Her wicked grin hovered just above the charged barrel of The Righteous Bison Particle Smasher. Finger on the trigger. Fully powered.
Liz was having a blast with my steampunk ray gun—a Dr. Grordbort original—and fully channeling its sci-fi sass.
This week, I’m raising a toast to the incredible women cosplayers from last weekend’s Calgary Comics and Entertainment Expo.
Calgary boudoir photography can go beyond the glamour and the seductive, it can dabble in expressive costumes and role playing. The choices are bold, wild, and often hilarious.
You can go to the extreme edge as a blackly clad, gas-masked mad scientist in the lab. A little terrifying.
Or with a simple leather mask become ominous and unsettling, like Tiffany here. Some characters bring a touch of eerie intensity.
But most—are playfully fun. All are a type of escape expression.
Leigh borrowed an authentic sword and helmet for her session. She added her topless corset as a counter point. She loved the contradiction of wearing that while brandishing a medieval sword. Leigh could not help giggling between takes. It was joyfully ridiculous—and she loved every second of it.
Cosplay boudoir photography or nude photography does not have to be taken seriously, it is a chance to loosen up.
So, why do women love costumes so much?
Part of it is playacting, stepping into someone bigger, stronger, or sexier. Some outfits reflect personal fantasies or roleplay favorites. In my studio, I see it all. Once the costume is on, they’re no longer self-conscious—it’s as if something takes over. Power. Confidence. Freedom.
We’ve photographed everything from angel wings and chainmail bikinis to warrior queens and body-painted superheroes. The chainmail bikini? Handmade by a local artist in trade for a session. Originally crafted for Chandra, whose athletic frame carried it like a legend. When others wear it, we tweak the fit—and the magic remains.
Tara brought her own sword—real steel, real edge. “I always feel powerful with a blade in my hand,” she said. And it showed.
Jenn, often angelic, wanted to flip the script—posing as an angry god with our studio wings.
One long-legged beauty rocked a full body-painted hero costume, ray gun in hand, proudly showing her open-heart surgery scar. A warrior of a different kind.
And yes, The Righteous Bison is a real thing, with its own wild legend from a retro-futuristic steampunk universe. It’s non-lethal, but the impact? Fierce.
Adrienne made full use of a mermaid tail we had in-studio—thanks to Tracie’s incredible handmade designs. I created a full fantasy series around them. Digital waves, magical reflections, and a hint of mischief.
And let’s not forget the medieval damsels and Roman warriors. Our castle ruins set was made for them.
There’s a unique delight in seeing yourself as a character you’ve dreamed up. It’s playful. It’s powerful. It’s freeing.
If there’s a character you’re itching to become, let’s make it happen. Costumes encouraged!