For this BW convention photo shoot, I selected this full-body shot stepping on a high stool as the cover image. As a cat-attribute shikigami monster in Touhou Project, Chen is interpreted through this intricately layered red dress, gold patterns, and white ruffled cuffs to recreate a refined yet lively, nimble feel. Before shooting, I spent half a day adjusting the headpiece and the giant bow on the chest in front of the mirror, specifically fixing those pink ears on both sides of the hat. The cinched waist and stand collar structure really test one's posture, but fortunately, the fabric has a firm stiffness that holds the upper body silhouette well without sagging, which was my biggest focus when making this Yakumo Chen cosplay costume.
To match the nekomata identity, I chose a barefoot look paired with beaded anklets for the styling. Stepping barefoot on the black high stool, I could feel the wood grain underfoot, and this subtle tactile feedback helped me get into character faster. The pose in the photo—raising an arm and extending a leg—was captured on-site at the BW official photography booth by anime convention photographer Darktone Kid. The venue's overhead lights were bright with crowds moving in the background, so he had me find a center of gravity to pose. Using a high stool as a prop not only extended the lines of the skirt and legs, but the raised arm action also simulated a cat reaching out its paws or preparing to pounce, keeping the frame dynamic.
The ambient lighting inside the Bilibili World hall was quite complex, but the direction of light happened to cast highlights on the skirt edges and the gold woven patterns around the collar. Convention photos aren't always as refined as studio shots, but when the venue lights hit, you truly merge into the convention atmosphere. To hold this pose steady, I had to tighten my core while keeping a stable facial expression without showing strain, which requires significant muscle control from a cosplayer. Luckily, the final photo shows a very natural body extension, with barefoot and anklets adding downward visual continuity at the bottom.
Looking back at the raw shots, the costume is actually quite heavy. The layered ruffles on the skirt pile up in many tiers, requiring me to lift the skirt while moving to avoid stepping on it. From stepping onto the stool to the final photo, I adjusted the direction and folds of the skirt several times to prevent the lower body from appearing bulky. Fortunately, the fabric has a nice drape, and in the photo where I hold the skirt, the red and gold braided belt contrasts beautifully with the thin tulle, capturing the elusive little monster vibe from the original lore.
Cosplaying at an anime convention is hard physical work, especially when fully equipped from headpiece to anklet, but delivering expressive visuals in front of the lens makes all the effort worth it. This Yakumo Chen look blends classical elegance with fantasy while embracing a cat's lighthearted playfulness. During the shoot, I tried to capture that mysterious yet slightly mischievous expression. Working with the photographer was seamless; finding an elevated vantage point amidst the moving crowd yielded impressive visual impact.
Although the convention was crowded and shooting time was limited, being able to capture every detail of this outfit in a convention photo made the trip worthwhile. After shooting, I smoothed out my skirt, fixed my hair, and switched back to daily mode, but that frozen moment on the high stool, reaching out tentatively, remains one of the most vivid memories from this BW experience.