[Ellen Joe cosplay] Zenless Zone Zero Squad Gathering: Shark Maid Convention Photos Record

Teaming up with Koleda on-site at this anime convention was truly a blast. As we two Zenless Zone Zero characters walked through the exhibition hall, numerous photographers and passing attendees were checking out our outfits. Speaking of this look, what impressed me most was the massive weapon prop in my hands. To hold it steady and strike appealing poses, I had practiced arm strength and leverage several times before shooting—after all, holding the entire prop carried substantial weight, and keeping it tilted at the right angle for visual impact made my shoulders quite sore. Besides the prop, the black-and-white ruffled maid dress had many design details. The lace trimmings at the collar and cuffs were meticulously crafted; paired with Black stockings cosplay and high heels, walking across the slick marble flooring of the hall required poise and careful balance to avoid slipping.

During shooting, photographer Xiaoxiao was exceptionally professional, knowing exactly how to utilize natural light and the expansive space of the main hall for composition. Because foot traffic was huge at the convention, we found a corner with relatively favorable lighting, leveraging the lively, slightly surreal convention ambiance combined with the gear in our hands—the final shots truly captured that poised, battle-ready tension on the eve of combat. My wig was also meticulously styled, with the layering of the bangs and hair ends translating very well before the camera.

The hair and makeup for Koleda cosplay were also fantastic—the red and orange twin tails were striking, creating a wonderful color contrast next to my monochrome look, and the actions captured in both shots of the collage were remarkably natural. Many passing players actively approached us for photos, and some even came over specifically to ask where our props were custom-made. Lighting around the booths was complex, so we adjusted our positioning several times to capture optimal lighting effects. Fortunately, in the two Convention photos we selected, one featured tight composition while the other had us slightly spaced apart, displaying the weapons and body language even more dynamically.

Appearing at the venue in this outfit was a truly delightful experience. Wearing the attire of a character I adore at an anime convention and hanging out with a like-minded partner is a unique way to unwind. Even though organizing garments, props, and styling takes immense time, seeing the final photos makes all the effort deeply rewarding. These photos did not undergo heavy retouching—I personally prefer Convention photos that preserve authentic scenes and raw lighting textures. This genuine convention atmosphere, combined with the crowd in the background, breathes vibrant life into the character rather than the static feel of a studio shoot. All in all, it was a complete and fulfilling convention experience, and I was thrilled to team up with Koleda for this Zenless Zone Zero squad.