Shooting this Persona 5 Haru Okumura cosplay took place back during CQ4 at the Xi'an anime convention. To prepare this outfit, extensive groundwork was done beforehand, striving for faithful reproduction from the wig down to the props. Styling the large wavy pink wig was time-consuming, requiring hairspray to set its shape to maintain curl elasticity and natural flow. The feather on the black top hat swayed beautifully in the wind. As for the costume, a white shirt paired with a black vest, combined with pink knickerbockers and ammunition props on the belt, created rich textural depth. During the shoot, we specifically scouted an outdoor venue bathed in radiant halos of light; to coordinate with the shattered glass effects in post-production, the photographer adjusted the camera angle and positioning multiple times.
In executing poses, I experimented with diverse movements. In particular, wearing Black stockings with platform leather shoes and purple gloves created clean, flattering leg lines on camera for this Stockings cosplay look. To match the character's temperament, I needed to project an elegant yet subtly dangerous gaze, maintaining visual tension when looking into the lens. The biggest challenge of this shoot was actually the weather and dense convention foot traffic, requiring patience to scout clean background angles. In post-processing, to enhance that dreamlike feel, fluttering purple glass shards and drifting feathers were added. Because the prop axe/hammer carried noticeable weight, balance was critical while holding it up, requiring careful control of wrist strength to keep poses from looking stiff.
The energy at the Xi'an anime convention CQ4 was extraordinarily vibrant, and completing this photo set in such an environment was a pure joy. The vibe wearing the domino mask versus taking it off felt completely distinct, so we captured comparison sets of both. The pairing of heels and Black stockings flattered my overall proportions, and seeing the highlight rendering in the final shots made all the day's hard work feel well worth it. Regarding shooting details, the buttons on the vest, the shirt's ascot tie, and the snug fit of the gloves all served as refined accents in front of the lens. The Phantom Thief suit design is inherently a marriage of elegance and crisp sharpness; as a cosplay subject, it requires embodying the character's aura while showcasing that signature mystique through posing and composition. This shoot at the Xi'an anime convention left wonderful memories, and the atmospheric depth of the entire set was brought out through glowing halos and close-ups. I hope my state during the shoot and the post-processing faithfully represent the image of Haru Okumura in my heart.