Character: Judge Dredd
Cosplayer: Dylan Wech
Assistant: Kendall Bailey
Location: South Bank - Brisbane - Australia

I don't often get to photograph cosplayers even though I know heaps of them. My job at Supanova Pop Culture Expo generally prevents me from doing more than a quick snap in the halls. While these shots are fine, I much prefer doing something less in the moment and more planned.

So that is what we did. I organised to met Dylan on the Sunday after the Brisbane 2013 event to photograph his Judge Dredd cosplay. I proposed a basic idea a few weeks before and when the time arrived to do the shoot, the clouds came in and it rained.

Not to undone, we grabbed a coffee, had a chat and waited till it eased off. The results below are partially from the original idea and some improv due to the weather.

I started with a headshot. Trying to get that icon look that Dredd has in the comics.

This shot is more in keeping with the original idea, but instead of the atmosphere being based around the cityscape, I chose to use the rain as a motif and move it into movie poster stylisation.

Thirdly if you follow my Roller Derby photos, you will by now know my love for stark black and white, I couldn't help myself.

Because I was always wanting more of a torso shot than a full body I told Dylan not to worry about the lower part of the costume. That was a mistake and I kicked myself as the rain gave me new ideas that required the full costume.

Not to outdone. Dylan stripped off his trousers and stood in the street for what I am calling "The Lost Scene" of the latest movie. I am not sure if Karl Urban remembers filming it... but now we have proof!

Lastly I must give a lot of thanks to Kendall Bailey for being my assistant and holding up strobes and generally being fun.

Second I must thank Dylan for being a sport and jumping in the rain (have you seeing Dredd Singing in the Rain?) .

Make sure that you go and follow Dylan's cosplay page at: The.Archetype.Project