The photos from this NTE offline shoot in Ikebukuro are finally ready! Taking on Canhong cosplay from Neverness to Everness was a massive challenge in terms of styling and makeup, requiring meticulous control over countless details from wig sculpting to costume coordination. For the high ponytail atop the wig, I used generous amounts of pomade and hairspray to preserve its shape, backcombing the inner fibers to add structural support so it wouldn't collapse during a full day traversing the outdoors. The bangs were carefully trimmed and set to prevent looking too flat under harsh light. For eye makeup, to harmonize with the green colored contacts, I deliberately applied reddish blending around the eye sockets to enhance visual depth, paired with slender brows to capture the character's razor-sharp demeanor in this Anime-style photography set.
The costume details are extraordinarily intricate. The black-and-white color-blocked fabric features subtle jacquard patterns, while the golden metallic ornaments and pendants around the neck required specific nylon fishing line to secure so they wouldn't get lost while walking. The thick red rope knot at the waist is not only sizable but also very time-consuming to tie; I deliberately adjusted its angle to complement the cinched waist tailoring, lending three-dimensional definition to the upper body contours. The black fingerless leather gloves required repeated adjustments prior to shooting, and the dark nail lacquer had to harmonize seamlessly with the leather texture to avoid looking jarring in close-up shots.
The pedestrian foot traffic at the Ikebukuro offline event was enormous, so the shooting environment was far from ideal. The sunlight was intense, easily casting harsh facial shadows during outdoor shoots, placing high demands on the photographer's fill lighting. Fortunately, we scouted ingenious angles on that day; the intense natural light actually lent a lustrous sheen to the white texture of the wig and the metallic hardware on the costume. Posing amid crowds requires a solid dose of conviction—surrounded by passersby holding cameras, I had to constantly maintain the character's aloof, cool-headed composure.
Throughout the shoot, because the outfit was relatively heavy with multiple fabric layers, movement was somewhat restricted. To guarantee the quality of every frame, every turn, arm raise, and hand-on-hip pose had to be practiced several times before rolling the shutter, ensuring the red cord and hair accessories didn't fly wildly out of place during movement. On-site, many fellow fans recognized the elements of Neverness to Everness, and some even whispered Canhong's name; hearing that feedback genuinely made me dive even deeper into the role.
Wrapping up, my biggest physical takeaway was soreness in my neck and lower back—after all, this set of accessories and hairstyle carried considerable weight. However, the overall fidelity in the final photos met every expectation. When shooting on location against blinding light and bustling crowds, the makeup artist's prompt touch-ups and hair adjustments played a decisive role. For future outdoor shoots like this, I might add extra anchor points inside the garment lining to minimize the hassle of shifting layers caused by friction while walking.