[Ellen Joe cosplay] Zenless Zone Zero Shark Girl's Lazy Studio Shoot Record

Cosplaying Ellen Joe meant munching through three lollipops in a single day, and these Cosplay convention photos serve as the joyful archive of that convention day. Because the plush, massive tail behind me was so eye-catching, before shooting began I kept repeating, "No touching the tail, touching is not allowed!" to prevent random people from petting it. This time, we rented a studio space at Mengxiang, where the grey-blue concrete floor paired with cool-toned lighting perfectly matched the cool detachment and lazy demeanor of the Shark girl from Zenless Zone Zero.

For styling, I went with the classic combo of a crisp white button-up shirt and a deep blue pleated skirt, with the collar slightly open and the sleeves neatly rolled up to the forearms for a sharp yet comfortable look. The black choker around my neck, adorned with a metallic O-ring, is the very essence of the character's aesthetic. But the most demanding part was definitely the hair: black hair fading into a striking magenta gradient at the tips, paired with the iconic black-and-white striped hairpiece, instantly anchored the visual focus. For eye makeup, I applied soft reddish-pink blending to recreate that cool, effortlessly relaxed gaze. The glossy, chunky-heeled black buckle shoes grounded both standing and sitting poses with a solid sense of weight, complementing this Stocking outfit.

As for the lollipop in hand, though a prop, it fit the theme so naturally that eating it while shooting became a truly immersive experience. Yet the sweetness on the tongue was just a fleeting bonus; what genuinely satisfied me was the final visual impact. The giant plush shark tail behind me was not only enormous in volume, but its textures and patchwork stitching had to be meticulously crafted. When slumping down on the floor, the tail had to curl behind me into a comfortable arc, effortlessly showcasing that nonchalant yet cute vibe.

Of course, the shoot wasn't without its challenges. Beautiful as the tail is, it's very heavy and prone to slipping off at any moment, demanding cautious movement choreography. To achieve natural, casual sitting poses, I had to repeatedly readjust my balance on the cold concrete floor, putting considerable strain on my ankles and lower back. But watching the frames come together on the monitor made all that fatigue vanish. The photographer mounted professional cool-temperature lights on tripods, flawlessly blending the scene's grey-blue chill with the character's icy elegance.

I especially love the hair and makeup styling for this Ellen Joe cosplay—the white top and dark skirt created a clean, sharp visual contrast. The monochrome accent lines and the massive dark tail found a delicate balance within the frame. Sometimes cosplay goes beyond character fidelity; it's about reinterpreting fashion through your own understanding of the lore. The clutter-free concrete floor allowed viewers to focus entirely on facial expressions and garment details. Rather than acting as a model in front of the camera, it felt as though I genuinely tapped into the character's relaxed state of being at that moment. That effortless, unforced authenticity is what I cherish most after cosplaying for years. To sustain this atmosphere, I deliberately slowed down my movements—whether licking the lollipop or casually extending my legs, aiming to land every beat squarely on the character's emotional rhythm.

From choosing the character to wrapping up this set didn't take too long, but plenty of dedication went into these seemingly casual details. For instance, the hair gradient took several rounds of adjustment. And that tail—though often teased on set as a giant body pillow—truly brought the images to life. In the universe of Zenless Zone Zero, Ellen Joe is a truly unique presence; her persona hovering between rebellious swagger and lazy ease speaks right to my heart. So for these Cosplay convention photos, I invested 100% of my energy, hoping everyone who sees them feels that special charm. The lighting and vibe at Mengxiang were fantastic, and the entire shoot was delightful and relaxed.

As a cosplayer who frequently attends conventions, every photo set is a treasured experience. Facing the camera, I strive to pour my love and understanding of the character into every single glance. Whether lying down, sitting sideways, or stretching out my legs in this poised posture, I wanted to reveal the most authentic side. These photos are not just a visual log, but a cherished milestone in my cosplay journey.