Cosplaying is one of the ways I express my inner geek. Short for "costume play", it involves much more than dressing up in costume. For many, it's a labour of love, involving countless hours to either make their character's outfit from scratch or to track down components that can be modified.
That's only part of the equation. Cosplay also involves becoming your character. That is, learning some of your characters trademark moves, poses and catch phrases so that when you're geeking out at an anime convention or comic con, you are that character.
People actually will chase you down like paparazzi to take your photo:
You can also enter cosplay contests.
Here's a video I found of some fantastic cosplaying at Anime Expo 2013:
Next up: photos of my latest cosplay project.