A group of 200 Filipino photographers held one of the biggest cosplay events in the city recently, to photograph participants dressed up as various manga, anime, comic book, video game and film characters.

Cosplay is short for “costume play,” a type of performance art where participants wear costumes and accessories to represent a specific character or idea. The event was entitled Cosplay Kingdom 2014.

The photographers fall under the Middle East Photographers Association (MEPA), which consists of various clubs including the Camaraderie Photography Club, Shutters Guild, Ultra Media International Foundation (UMIF), SLR, Focus Still & Motion, Red F. Stop, Glimpse, Handmark International and Riyadh Creative Fashion Photography.

The Internet has enabled many cosplayers to create social networks and websites.

Nadzker Lakibul Sahidulla, head of the MEPA marshals, said the aim was for photographers to get together and make friends. His responsibility was to ensure the photographers could move around smoothly and take pictures of the characters.

Gerico Canlapan, MEPA founder and chief executive officer of the camaraderie club, said the gathering brought many photography enthusiasts together, and hoped it would hone their skills.

Sahidulla said that the event included beginners and professional photographers, cosplay fans and hobbyists, models, make-up and hair stylists, and costume artists.

The characters included Lili Rocheport of Tekken, Heishiro Mitsurugi of the Soul fighting game series, Lightning (Claire Farron) of Final Fantasy, and a female knight and mage from Wartune. The event was a gamer’s haven.

Also making an appearance to the delight of many, especially anime buffs, were Kisame Hoshigaki of Naruto and a male version of Erza Scarlet. Disney and Marvel fans had the chance to meet Maleficent and Lady Thor.

The photographers clearly enjoyed themselves as they moved around, their laughter and staccato of shutter clicks ringing in the air.