Cosplayer of the Month: Carley Bombshell

I am beyond thrilled to feature the lovely Carley on my blog today! One of the most genuine people, a talented cosplayer, and a superb hype man and photographer. Read her full interview below to learn more about her cosplay AND photography!

Hello! My name is Carley! I am from Edmonton, Alberta & I am she/her!
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How and when did you get into cosplay and photography?
Oh my gosh this is a long story! Here we go...

Years and years ago, my older sister would go to Animethon when I was too young, and she would make really cool costumes! I wasn't really a "photographer" at a young age, but because I was the sibling most interested in her costumes & in taking photos, she had me take photos for her on my little point-and-shoot digital camera! I always thought this was so cool, but of course, as kids do, I kinda forgot about it & never really pursued cosplaying outside of halloweening my favorite characters.

I started doing photography a bit more seriously in high school, then kept up the hobby afterwards but didnt really have any aspirations. When I moved back to Edmonton in adulthood, I met a bunch of local improv actors who put on a live D&D show (YEGDND) and I ended up photographing their Fringe festival promos for them. I absolutely loved it & that launched me back into the world of photography & led to me creating Adoralane Photography. My partner at the time was also involved in the improv show, and with visions of grandeur we decided to make him a super cool costume/ armor for the show. It didn't work out 100% but I enjoyed working with foam & fabric and I decided to make more costumes for myself to wear to the conventions.

Around this time, I started making more friends who were into cosplay, and although I was more of a sloppy hobbyist while they were all very polished & skilled professionals, I was fascinated by the culture of creation & started modeling more cosplays outside of the cons. When COVID hit & I found myself jobless and with lots of free time, I threw myself into it full force & have learned & made SO much since then.

How did you come up with your cosplay name and photography name?
For cosplay, I stole it from Cheryl on Riverdale, when she meets Veronica, she tells her to find her on instagram @cherylbombshell and I thought it was funny and cute so I changed it to Carley Bombshell. It's also a nod to my favorite era of fashion.

For photography, I used the name of my mother's jewelry business she ran when I was younger. My mom was the one who introduced me to photography & she is my role model. I hope to be even a fraction of the woman she is. Her brand was Adoralane Jewelry and I just loved how elegant & romantic Adoralane sounds.

What do you do when you're not in cosplay or geeking out?
Currently unemployed. I watch a lot of Netflix & play video games, too! I also have cats so I guess that's a day job?? I love playing Rockband with my boyfriend, he does guitar and I sing like a goddess. 

What is your proudest cosplay accomplishment?
Probably my Cupid cosplay. Honestly I'm not very good at making something from nothing. I can curate & modify like nobody's business but I struggle to just make something from scratch. For Cupid, I made all of the armor from just a roll of foam & it only took me a few days! I'm really excited to take that knowledge and make more armor and cool things like that! (Pictured at bottom of blog)

What was your favourite photo set you shot?
One of my favorite photo sets I have shot is CherryAmaru's Tifa cosplay surrounded by blossoming trees! We had to prepare the shoot very quickly because the blossoms only look amazing for a few days! As a huge FF fan it was a dream come true to watch her embody one of my favourite characters! And the photos are so soft & beautiful in contrast to Tifa's badass exterior! Just like her. Haha!

Who is your cosplay idol/inspiration?
Obviously CherryAmaru haha! She is such a sweet person & also makes the most beautiful costumes. So I love seeing what she does.

​What is your dream cosplay? Why haven't you made it yet?
I want to do Laughing Octopus from MGS4. Both the beauty & beast form. The beauty would have to be latex & I just haven't found the right latex shop for that yet. And for her octopus beast form.. I don't have the skills yet so I'm waiting hahaha!

Do you have any photo shoot or convention pet peeves?
Photoshoots -- when cosplayers show up unprepared. I can help with posing but I'm not always familiar with the characters so I always appreciate when the cosplayer has at least 2 or 3 poses already practiced and ready to go. Then we can use those to warm up to the improvised segment of the shoot.

Conventions -- when people take photos of me without ever speaking to me. I don't bite, I'd rather you come up and let me pose, than take a photo from 10ft away while I'm midsentence and slouching.

Do you have any horror stories or mistakes you've made that others can learn from?
Don't use spray paint on styrofoam!! Seriously.

Do you have any advice for cosplayers working with photographers?
Like I mentioned above, prepare some poses! Practice your character's faces in the mirror until you are comfortable. Yes, a good photographer will do some prep work, but they probably wont watch the anime or play the game. So their vision is based on the costume alone and wont always match your expectations. If you have something specific that you're looking for, make sure to communicate! And ask to see the photos every once in a while during the shoot. If you don't love the lighting or the angles... say so!! Use your words so your photographer can nail your vision.

Do you have anything else you want to say, or add to this interview?
Get vaccinated yo!

What social platforms can we find you on?
Instagram.com/carleybombshell
facebook.com/carleybombshell

Instagram.com/adoralanephotography

Cupid, Chun Li, Sith photos by Adoralane Photography (self shot); Ciri photo by Renee Robyn Photography; Pennwise photo by RMB Photography

My gosh, what a gem to have in our local community. Please do check her out! She's so wonderful!! Want to be my next cosplay feature?! DM me on any social platform!!