That's why I do not shoot when i come to see the events....too many shooters, and I observed that some shooters treat them like free models asking them to pose this and that and not giving them space for privacy when they are resting. They are not like the product promoters at IT fairs nor car models...
Agree with you especially on your last point. It seems like more and more CS event shooters attending such events are treating these cosplayers as "free models" or like the product promoters at IT fairs/car shows. First of all, let me highlight that cosplayers and product promoters are two distinctly different entities...product promoters are paid to do their job, look pretty and to face the cameras etc. but cosplayers are doing it mainly as a hobby. Sure, if you want to snap them, yes by all means, but a shot or two is fine, and don't "hog" them or pester them to do "funny" poses or such. They aren't your personal models at your beck and call. You want profesisonal models to pose to your every whim and fancy, go for the CS paid model shoots.
I would also like to highlight that in general, photographer's etiquettes and code of conduct at such events is gradually going down the drain. Reports of the "ugly" face of photographers rearing its head at such events abound. Taking unauthorised pictures, from "funny" angles (read: indecent angles), not thanking the person after shooting him/her, jumping in w/o permission to shoot, "hogging" or following the person around or pestering him/her for pics etc.
Let me relate one personal experience at such cosplay events. Once I wanted to shoot a cosplayer after asking permission, but this jerk came in, elbowed me, and started snapping away and behaving like he was the ONLY photog around, and he hogged the cosplayer like for 2-3 mins, and only left after I glared at him. Some photogs also did not give the cosplayer any sufficient rest after they pose for a while, especially while holding their heavy weapon props, and continue snapping happily away, and after that just leave without uttering a word of thanks.
I think all photogs should be aware of the general code of conduct and most importantly you must realise how you present yourself to the public and other non photographers in general. Don't make a bad name for all other photographers just because of your irresponsible and selfish acts.:nono:
Who knows one fine day maybe all photographers might be banned from attending such events!