Two years ago, for my first cosplay, I decisively chose this blue-and-white maid outfit from Touhou Project. At the time, as a male cosplayer, facing a dress with maid outfit cosplay elements made me feel both excited and nervous. Looking back at these old photos today, I noticed that just like the comments mentioned, my eyes looked surprisingly fierce back then—probably my way of trying to mask the raw awkwardness and anxiety of my first cosplay.
Recalling the prep work from back then, even though there are plenty of flaws in the details when viewed now, it was genuinely diligent for a first try. I trimmed the silver-white wig myself, struggling with the braids for a long time before getting them somewhat neat. The outfit was custom-tailored; the dark blue vest had subtle jacquard patterns, and I later added the green bowtie and gem ornament at the collar myself, even pairing it with a belt to get a better silhouette. The props were several miniature daggers that felt solid in hand, becoming crucial interactive elements throughout the set. The shoot itself was quite rushed, set in a quick corner right next to the anime convention venue, where the photographer set up lights and immediately started shooting. The glowing number 3 in the background and the scattered photography gear beside it now feel like a nostalgic piece of anime convention memory.
I remember it very clearly: to capture the character's aloof demeanor, I selected light blue contact lenses. Since male facial features tend to be sharper and harder to align with a female character's softness, I used a sharp gaze to compensate. That choice unintentionally resulted in the \"fierce gaze\" characteristic of these photos, which feels like a happy accident in hindsight. Two years ago, I knew very little about lenses, lighting, or posing; much of the final look relied on editing. The wig edges were a bit rough, and my walking posture carried a stiffness. Yet looking back now, it is precisely these imperfections that document a novice cosplayer's original passion and courage.
Speaking of which, the Touhou Project series has accompanied me for many years. Whether listening to the music, playing the games, or diving into the complex lore and character relationships, it has always been something I find genuinely engaging. Choosing a character from this series for my first cosplay felt like a sincere fulfillment of my passion. That phrase in the post, \"Touhou for life,\" might read like a joke, but it reflects how many fans truly feel deep down. Passion like this doesn't fade with time; instead, revisiting these old photos brings back that vivid memory of wanting to do a great cosplay years ago. Looking at these photos today, I appreciate the sense of focus that genuine enthusiasm brings, understanding why so many first-time cosplays hold such strong emotional resonance despite unpolished technique.
Besides, occasionally reflecting on one's growth is a delightful process. From initially not knowing how to secure a wig to now being able to grasp various character outfit styles; from staring blankly into the camera to naturally communicating with photographers—this journey spans far more than just a year or two; it represents continuous leaps of courageous trial and experience. That's all for today's post—rather than showing off a finished work, it serves as a personal log of my journey in the fandom. Moving forward, I will surely continue to cosplay my favorite Touhou Project characters and overcome any difficulties along the way, because the thrill of that initial attempt is truly priceless. Looking at these old photos today, seeing my stiffer yet resolutely determined self, brings a deep sense of quiet gratification. Reminiscing over these details is not just a look back, but a gentle reminder to stay true to where it all began.