"Mmh, you're the one who woke me up, right? Well then, starting today, you're my darling!"
Carrying this iconic line, I headed to the Guangzhou CPSP anime convention. These three days were actually packed with a tight schedule, but since I had long decided to cosplay Cheshire Cat from Azur Lane at the venue, I carefully checked every single accessory the night before to ensure our cosplay convention photos would turn out seamlessly.
Let's start with the outfit styling. The dress features a vibrant red modernized Qipao design with white fabric patchwork along the collar, creating an unexpectedly flattering silhouette when worn. Golden Chinese frog buttons and intricate embroidery adorn the chest, adding exquisite visual craftsmanship. The fluffy white shawl is one of the soulful centerpieces of this look—it adds a sense of presence while staying true to the character's fluffy, soft, and adorable charm. For the headwear, blooming red flowers on either side paired with my short grey wig with teal-tinted tips looked exceptionally radiant under the sunlight.
For the lower half, I specifically paired white lace stockings with garter straps and pure red pointed-toe high heels. To be honest, walking along outdoor paved paths in high heels was quite a test of balance, but to capture the character's tsundere yet playful demeanor, this small challenge was entirely worth it. The red heels resonated with the dress, while the white stockings softened the intensity of the red—a red-and-white color harmony I always love using for photoshoots.
We picked two main spots for this outdoor shoot. The first was a massive glass curtain wall outside the venue, where the strong, modern glass reflections made it easy to capture crystal-clear, bright shots—ideal for showing off the full-body outfit. The second setup was beside a nearby stone railing; the rugged stone texture combined with the softer background greenery, bathed in warm afternoon light, created a much richer ambiance.
My collaborating photographer, "Cheshire Cat," was fantastic at candid timing. For standing poses, I slightly lifted one leg with my torso angled subtly toward the lens to showcase the dress's high-slit cut while displaying leg lines and the white stockings; when leaning against the railing, I leaned forward to present a relaxed, intimate, and direct gaze. Because this outfit demands graceful posture extensions, constantly switching poses was physically tiring, but seeing the raw shots made every second worth it.
Heading back inside the venue after the outdoor shoot, though feeling exhausted, the buzzing energy of the Guangzhou CPSP anime convention instantly revived me. The hall was filled with passionate fellow fans, all sharing their love for different characters. Every time someone recognized my costume and gave compliments, that sense of fulfillment was a unique joy only found in offline cosplay events.
Many fellow cosplayers often worry about wardrobe malfunctions or awkward skirt drapes when wearing high-slit dresses. In reality, as long as you coordinate camera angles with your photographer beforehand and incorporate natural small gestures—like lightly tugging a garter strap or adjusting the shawl—you can effortlessly bring the shot to life.
That wraps up the on-site report and thoughts from this Guangzhou CPSP anime convention shoot! Leaving behind satisfying cosplay convention photos after every outdoor session is always a wonderful memory. I look forward to exploring more characters and capturing unique convention photos at future events.