Artesia Daily Press 2010 Roswell UFO Costume Contest Screenshot
I Recently shot the 2010 Roswell UFO Costume Contest. This was my third year shooting the UFO Festival. The costume contest is always the best part for me. I will admit I get a little tired of the ‘paparazzi’ of photogs shooting the event although it is fun to watch how other shooters work. I personally set up a rim light behind the contestants to help them pop off the black backdrop and shot from several different angles. It’s always hard work at events like these. You can’t really control much and you are competing for the best shooting spot with at least five other shooters. I think my rim light did help set me apart from the pack though! I watched a lot of shooters snap portraits of contestants before the event took place but I just didn’t want any part of it. I think I’ve gotten to where I just don’t like canned ‘stand here and smile’ portraits (although there was some excellent window light at the auditorium that made me really want to shoot some portraits). Also, it was kind of chaotic and I just didn’t feel like intruding on the situation. I feel like photography becomes lame when 30 photogs walk up to a person and ask to shoot their portrait. Next year I would like to focus on a single contestant from the moment they get their costume together until the contest is over, I think it would make a great photo essay. Anyway, check out ArtesiaNews.com for the photos!