Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Peter Voland. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Peter, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I want to leave behind a legacy of impact through creation. I hope people say I brought beauty, truth, and raw humanity into the world, whether through the stories I wrote, the photos I captured, or the people I stood up for. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t chase attention but chased meaning. Someone who used his creativity to give others a voice, to reveal something real in a world that often hides behind filters and façades.

I hope people say I saw them, really saw them, whether it was through my lens or in conversation. That I made them feel something. That I left things a little better, a little more vivid, a little more honest than I found them.

And if nothing else, I hope they remember that I cared. That even in a world on fire, I still believed in light, and I tried to share it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Peter Voland, a freelance photographer and videographer with a deep passion for storytelling through visuals, especially in the cosplay and content creation space. My work is rooted in connection. I don’t just take photos. I try to capture something real, something felt. Whether it’s a cinematic reel, a moody portrait, or a high-energy cosplay shoot, I aim to create work that makes people stop scrolling and feel something.

I got into this world through a mix of passion and love. Creativity has always been my outlet, a way to push back against the noise, the routine, and honestly, some dark chapters of my life. Photography started as a hobby, but quickly became the one thing that made sense when nothing else did. Over time, it evolved into a full-on side hustle where I now help other creators, small businesses, and artists tell their stories and connect with their audiences through bold, eye-catching visual content.

I specialize in cinematic photography and video production for social media. Think reels, promo content, cosplay shoots, and brand storytelling. I work with both individuals and businesses, helping them elevate their presence online by making them look and feel like who they are, not just who they think they’re supposed to be.

What sets me apart is that I truly care, about the craft, the people, and the message. I take the time to understand my clients and collaborators, to figure out what makes them unique, and I bring that out through lighting, mood, movement, and tone. It’s not just a service. It’s an experience. I want people to walk away not just with a set of files, but with something that reflects their essence.

What I’m most proud of is the trust people place in me, especially in the cosplay and creative communities. It means everything to me when someone says, “You made me feel seen,” or “I’ve never felt this confident on camera before.” That’s the win. That’s the legacy.

If you’re looking for someone who will hype you up, push you to shine, and deliver high-quality visuals that make your brand or story unforgettable, I’m your guy. This is more than a job for me. It’s what I love, and I pour everything I’ve got into it.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started building my audience on social media pretty organically. I was just a con goer with a camera, taking photos because I loved it. I wasn’t trying to build a brand or chase numbers at first. I just genuinely enjoyed capturing the creativity and energy of the cosplay community. Over time, I started networking in person at conventions, meeting people, passing out cards, and just showing up consistently. That face-to-face connection really helped build trust and relationships. I’ve grown to 3K followers in a span of about 2 years and that wasn’t easy.

Social media, especially Instagram, has been a harder nut to crack. Cosplay and cosplay photography are super saturated on there, and the algorithm doesn’t really prioritize that kind of content unless you’re already huge or pay to boost. So I had to pivot. I started putting more of me into my content, showing my personality, being real and not fake, sharing the process and the passion behind what I do. Once I started being more genuine and less curated, people connected with it more.

I also stopped comparing myself to others and started looking at other creatives for inspiration instead of competition. That mindset shift changed everything for me. It helped me focus on growing in my own style and voice, rather than chasing trends or trying to be someone I’m not.

I do boosts from time to time, and honestly, those have been some of the most successful in terms of reach, which kind of sucks because it means you have to pay Instagram just to be seen. But it’s part of the game. What’s worked best for me overall is a mix of things: in-person networking at cons, collaborating with cosplayers who already have larger followings, and just staying active and authentic with my content.

For anyone starting out, my advice would be to not try to be someone you’re not. Be consistent, be kind, and show up. Get out to cons, connect with people in real life, and don’t be afraid to share your personality online. Your vibe will attract your tribe, and people notice when it’s real.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I think what helped me build a reputation in this space is a mix of heart, personality, and just being really connected to the community I work with. I’m very caring and considerate when I shoot. I want people to feel seen, comfortable, and proud of how they look. I don’t treat shoots like transactions. I treat them like collaborations, and I really try to make it an experience people enjoy and remember.

I’m also just a big kid at heart. I have a fun sense of humor, I’m always down to laugh and be goofy, and I think that energy puts people at ease. It’s easier to open up when you’re having a good time, and that always shows in the final photos and videos.

What really sets me apart, though, is my passion and preparation. I also have an incredible ability to just wing it. Sometimes the plan just doesn’t work or plan A,B, and C fall apart and you have to adapt which I feel like I do tremendously well. I come in with a plan, with intention, and with genuine excitement for the concept. I care deeply about the craft and about delivering work that makes my clients proud to share it.

And I’m a nerd too. Like, full-on. I understand the cosplay community because I’m part of it. I even cosplay myself from time to time, so I know what it’s like to be on both sides of the lens. That helps me connect with people in a more authentic way. I get the work that goes into the costume, the character, the details. I’m not just capturing it, I’m appreciating it.

All of that together is what I think helped build my name in this space. I care. I show up. I make it fun. And I’m part of the world I’m shooting. That makes a difference.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.peterlikesphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peterlikesphotography
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@peterlikesphotography
• Other: https://linktr.ee/peterlikesphotography
  https://www.twitch.tv/peterlikesphotography

Image Credits

The instagram accounts for the photos are below. I have also included their names in the file name.

_masks_up_
britnithecat
dev.end.cos
diana.prince.diaries
lilmoonnn
ncspiidey
strawberry_eros
toxiekat