While neverending is right, cosplay is different from LARP (Live Action Role Play), I really appreciate your interest in my photo, Sculpt.
The main goal of cosplaying is to recreate the outfit of a character. The character can be from film, television, anime, video games, literature, etc. and the cosplayer can choose either to copy the character's outfit as accurately as possible or interpret the character according to the cosplayer's preference.
For this particular cosplay, I've chosen to do the latter. I decided to merge two different characters from different fandoms, namely Merida from the Disney movie "Brave" and Katniss Everdeen from the "Hunger Games" series. Since both Merida and Katniss are archers, I thought it would be fun to try to create a look that pays homage to them both. For example, my hair is red like Merida's, but styled in the braid Katniss wore in the movie. The dress was a mass-produced item that I heavily altered and is blue like Katniss's Reaping dress, but medieval in style, like Merida might wear. The ruana I am wearing I designed as a sort of compromise between Merida's cloak and Katniss's hunting cowl and is fastened with a Mockingjay pin. The arrows were also handmade by me, along with the belt. The bow was purchased online, although I finished it myself and added the leather grip.
Like neverending mentioned, some cosplayers pay professional photographers to take pictures of them in their costumes. Since I'm on a budget, my Dad took this picture of me in our local park.
Anyway, I'm glad I could introduce you to the world of cosplay in all its geeky glory.
I'm currently working on a femme Loki cosplay, so I'll try to post some pics when it's finished.