Submitted my application to attend as a Guangzhou CICF comic convention independent attendee right before the deadline. This time, I prepared several completely distinct cosplay looks, aiming to capture moments across both indoor and outdoor settings around the expo. The most tedious was that Tactical style cosplay look—combining a red cloak with black leather harness straps, gearing up was immensely time-consuming, and fastening all the buckles and clasps alone was practically impossible. The prop gun had noticeable heft; holding it up for long periods made my arms ache, but that cold, commanding aura in the final shots made it well worth it. The animal ears and hairclips on the headpiece required constant readjustment to ensure ideal camera angles. On the day we shot the ruins style portrait, the set was packed with vintage CRT TVs and tangled cables under moody, cold blue ambient lighting. A white slip dress created sharp contrast against the industrial background; for the composition, I curled up hugging my knees among the electronics, keeping my gaze blank and detached to capture the right mood. The shoot location was stuffy and warm, and shooting in such a dense setting was truly physically draining.
The sets for Dreamy style cosplay demanded extra care in hair and makeup. For the blue-and-white flower sea look, the outfit featured abundant sheer tulle and lace. To complement the blue hair texture, I chose blue colored contacts for eye makeup, layered with bright highlighter. For the shots by the piano, the backless dress required plenty of fashion tape; light fell gently across my shoulders and back, creating a very soft ambiance. The blue-and-white mini dress with wings featured crisscross straps along the legs, which, paired with high heels, elongated visual leg proportions, keeping the whole look light and airy. The most relaxing was the summer outdoor shoot—donning a straw hat, plaid shirt, and denim shorts while sitting on an inflatable swim ring. The afternoon sun was ample, and without complicated lighting gear, natural daylight yielded great straight-out-of-camera results, though the asphalt was a bit hot on the feet! The final look was an exotic fantasy style: orange twin braids paired with elf ears, holding a mechanical arm prop packed with intricate details, while the wig underwent complex braiding for airy volume. Preparing for this independent attendee trip meant endless makeup tests and prop tweaks, all in hopes of smooth photo releases during the expo.
Because spots for independent attendees are limited at the convention, I was quite anxious when submitting my application. The fabrics across these outfits vary drastically: tulle snags easily, while leather requires regular oil conditioning. Every outdoor shoot means hauling massive bags filled not just with garments, but also touch-up makeup kits and spare stockings. To get into character quickly on-site, I practiced the gazes and body language of several characters in front of a mirror in advance. A comic convention isn't just about displaying costumes; it's also a test of teamwork with photographers and logistics crew. Now that the props and wigs are all prepped and sorted, all that's left is meeting up with friends at the venue on opening day!