[Komi Shoko cosplay] Convention photography studio photoshoot record in a red qipao

What I'm shooting this time is Komi Shoko. To present an atmosphere different from the usual school uniform, I communicated with the photographer for a long time and finally decided to use a red qipao styling for the shoot. The qipao features traditional tailoring with golden floral embroidery on a satin fabric, which has great texture under the lights. The neckline features a Chinese mandarin collar and frog buttons. For the hairstyle, I went with an updo paired with pearl hair accessories, keeping the blunt bangs while leaving very long straight hair strands on both sides, which can well frame the face shape and match the character's quiet traits. I also wore blue contact lenses, which are crucial for changing the overall temperament of the gaze. The makeup maintained a clean base and cool-toned shades.
The shooting took place in a large indoor exhibition hall, which is what we often call the anime convention site or studio photoshoot area. Other photographers and lighting equipment can be seen in the background. In the first photo, I'm holding a number tag with the number 4, which was an identifier for a competition or project at the time. I needed to maintain a standing posture with my hands behind my back, showing a calm and somewhat distant state. This has high requirements for posture: the back must be straight and shoulders relaxed.
The second is a close-up shot. I raised one hand to gently adjust the hair strands by my ear. This action is very subtle; it needs to look natural while carrying a sense of introversion, scrutiny, or uncommunicative aloofness. The core of the character Komi Shoko lies in the uniqueness of body language and eye contact brought by communication disorders. During the shoot, I constantly adjusted the landing point of my gaze, trying to convey an unsaid emotion through the blue pupils.
The photographer guided me to make as few exaggerated expressions as possible and hide all emotions in my eyes. The lighting was very sufficient, and this satin qipao reflects light easily, so the angles took a long time to adjust. Although this styling looks gorgeous, it is actually quite restrictive to wear, and movements cannot be too large, but this also helped me enter that reserved and quiet state.
In terms of action design, besides the full-body front shot holding the number tag, we also tried profile and half-body close-up shots. The slender lines of the qipao formed a contrast with the cold, hard gray floor of the exhibition hall. By utilizing the ambient light of the venue plus our own lighting setup, the red appeared very vivid without being overly dazzling.
Throughout the shooting process, I kept thinking about how to integrate Komi Shoko's introversion into this highly oriental-flavored red qipao. The qipao itself carries a sense of dignity and elegance, which formed a wonderful chemical reaction with the character's own reserve. Every press of the shutter was capturing the moment of this character in a specific context. Although the setting of holding the number tag was required for the event, it also unexpectedly gave the character a reasonable reason to quietly wait and observe, making it easier for me to immerse myself in the character's psychological state.
The whole process went smoothly, and the effect of the finished photos met expectations. The red of the qipao and the cool gray tone of the background formed a good contrast, highlighting the main subject. This attempt to combine traditional attire with an anime character is an interesting exploration. I hope this version of interpretation brings everyone a different visual experience.