Cosplayer Feature: Heine Props and Photography

Khris Bacho, of Heine Props and Photography, is an East Coast-based cosplayer and tokusatsu fan who shows his love for tokusatsu in many different ways.

What got you interested in cosplay?

I went to AnimeNext in 2008, my first convention ever, and fell in love with the idea that I could dress up as my favorite character. I totally weebed out and bought a vest from Naruto!

When and how did you discover tokusatsu?

As a kid growing up, I’ve always enjoyed watching Ultraman, Kamen Rider Black and Kamen Rider Black RX, Space Sheriff Shaider/Uchu Keiji Shaider, and Bioman.

Can you walk us through your process of creating a cosplay?

It’s 50% planning, 40% work, and 10% panic! Honestly, I tend to plan out what materials I would need, and what my budget would be. Then I see if there’s already a pepakura file for it (when it involves armor), then modify it for foam. Foam is the easiest and cheapest material to work with, and it would last at least a couple of conventions. After that, I make sure I have enough space to work in and get cracking.

If you could cosplay any character, who would it be?

Uchuu Keiji Shaider

What is your favorite tokusatsu series and why?

It’s always gonna be Kamen Rider Black, because of the storytelling and how cool the suit is. It’s so simple, yet it really sticks out in my head.

What’s the funniest experience you’ve had while cosplaying?

Probably the countless times I’ve been called a Power Ranger while dressed as Kamen Rider Wizard.

What advice would you give to yourself when you first started?

Don’t go over your budget. Sometimes it’s hard to balance it, especially when you definitely need to prioritize your bills.

Where can we find your work?
Either on Instagram or on my Facebook page. I still cosplay, though I mostly do photography and fitness posts these days.

Do you have any cosplays you’re currently working on that you’d like to share?

Hi-mi-tsu~. It’s a secret! But I’d like to get cracking on a Shaider cosplay soon!

Thank you to Heine Props and Photography for taking the time to talk to us. They recently showed off their photography skills as the head photographer at Katsucon for the 2018 Tokusatsu Photoshoot. Check out their pages mentioned above if you are interested in any of their services.