On the first day of the National Day holiday, my destination was set directly for the IJOY Anime Convention at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. Coinciding with its 30th edition milestone celebration, the convention was far larger than expected, bustling with huge crowds. I heard many heavyweight guests were attending: renowned voice actors like Zhao Lu, Zheng Xi, and Shi Zekun, familiar voices such as Hua Ling, Lin Su, and Qiu Qiu, alongside celebrated authors and comic artists like Wangya, Suta, Yi Kai, and Rui Si. For many attendees, coming to the convention isn't just about shopping, but also about bumping into their favorite creators and posing for photos with fellow fans.
For this shoot, I chose an idol stage-outfit style featuring bright yellow paired with black elements. High black twin-tails paired with signature bright yellow bows created an eye-catching visual impact. Since the overall outfit color scheme was vibrant, I deliberately styled the makeup with warm-toned eyeshadow—an orange base blended with brown—to complement the garments without letting facial features wash out. I also carefully styled the wispy side strands of the wig with wax so they wouldn't create messy reflections under flash photography.
To achieve better results, the photographer set up a moody, dark-toned indoor studio environment featuring a black backdrop, a soft white plush mat on the floor, and plenty of dry ice for a rolling smoke effect. Sitting on the mat, I naturally stretched out my legs, allowing the mist to drift around the hem of my skirt and the edges of my black tights outfit. Enhanced by the smoke, the low-key lighting gently softened the contours of my legs and silhouette. The photographer continuously adjusted the speedlight angles to highlight the textures of the stage costume and the atmospheric lighting. Reviewing the shots on-site, I was amazed by how the swirling mist elongated body proportions and brought out an authentic stage presence.
The overall convention photography vibe was wonderful. Although Beijing was packed during the holiday and long queues formed outside the convention center, the crowd management inside was quite smooth. The number of cosplayers across various genres was massive, and everyone was super polite about making way and taking pictures together. Occasionally, curious passersby unfamiliar with anime conventions would stop to ask questions upon seeing elaborately dressed cosplayers, which added a fun and endearing touch of interaction.
Of course, exploring the National Day anime festival is a test of stamina. Walking around multiple halls in this outfit made my feet ache, but the fatigue instantly melted away the moment I saw the satisfying photos. Ultimately, creative and passionate ACG gatherings like this get livelier every year. At this Anime convention cosplay event, whether it's cosplayers in high heels or photographers lugging heavy gear, everyone finds their own creative outlet. I truly treasure every chance to participate and hope everyone can feel this unique ACG joy on-site.