Kisau Photography

At OZ COMIC-CON, the individuals I photographed for The Melbourne Portraits Project weren’t just playing roles, they were bringing characters to life, merging their personal identities with the personas they portray. Each glance, each stance tells a story, blurring the line between the person and the character they’ve chosen to embody. These portraits, captured in natural light against a simple black curtain, reveal the deep connection between the cosplayers and the characters they’ve transformed into.

Cosplay can be a powerful form of self-expression and identity exploration. Each costume becomes a vehicle for discovering and celebrating hidden facets of identity. The lines between reality and fantasy blur, allowing strengths, vulnerabilities, and dreams to come forward. In these images, the fierce determination of warriors, the quiet strength of mysterious figures, and the whimsy of fantastical beings all come to life. Stepping into a character allows for boldness and transformation, offering inspiration to explore new dimensions of who we are.

This chapter, Fantasy Meets Identity, invites you to see cosplay in a new light. Not just as a celebration of characters but as a profound exploration of creativity and self-expression. These moments, captured in natural light, offer a glimpse into the passion and artistry that fuel every transformation.

About The Melbourne Portraits Project

The Melbourne Portraits Project: A Photographic Ode invites you to see Melbourne in a new light. Through a series of photoshoots scattered across the city’s streets, alleys, and hidden spots, Paul Tocatlian captures the creative pulse of Melbourne and the people who make it thrive. This book celebrates a community that inspires creativity and encourages everyone to dream bigger. Accompanying this photo book is a companion website that offers additional insights, including articles like this one, further exploring Melbourne’s inspiring spirit and the collaborative energy behind each portrait.

Photos That Didn’t Make The Cut

We know you’re wondering about the photos that didn’t make it into the book! We’ll be adding a curated mix here over time, so keep checking back for more hidden gems. Stay tuned!

Phoebe Riss Sets the Stage for This Chapter

“When fantasy and reality blend,

we discover parts of ourselves

we never knew existed.”

Phoebe Riss

Phoebe Riss, the first cosplayer I had the opportunity to meet, perfectly embodies the theme of this chapter. We initially connected through Instagram over a friendly competition: who could discover more UooUoo sculptures scattered across Melbourne? These whimsical creatures, a blend of wombat and dugong designs, were each uniquely painted by local artists. We shared photos of our finds in our Instagram chats, bonding over the vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Who won? Phoebe, by a narrow margin. Her prize: a miniature UooUoo figurine, which, she tells me, still sits in its original box. Mine lives on my nightstand, a small dreamcatcher of Australian creativity.

Our paths crossed in person for the first time during the Le Petit Palais photoshoot for Chapter 11. Phoebe assisted behind the scenes with her characteristic enthusiasm and creativity. We met again at OZ COMIC-CON, where she featured a striking, entirely handmade costume, complete with a meticulously crafted mask designed to fit her perfectly. That same costume graces the pages of this book, a testament to her incredible artistry.

In December 2024, I reunited with Phoebe over some delicious Korean food in Melbourne. She surprised me with a handmade leather pouch crafted from imported Italian leather, showcasing her talent and attention to detail. Her gift and creativity reflect the heart of this chapter: how cosplay merges imagination with personal identity.

Cosplay allows individuals to step into roles that both reflect and challenge their everyday selves. As Phoebe’s quote highlights, this blending of fantasy and reality unlocks new aspects of self-discovery. Each costume and persona becomes a journey, a story, and a celebration of identity.

Beyond the Mask: The Art of Cosplay

Cosplay is more than wearing a costume. It’s an extension of the person behind it. At OZ COMIC-CON in Melbourne, I found an empty booth with black curtains and natural light, creating a simple setup that allowed me to focus entirely on the cosplayers and their transformations. The results were extraordinary: a visual celebration of identity, artistry, and creativity.

Each portrait tells its own story. There’s a raw emotion in the way cosplayers inhabit their characters, blending their personal histories with the narratives they bring to life. One cosplayer, dressed as a warrior, exuded fierce determination, her posture and gaze embodying strength and resilience. Another, cloaked in ethereal red lace, captured an air of mystery and elegance, her expression quietly commanding attention. Each costume reflects not only the character but also the person’s unique interpretation, adding layers of depth and emotion.

These portraits highlight the artistry behind every costume. From intricate masks to detailed armor, the craftsmanship speaks to the dedication and passion of each individual. But more than that, these images capture the essence of identity. Cosplay offers a way to explore and express hidden aspects of oneself, whether through the boldness of a superhero, the whimsy of a fantastical creature, or the quiet strength of a mysterious figure.

For me as a photographer, the simplicity of the setup allowed for a deeper connection with each subject. The natural light and black backdrop stripped away distractions, letting the characters and the people behind them shine. Cosplay is a celebration of imagination, identity, and the power of transformation, and I’m honored to have captured these moments.

This chapter, Fantasy Meets Identity, is a tribute to the cosplayers who bring their dreams to life. Through these images, I hope to inspire others to see cosplay as more than just a hobby. It’s a journey of self-expression, creativity, and discovery.

Join the Conversation!

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below to connect with us and others exploring The Melbourne Portraits Project. Got a question about the stories behind the photos? Curious about the creative process? Or maybe you’ve got a story of your own to share? Whatever’s on your mind, let’s chat! Your thoughts and stories make this journey even richer. Jump in, join the conversation, and let’s keep the inspiration rolling!

© Paul Tocatlian. All Rights Reserved.

The Melbourne Portraits Project