Pyrkon Foto Cosplay, or the new photography contest at this year’s Pyrkon!

5 May 2026

About the Pyrkon Foto Cosplay contest

Do you create photos that showcase more than costume detail, but mostly bring the character to life: convey their personality and story? Is the atmosphere of the world you’re presenting important: be it mood, tension, magic or darkness? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the Pyrkon Foto Cosplay contest is for you!

It is the emotions and narrative that are at the center of attention – because the best photos are those that can transport the viewer to another reality and allow them to immerse themselves in it completely for a moment.

Each participant can submit up to three own photographs – each in a separate form –  presenting a cosplay based on existing characters from movies, games, anime, comic books or musicals. Editing is permitted, but it should enhance the picture, not be its basis.

The contest is open for photographers over 18 years of age from all over Europe, so you can expect an international level of works! The final will take place at Pyrkon, where the best works will be presented in a special exhibition in the Cosplay Zone in Hall 7A.

Submissions are open until May 30, 2026 (Sunday), 11:59 PM!

Remember, there are no restrictions on the number of people in the photo – but each model must agree to participate in the contest!

Pyrkon Photo Cosplay contest awards

It’s a space for photographers and cosplayers alike, who can combine technical skills with artistic vision that captures the audience’s heart. Judging such unique works requires experience and great sensitivity, so this three-persons jury will look over the fair evaluation of the competition:

• Natalia Zahora – a cosplay photographer, for many years involved in the manga and fantasy communities. She began in 2004 as a cosplayer, but over time, she became increasingly interested in photography, and that hobby evolved into taking pictures of other creators. Throughout the years, she was also involved in the fandom: co-organizing manga conventions and judging cosplay and cosplay photography competitions.
• Omaru  – also known as James, is a Filipino photographer and videographer based in Paris, France. Since discovering his passion for photography in 2008, he has dedicated himself to capturing authentic and dynamic visual stories through both photo and video. 
• Pugoffka – a cosplayer and photographer from Ukraine. Her journey with photography began in 2009 and since then she has done thousands of photoshoots. Thanks to her work, she had a chance to travel around the world and take part in over 70 international events as an invited guest.

The jury selects the winners in the following categories:

• „GRAND PRIX”. A prize of 1,000 euros and a statuette made by the sculptor Robert Tomak.
  The best photo of the competition.
• The “Best editing” category A prize of 300 euros.
  A photo that gained artistically in the process of neat, precise editing. 
• The “Framed emotions” category A prize of 300 euros.
  A photograph that reflects emotions in a credible and moving way.
• The “Inobvious” category. A prize of 300 euros.
  The photo is surprising in terms of formal solutions or its subject matter.
• The “Movement and Dynamics” category. A prize of 300 euros.
  A photograph showing an object in motion, in particular the impact of movement on the costume.
• The “Composition” category. A prize of 300 euros.
  A photograph with the best composition.
• The “Spectacular use of light” category. A prize of 300 euros.
  A photo taken with the best use of natural or artificial light, where lighting is a key aspect of the photo.
• The “Portrait/Self-Portrait” category. A prize of 300 euros.
  A portrait photo (including a self-portrait), that is, one presenting an artistic image of a person or group, emphasizing character traits. 

The results will be announced during the Own Character contest, on Friday, in Hall 7A. Winning works will be presented in a special exhibition in the Cosplay Zone. 

If you can capture a moment that transports the viewer to another reality, don’t hesitate. Share your vision with us and let your shared passion for creation guide you.

Photo by Divbor