Larpers Index
The ogres, shamans, and warriors of live action role playing.
Boris Leist
Boris Leist01Every weekend in countries around the world, adult men and women don elaborate costumes, adopt assumed identities, and meet up to enact fantastical scenes set in alternate realities. This isn’t mere cosplay, though—it’s live action role-playing (LARP).
Boris Leist02Although some still consider it a fringe activity, LARPing has exploded in popularity over the past decade, with chapters springing up from Minneapolis to Moscow—and German photographer Boris Leist has documented some of the world’s most dedicated LARPers.
Boris Leist03Leist was first introduced to the activity while shooting a Renaissance fair in Norway, where he met a LARPer so dedicated that he had enrolled in a welding class to learn how to make his body armor.
Boris Leist04Leist was impressed by the quality of the man’s costume was, and decided to learn more; he began attending events around Germany, where LARPing is particularly popular.
Boris Leist05Many of the participants were wary, having been burned by journalists who were only interested in mocking them—but Leist earned their trust by joining in. (He dressed as a monk named Boris the Reader.)
Boris Leist06The portraits Leist captured, around 160 of which will be published in book form later this year, show LARPers fully inhabiting their alternate identities, with lovingly crafted costumes and carefully chosen accessories.
Boris Leist07Leist tried to portray the players with dignity and seriousness—to depict them the way they saw themselves, including captions that only use their LARP name, not their "real identity."
Boris Leist08Although some mock LARPers, seeing them as people who refuse to grow up, Leist applauds their artistry and devotion to their craft. "These are people creating things in their free time, and not for money,” he says. “They’re living out their creativity."
