring out your confidence so we can truly capture your best self."

And for standard portrait photographers looking to cross over into the wild world of cosplay? Olivia keeps the advice beautifully simple: "Experiment! It's okay if the photo doesn't come out absolutely amazing right away. Take advantage of TikTok and YouTube tutorials, and just ask other 'togs' for advice. We were all beginners once."

We asked Olivia to highlight three incredible creators and fellow photographers in the community whose work constantly inspires her. Be sure to check out and support these accounts:

• ChroMyth (Find them on Instagram)

• Chelsea - tinypinktog (Find them on Instagram)

• cosplaywithfear (Find them on Instagram)