[Ellen Joe cosplay] Zenless Zone Zero Classroom Candid Shots — Mesmerized by My Own Coolness

The photo shoot was actually quite casual, without any overly forced posing. When I saw the desks and chairs in the classroom, I felt they were perfect for recreating Ellen Joe's everyday school vibe. Candid snapshots often capture more vivid expressions than posed shots, so the moments the shutter clicked happened to capture that cool, detached, yet lazy temperament. Looking at the final photos from the viewfinder, I genuinely felt stunned by how cool I looked.

For this Ellen Joe school uniform cosplay, I really loved the details. The white shirt was chosen with a relatively tailored fit, unbuttoning the top collar button and pairing it with a black choker, instantly bringing out that slightly edgy and cool vibe of the character. The wide black belt with a square buckle around the waist not only cinches the waistline but also forms a classic color contrast with the white shirt. The pleated mini skirt with white stripe detailing along the hem looks very crisp and neat visually.

The sheer black tights on my legs were key to capturing the character's physical presence. Looking at the character designs earlier, I felt that pairing these black tights with platform loafers and a dark pleated skirt gave a strong student uniform feel, while adding an extra layer of Ellen's own rebelliousness and maturity. The texture on the soles of the loafers was captured in the photos too; such details make the overall style more cohesive and grounded. The little shark-tooth plush charm hanging on the school bag was the perfect finishing touch, directly incorporating the little shark motif into the backpack look.

As for the hairstyle, black hair with vibrant red tips is an iconic, highly recognizable feature. To match the character, I trimmed the bangs to just below the eyebrows and added black metal hair clips on both sides, giving the head silhouette a neat and sharp look. The texture of the wig photographed very smoothly, without any heavy or unnatural fake-hair feel.

Regarding props, a red lollipop was perfect for complementing that relaxed candid vibe. Whether holding the lollipop up or having it in my mouth, it perfectly matched her indifferent, casual, yet slightly mischievous personality. The shooting location was simply a pure classroom with white walls, grey desks, and a blue curtain on the right. Without a complex or extravagant background, the simplicity allowed the focus of the shot to rest entirely on the character's posture and outfit details.

During the shoot, I adjusted between several sitting poses. In one photo, I sat cross-legged on the desk with my head tilted, giving a playful feel; in another, I lowered my head slightly looking at the lollipop, appearing more quiet and composed. The one ultimately chosen as the cover features me sitting on the edge of the desk with crossed legs, touching my hair and looking straight into the camera. This pose fully showcases the leg lines and texture of the tights while perfectly capturing that confident aura of being "mesmerized by my own coolness." Without needing overly complicated actions, just a glance and a natural pose can convey the character's personality.

Throughout the preparation and shooting process, recreating the character was a true joy in itself. From trimming the wig and thinning out the bangs, to styling the outfit to better fit the character's silhouette, every detail was an effort to get as close to her true image as possible. Looking back at these candid shots, it is not only a tribute to the original character, but also a form of self-expression. This set of photos completely brings out that undeniable, unique charm of Ellen Joe.