Witness the Resurgence:

A truly remarkable cosplay photo does far more than record a costume—it tells a story, captures an atmosphere, and translates months of hard craftsmanship into a single, cinematic frame.

Meet Anthony Henchey, the creative force behind Massachusetts and Rhode Island-based Resurge Photography.

With seven years of photography under his belt—including four dedicated specifically to the cosplay community—Anthony brings a unique dual perspective to every shoot. As a cosplayer himself, he understands the sweat, engineering, and passion built into every seam, prop, and armor plate. For our September COZ Captures segment, we sat down with Anthony to discuss building trust behind the lens, mastering natural light, and the movie-magic moment that defined his photographic journey.

Every photographer has a single image that changes everything. For Anthony, that defining moment occurred outside FAN EXPO Boston during an spontaneous, impromptu shoot with a friend dressed as DC’s Red Hood.

"The way the shot came out made it feel like it was right on the set of a legitimate film or fan movie," Anthony recalls. "It was crazy, because that quick photoshoot really locked in my desire to specialize in cosplay photography."

That cinematic drive shapes his approach to editing as well. Rather than heavy digital overhauls, Anthony focuses post-processing around making the cosplayer's hard work pop while maintaining consistent, dramatic tones.

When photographing intricate costumes, capturing texture—from weathered leather to metallic paint—requires deliberate lighting strategies. Anthony relies heavily on natural light during daytime shoots, transitioning at night to portable multi-light setups positioned carefully to create compositional depth, clean shadows, and stark focal points.

However, Anthony stresses that technical gear and lighting mean nothing without the core foundation of a great photoshoot: trust.

"Trust, honesty, and respect—those three words are essential," Anthony emphasizes. "If a cosplayer doesn't feel like they can trust you, it won't work. They should be able to feel completely comfortable with a photographer who is genuinely honest, respectful, and trustworthy."

To help nervous builders find their character in front of the lens, Anthony starts with open conversation and a relaxed pace. "I ask how they envision the shot. Then I just tell them, 'Don't stress it—take deep breaths and have fun with it.' Once we get a few photos in, we lock in."

"Study how others have done it, utilize the elements that catch your attention, and bring them forth into your own unique style."

For standard portrait photographers looking to transition into the fast-paced, high-concept world of cosplay photography, Anthony offers straightforward advice:

• Study the Lore: "Watch how experienced creators shoot different genres. Notice how angles, lighting, and focal lengths change depending on whether you're shooting a gritty anti-hero or a bright anime character."

• Lens Selection Matters: "Know your gear. Choosing the right lens and angle for a subject dramatically alters how heroic or imposing a costume looks."

• Build Relationships: "Focus on making real friendships in the community. Bringing genuine joy to the people you work with is the most rewarding part of the craft."

Great photography relies on strong community ties. Anthony wants to give a special shout-out to three fellow creators and friends who inspire his journey:

• nycosplayer (Instagram)

• rlh_arw (Instagram)

• 1twentyonephotography (Instagram)