[Cheshire Cosplay] Azur Lane's Red & White New Year: Live New Year Greeting

Choosing to shoot this New Year themed work was mainly an attempt to blend traditional festive elements with 2D character styling traits. This red-and-white gown is very ingenious in structure: the top features a modified cheongsam standing collar, where the halter neckline beautifully flatters the contours of the neck and shoulders. The spliced black patterned lace and gold piping across the chest create visual depth, keeping the large expanse of pure red from looking plain. The layered white long plush shawl was exceptionally practical in the air-conditioned convention hall; its plush texture is thick and substantial, achieving high tonal harmony with the white shorts and White garter stockings on the lower body.

For the headpiece, I chose an asymmetrical styling concept: on the right side is an exaggerated ornament built upon white ruffles stacked with large red flowers, which not only elevates the visual height of the styling but also adds dynamic charm when paired with the short grey-purple wig with cyan-blue highlights. In terms of props, I specifically brought a white lace folding fan—the openwork filigree texture of the fan surface nicely adorned the side of my face during close-ups while also elongating lens depth. Another prop, the red scroll emblazoned with "Gong Xi Fa Cai," served as the finishing touch of the entire styling. Holding it while sitting cross-legged on a circular white plush rug, with several red envelopes scattered on the ground around me, immediately brought the New Year atmosphere to life.

The shooting environment was in the photography area of a large indoor anime expo, where many black fill light stands and softboxes were visible around us, some stands even bearing red brand logos. Although people were bustling past and equipment was scattered around, this authentic Convention photography setting actually lent the photos a vibrant, lively breath. The photographer's lighting was spot-on: the key light came in from the front-side, making the subtle jacquard weave on the red cheongsam fabric flicker gently while silhouetting the White garter stockings and white high heels. Leg lines were elongated in standing poses, while in over-the-shoulder turning angles, the negative space across the back and the translucency of the lace were framed just right.

To complement these diverse props, I experimented with several different poses. For instance, when standing with the fan, I needed to control the distance between the fan and my face, as well as the height of raising my hand above my head. In seated shots, the key was presenting the scroll squarely in the center of the frame while maintaining the elegant extension of legs and skirt hem, letting the white rug serve as a contrasting base. The high color saturation of the entire outfit ensured that even blurred silhouettes of crowds and gear in the background wouldn't steal the spotlight.

For makeup, I went for a slightly tipsy, enhanced flush effect: applying peach-pink blush over a wider area, paired with bright blue-and-grey mixed contact lenses, making my eyes sparkle under the venue's mercury vapor lights. This set did not rely heavily on post-processing filters, preserving the distinct cool-white texture of indoor convention lighting to keep the frame clean and authentic. The red-and-white color-blocking combined with these New Year props allowed me to be quickly captured by fellow fans' lenses amidst the complex convention setting. Every shoot is a fresh trial—from recreating costume details to perfecting poses and expressions, repeated micro-adjustments are essential. What this photoset presents is not merely a character image, but my interpretation of the New Year atmosphere within that unique expo vibe, merging anime aesthetics with traditional auspicious blessings into a truly meaningful Convention photography experience.