Prepping for this Zenless Zone Zero Ellen Joe cosplay shoot took considerable effort beforehand. The crisp white shirt, black pleated skirt, and leather belt created an overall silhouette that elongated and flattered body proportions wonderfully. To stay true to the Shark girl aesthetic, the Black tights outfit combined with chunky platform loafers were essential, lending striking visual tension to the leg contours before the lens. The wig was a shoulder-length bob with richly tiered reddish-pink gradient highlights along the tips; the black-and-white cross and wavy clips on the bangs were adjusted repeatedly so every angle—profile and frontal—captured crisp character details. The makeup utilized broad red-toned eyeshadow blending paired with bold red lips to underscore her signature icy, subtly dangerous edge.
The most prominent prop on set was that glossy shark tail, which carried noticeable weight. Its high-gloss patent finish easily threw off blown-out highlights under intense studio lighting, requiring constant coordination with the photographer to recalibrate angles and dodge glare. The lollipop proved to be a versatile interactive prop, allowing me to explore nonchalant postures like perching cross-legged on a transparent inflatable couch or leaning forward with the stick between my teeth. Wardrobe details were equally crucial: the white shirt needed a structured weave with just enough fluid drape so it tucked neatly into the skirt without bunching. Subtle puff detailing at the cuffs softened the tailored sharpness with a hint of cuteness. The pleated skirt's crisp structure was ironed multiple times beforehand to preserve its stiff flare, while the white hemline trim created a clean graphic pop against the deep black fabric.
The shoot was split between outdoor and indoor setups. Outdoors featured gravel ground dressed with folding camping chairs and warm yellow LED light strips, setting a moody nocturnal ambiance. Walking on loose gravel in platform shoes demanded extreme caution to anchor my center of gravity while keeping facial expressions relaxed. The indoor setup was an industrial glass enclosure featuring a clear inflatable sofa, oversized fist installations, smoke machines, and neon yellow light tubes, evoking a gritty, dystopian cyberpunk edge. For the shot reclining across the transparent couch with legs crossed, looking effortless actually required continuous core engagement. Handling the shark tail also went through numerous variations—from dangling it casually with one hand to slinging it over my shoulder to maximize its silhouette.
Pose design balanced restraint with kinetic tension. In the seated shot holding the tail with one hand, keeping the wrist loose while gripping with the fingertips gave the prop palpable visual weight. In another frame tucking hair with the tail tucked under my arm, angling my gaze downward conveyed that signature detached apathy. The lollipop was an absolute lifesaver; holding it between my lips relaxed my facial muscles to prevent stiff expressions. The session stretched long into the night, with touch-ups and wig adjustments consuming significant time. The sheer Black tights outfit flattered the legs gorgeously, but because sheer hosiery snags easily under hot studio lights, every repositioning had to be calculated carefully. Reviewing the raw frames after wrap-up, the haze and yellow ambient lighting matched her world perfectly—chilly, sharp, yet enigmatic. This shoot deepened my connection to Ellen Joe, moving beyond costume replication into capturing her authentic emotional presence. It was an endurance test of stamina and expression control, but seeing the resulting chiaroscuro and textures made every minute worthwhile.