Cosplay, Togs And All Things Nerdy

Cosplay, Togs And All Things Nerdy

Cosplay, Togs & All Things Nerdy, the ultimate podcast for fans of cosplay, photography, and everything nerdy! Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer, an aspiring photographer, a pop culture enthusiast, or someone curious about diving into the world of conventions, this podcast is your perfect companion. We also cover a wide range of topics, including the latest trends in cosplay, tips and tricks, and discussions on popular films and TV shows. We also talk about important topics like mental health, consent, and safety at conventions and photoshoots, providing valuable insights and support.

  1. EP 21 - Picvetia That's A Wrap

    May 25

    EP 21 - Picvetia That's A Wrap

    Picvetia 2026 was more than just a cosplay photography event — it was a full creative challenge across Switzerland, packed with stunning locations, travel planning, shoot logistics, collaboration, self-doubt, teamwork, and some seriously inspiring cosplay photography. In this episode of Cosplay, Togs & All Things Nerdy, we sit down for a full Picvetia debrief from a UK photographer’s point of view. We talk about getting accepted, travelling abroad for a European photocon, planning shoots, scouting locations, working with cosplayers and assistants, managing pressure, using natural light and creative lighting, editing after the event, and what we would do differently next time. A useful listen for cosplay photographers, cosplayers, assistants, and anyone thinking about applying for Picvetia or another European photo-focused cosplay event. Guests: James - jrecosplayphotography - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/jrecosplayphotography/ Michael - michaelwlach. cosplaytog - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/michaelwlach.cosplaytog/ Hosts: Darren - iPhotoUK - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/iphotouk/ Tom - Switch Photography - Insta: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/switch_8.9/⁠⁠ Podcast Socials: LinkTree: ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share⁠ COSPLAYER CREDITS Cosplayers who worked with Michael Wlach Photography: cylliaenez - Insta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cylliaenez/⁠ monochrome.marionette - Insta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/monochrome.marionette/ ⁠hitsugi_cosplay - Insta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/hitsugi_cosplay/⁠ lady.angie - Insta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lady.angie/⁠ layrena_ - Insta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/layrena_/ ⁠lady.lunaria - Insta: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/lady.lunaria/⁠ bumblebee.t - Insta: ⁠h⁠phy⁠ttps://www.instagram.com/bumble.bee.t/⁠ tammylestrange - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tammy.lestrange/ narya_cosplay - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/narya_cosplay/ i.am.lidu - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/i.am.lidu/ Cosplayers who worked with James / JRE Cosplay Photography: keyuricosplay - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/keyuricosplay/ kuro_chu - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kuro_chu/ its_antartide - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/its_antartide/ renee.phantomhive - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/renee.phantomhive/ kujakuhime - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/kujakuhime/ lady.angie - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/lady.angie/ _witchling_ - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/_witchling_/ sunni.cos - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sunni.cos/ marie_scarletto - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/marie_scarletto/ elmo_cos - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/elmo_cos/ tammy.lestrange - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/tammy.lestrange/ _.silverdragon._ - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/_.silverdragon._/ Cosplayers who worked with Darren / iPhotoUK: narya_cosplay - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/narya_cosplay/ bumble.bee.t - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/bumble.bee.t/ keyuricosplay - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/keyuricosplay/ sunni.cos - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/sunni.cos/ junrengenohana - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/junrengenohana/ cylliaenez - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/cylliaenez/ giulee - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/giulee/ SPECIAL THANK YOU A massive thank you to the Picvetia team for creating such an incredible event and community experience.Special thanks to: Picvetia - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/picvetia/ Giulee - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/giulee/ Rromai_lee - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/romai_lee/ Ailyta - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ailyta/ Picvetia Website: https://picvetiaevent.ch/en/home/ And a massive thank you to the rest of the Picvetia organisers, volunteers, cosplayers, photographers, videographers and assistants who helped make the event such a special creative experience.

    3h 35m
  2. EP 19 - Cosplay Togs & All Things Picvetia

    Feb 9

    EP 19 - Cosplay Togs & All Things Picvetia

    Picvetia is one of Switzerland’s most exciting cosplay photography events and in this episode, we go behind the scenes on what it really takes to plan it: applications, selection, locations, logistics, and building a supportive community. 🎙️ In this episode, the Picvetia team shares: • How Picvetia started and how it’s grown • What makes a strong application/portfolio (cosplayers + photographers) • How selection works (quality, variety, skills — not just social following) • The hidden workload: scouting, pressure, rejections, timelines • Why locations matter so much — and how to use them creatively • Tips for beginners: posing, make-up, networking, persistence 📍 Destination spotlight (for travel + cosplay enthusiasts)Picvetia 2026: Locarno–Bellinzona Region, Switzerland (10–11–12 April) Official Website: https://www.ilvolta.com/en/ Official info + rules: https://picvetiaevent.ch/en/home/ Rules + selection criteria: https://picvetiaevent.ch/en/rules/ Applications page: https://picvetiaevent.ch/en/application/ 🔥 If you’re applying: What’s the ONE thing you struggle with most — posing, make-up, portfolio curation, editing, or confidence? Drop it in the comments and we’ll reply with tips. Guests: • Giulee Cosplayer — Cosplayer & Community Manager, Picvetia (Switzerland) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giulee/ • RomaiLee — Photographer & Cosplayer, President/Founder of Picvetia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romai_lee/ • Ailyta - Cosplayer & Picvetia Team Menber Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ailyta/ Hosts: Darren - iPhotoUK - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/iphotouk/ Tom - Switch Photography - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/switch_8.9/ Podcast Socials: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy?utm_source=linktree_profile_sharesid=adde6ee7-75be-4b74-a829-fb406f933f8c

    2h 37m
  3. EP 18.5 - Lets Talk about Nexus 13.

    Jan 20 ·  Bonus

    EP 18.5 - Lets Talk about Nexus 13.

    🔥 Nexus 13. What it is. Why we’re building it. And why it’s bigger than just cosplay. In this episode, Tom (Switch) and Darren (iPhotoUK) break down the vision behind **Nexus 13** — a new creative events + education brand built for **all areas of photography**, not just the cosplay scene. Yes, cosplay will be a big part of what we do. But Nexus 13 is designed to support creators across the board, including: • cosplay and character work• portraits and modelling • boudoir and tasteful NSFW (18+ only, consent-first, professional standards) • workshops, training days, and skill-building sessions • themed events that help you create stronger work with better structure • future plans like trips away, bigger experiences, and wider collaborations Our goal is simple: create a space where photographers, models, cosplayers, and creators can level up, meet like-minded people, and make work they’re genuinely proud of. Less pressure. More intention. Better environments to create. What we cover: • What Nexus 13 is (and what it isn’t) • Why we’re building it and what problem it solves • The kinds of events we want to run (themes, workshops, training days, meetups) • How we keep it safe, respectful, and creator-focused • Who it’s for, and how we want people to collaborate • What’s coming in 2026 and beyond 👇 Question for you: What kind of event would you actually pay to attend? A themed shoot day, a workshop, a training day, a retreat/trip away, or something else? Hosts: • Darren — iPhotoUK — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iphotouk/ • Tom — Switch Photography — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch_8.9/ Nexus 13: • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_nexus.13/ • Website: coming in the first half of 2026 • Discord community: launching in the first half of 2026 Podcast Socials: • LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy?utm_source=linktree_profile_sharesid=adde6ee7-75be-4b74-a829-fb406f933f8c

    25 min
  4. EP 18 - Let's Start The Year A Little Nerdy

    Jan 19

    EP 18 - Let's Start The Year A Little Nerdy

    🎧 New year, new episode. No guests this time. Just us having a proper nerd catch-up. Tom (Switch) and Darren (iPhotoUK) chat through what we’ve been watching and what we’re hyped for next, then get into the big pop-culture debates: are sequels and remakes taking over, what still feels fresh, and what we actually want from films and TV going into 2026. This episode covers: • Films we’ve been watching and talking about, including The Running Man, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Predator: Badlands, and more• 2026 hype like Avengers: Doomsday and Supergirl • TV deep-dives: Stranger Things, Fallout, The Witcher, and Star Trek (Discovery + Strange New Worlds) • One of Tom/Switch’s standout shows recently: MobLand • Gaming chat, delays, and what we’re watching in the industry • Photography gear talk: lenses, lighting, and why certain setups just work • Nexus 13: our new venture focused on themed cosplay events and workshops built around story-led photography, community, and a safe space to create. Themes we’re planning include Arcane and Cyberpunk, with additional themes to follow. 👇 Question for you: What are you MOST hyped for in 2026 (film, series, or game)? And what theme would you want to see from Nexus 13? Links: • First Glass Designs: https://firstglassdesigns.co.uk/ Hosts: • Darren — iPhotoUK — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iphotouk/ • Tom — Switch Photography — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch_8.9/ Podcast Socials: • LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy?utm_source=linktree_profile_sharesid=adde6ee7-75be-4b74-a829-fb406f933f8c

    3h 38m
  5. EP 17 - 2025 Round Up & MCM London and Birmingham Thoughts

    12/22/2025

    EP 17 - 2025 Round Up & MCM London and Birmingham Thoughts

    🎙️ LAST EPISODE OF 2025 — and we’re going out with a proper year-end roundup. In this episode of Cosplay, Togs & All Things Nerdy, we’re joined by cosplayer Dan Kaermorhen and photographer Tom Clicks 83 to break down what 2025 looked like for the cosplay + convention scene — the good, the chaotic, and the “why is this suddenly so expensive?!”. We dive into how MCM has changed over the years (layout, flow, vibe), why the gaming side feels like it’s fading into the background, and the real-world headache photographers deal with when security and rules change depending on who’s working that day. If you’ve ever had a “you can’t shoot here” moment… yeah, we talk about that. Then we get into the BIG one: cost. Hotels, travel, tickets — everything is climbing, and it’s changing how people choose events. We chat about why smaller cons and alternative events are becoming more appealing, and why, for most of us, the social side is still the main reason we keep showing up. We also get real about burnout. The pressure to attend everything. The pressure to create nonstop. The pressure to say yes to every shoot. We talk about why it’s okay to say no, why quality beats quantity, and why dedicated “out of con” shoots can be way more satisfying than rushing around a con floor. To wrap it up, we look ahead to 2026 — what we’re planning, what we’re skipping, and how we’re trying to bring the fun back into creativity. 👇 Drop a comment: What was YOUR best con moment of 2025 — and what do you want from cons in 2026? Guests: • Dan Kaermorhen (Cosplayer) — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaermorhen.cos/ • Tom Clicks 83 (Photographer) — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clicks__83/ Hosts: • Darren — iPhotoUK — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iphotouk/ • Tom — Switch Photography — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/switch_8.9/ Podcast Socials: • LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy?utm_source=linktree_profile_share 📺 More episodes: youtube.com/@CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy 🎧 Audio on Spotify: search “Cosplay, Togs & All Things Nerdy”

    2h 36m
  6. EP 16 - Worlds Collide: European Photo Cons

    10/20/2025

    EP 16 - Worlds Collide: European Photo Cons

    European Photocons are booming — but how do they actually work? In this episode, we sit down with organisers and community leads from Focus Cosplay (France) and Picvetia (Switzerland) to unpack costs vs UK cons, application criteria, location scouting, crew/assistants, scheduling, cancellations, and how to get the most from a photocon weekend. Guests: • Chouchou — Cosplayer & President/Founder of Focus Cosplay (France) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chouchougeekart/ • Giulee Cosplayer — Cosplayer & Community Manager, Picvetia (Switzerland) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giulee/ • RomaiLee — Photographer & Cosplayer, President/Founder of Picvetia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romai_lee/ • Valentin (Valentin Pictures) — French Cosplay Photographer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valentinpictures/ Website: https://valentinpictures.com/ Photo Con Website & Socials: Focus Cosplay Website: https://focuscosplay.fr/en/ Focus Cosplay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/focus_cosplay/ PicVetia Website: https://picvetiaevent.ch/en/home/ PicVetia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picvetia/ il.Volta Website: https://www.ilvolta.com/en/ il.Volta Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/il.volta/ PixelMania Webiste: https://pixelmania.ovh/ PixelMania Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixelmaniaevent/ Secret Con Website: https://secretcon.co.uk/ Secret Con Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretcon.co.uk/ Hosts: Darren - iPhotoUK - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/iphotouk/ Tom - Switch Photography - Insta: https://www.instagram.com/switch_8.9/ Podcast Socials: LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy?utm_source=linktree_profile_sharesid=adde6ee7-75be-4b74-a829-fb406f933f8c What you’ll learn: • How Focus Cosplay & Picvetia recruit, review, and select applicants • What makes European Photocons different from UK conventions (pace, access, cost) • Real-world cost breakdowns and why EU events can be cheaper to attend • Location scouting tactics (travel time, geography, weather, permits) • Why assistants matter (efficiency, safety, comms, gear wrangling) • Handling cancellations, reshuffles, and maximising your time on site • Tools & workflows (yes, Google Sheets can save your weekend) • How to prepare a strong application (diversity, quality, collaboration mindset) Chapters: 00:00 — Intro: What is a Photocon? 04:05 — Photocon format vs UK comic cons 07:45 — Focus Cosplay: origin, growth, how it runs 12:06 — Picvetia: the Swiss perspective (rotating regions) 16:32 — Costs: UK vs Europe 21:04 — Applications: selection & quality/diversity 25:19 — Assistants: roles, etiquette, impact 43:24 — Getting the most value from a photocon 49:55 — Commitment & reliability in applications 56:49 — Cancellations: problems → opportunities 01:01:51 — Communication that keeps shoots on track 01:07:01 — Event reflections & lessons learned 01:12:17 — Planning & organising shoots (tools/process) 01:18:41 — Assistants (deep dive): safety, logistics, speed 01:26:24 — Photographer experiences on the ground 01:33:33 — Scheduling to avoid burnout 01:43:08 — Locations & logistics (travel time matters) 01:48:14 — Geography: picking the right spot 01:59:09 — The economics of running a photocon 02:05:52 — The future of European Photocons If you enjoyed this, hit Subscribe and drop your questions below — we’ll pull the best ones for a future Q&A on how to prep your portfolio, find assistants, and plan a two-day photocon like a pro. 📺 Binge more episodes: youtube.com/@CosplayTogsAndAllThingsNerdy 🎧 Audio version on Spotify/feeds: search “Cosplay, Togs & All Things Nerdy”

    2h 42m

About

Cosplay, Togs & All Things Nerdy, the ultimate podcast for fans of cosplay, photography, and everything nerdy! Whether you're a seasoned cosplayer, an aspiring photographer, a pop culture enthusiast, or someone curious about diving into the world of conventions, this podcast is your perfect companion. We also cover a wide range of topics, including the latest trends in cosplay, tips and tricks, and discussions on popular films and TV shows. We also talk about important topics like mental health, consent, and safety at conventions and photoshoots, providing valuable insights and support.