Cosplay Photography Spotlight: Bunny Tuan's "Breathe 5/5" Exhibition

Bunny's exhibition "Breath 5/5" took place at a small gallery located at 668 Post Street where her photos were nestled on the many shelves among various paintings and art. Bunny has been a photographer for over ten years and has refined her skills to a very high degree. Her work has a cinematic quality to it that stands out on a world-class level with multiple awards including a second place finish in Dengeki Bunko's crossing void cosplay Photography Contest and the honor of being the official photographer for Angelic Pretty's 8th Anniversary Party. Most recently she was granted the Lighting and Visual Effect Award in BCY's 8th Cosplay and Visual Art Competition.  Her work has been published both online and in print and she has even served as a photography judge on more than a few occasions.

We sat down with Bunny and gained some insight into how she got started and her thoughts about her art.

T-ONO: How did you start your journey in photography?

Bunny Tuan: I was lucky enough to be born in a family of artists and I think that’s what gave me my artistic sense. I love anime and its characters but felt it wasn’t enough to just stand in front of the camera; I wanted to be behind it too. Occasionally friends would ask me to be the photographer for their shoots. I was excited to begin telling the story in my own language through the camera.

That’s how my journey began.

T-ONO:What drew you to cosplay photography in particular?

BT: I love drawing and watching anime and eventually found cosplay. While I love cosplaying and standing in front of the camera I love directing the story behind the camera even more.

T-ONO: What other forms of photography do you enjoy?

BT: Besides cosplay photography I also enjoy fashion photography. I’ve taken a lot of photos of lolita fashion.

T-ONO: What are a couple of the most memorable moments in your career?

BT: Every time I’ve done something I previously thought was impossible has been memorable. For example, this solo photography exhibition. I still can’t believe it’s come true. I was also invited by a well-known lolita brand to be the official photographer for their anniversary. At that moment I felt that all of my efforts had been worthwhile.

Of course I still have other dreams on my list. I hope I can make them happen soon.

T-ONO: Who do you count among your photographic inspirations?

BT: 35ryo. We’ve been friends for a long time. She’s not someone who inspires me in the traditional sense but we share photography, travelling, and aesthetic experiences. She works very hard. She’s like an invisible force that keeps pushing me forward.

Mint, a Japanese photographer who has a unique concept for characters. It’s not her style that appeals to me but she has creative ideas that differ from most other cosplay photography. Her work inspires me to think more about my own.

There are too many excellent photographers on my list and each has their own unique vision. Some are good at film cosplay photography and others are good on a combination of design and photography. Everyone has their own strengths.

T-ONO: Your exhibition is titled "Breathe 5/5." What is the significance of that name?

BT: All the characters from my photography are alive to the point you can feel and hear their breathing. They are not pieces of paper or wood. I stand halfway between two worlds and record their lives. As for 5/5, it’s simply the date of the exhibition ☺

T-ONO: In your description for Breathe 5/5 you mention styles and vantages. What do you consider trademarks of your style?

BT: I want to call it “documentary cosplay photography.” What I record is the space in which the character is located and not the space of the audience. The reader is given a true sensory experience to believe that this character exists through the perfect interaction between character and environment

T-ONO: What is something visitors should keep an eye out for when looking at your photos?

BT: Use your feelings instead of focusing on the photographic detail, skill, color, or composition. My work can give you a sensory experience of joy and sorrow. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the work. I did a lot of thinking about the decoration, set up, and atmosphere of the venue environment. The exhibition is an experience.

T-ONO: Do you have a message for the community at large?

BT: Photography is an exciting and happy thing and I believe I will continue for a very long time. At the same time it is also a difficult thing. I hope to have more positive self confidence in showing myself. I wish the same for everyone who loves photography.

Bunny had a final thing to say: she loves it when people are able to come together no matter where it might be. Too often do people in the community only meet at conventions and events (I've been mistaken for living in Southern California since people mainly saw me at conventions) and not enough in everyday life. I saw lots of familiar faces from the Northern California community stop by in the short time I was able to attend the exhibition and it was great to catch up with them.

I'm a photographer and I'm not ashamed to admit that Bunny's cosplay work far outstrips my own. Her work digs deep and helps really show the soul of characters beyond that of simple glamour shots. Her work tells stories and incorporates the character's essence in a way that makes you think that you are seeing the manifestation of the characters themselves.

Her body of work exhibited ranged from famous series like Type-Moon's Fate and Ghibli's Mononoke Hime to more recent ones like Hypnosis Mic and Houseki no Kuni.  Bunny was kind enough to share a few photos with us so take a look!  She had plenty more on display at the gallery and it was a treat to see all of it.  

Thanks again to Bunny for sparing a few minutes out of her day!