I finally got the convention photos from the CP31 anime convention back, primarily focusing on Karin Kakudate cosplay from Blue Archive. I've always wanted to shoot this character, and this was finally the perfect opportunity.
Preparing the costume really tested the details. The blue knit cardigan isn't just a simple solid color block; from holding it to wearing it, color accuracy was crucial. The slightly open collar was layered over a standard white collar and tied with a light blue bow, offering student-like tidiness without looking overly rigid. On the lower half, the dark pleated skirt paired with black over-the-knee socks not only elongated the overall body proportions, but also brought out the crisp, capable aesthetic unique to school uniforms. The glossy black leather loafers on the feet brought complete color cohesion to the entire outfit.
The shooting location this time was the second-floor corridor bridge area of the CP31 anime convention venue. The glass railings offered excellent light transmission, and the diffused natural light softened facial features and clothing textures without looking harsh. Although the background had subtle bokeh, the dark silhouettes of crowds below and the warm-cool indoor lighting contrast unexpectedly accentuated the subject. To capture clean compositions amid the busy convention hall, we repeatedly adjusted our standing positions and prop angles in the same spot.
Karin Kakudate's design features are distinct, especially the purple ring-shaped halo overhead. Before the shoot, we stabilized its mount thoroughly so it wouldn't shift or fall off during turns or seated poses, significantly boosting the keeper rate of our shots. The prop is one part, but even more important is using body language to match the character's intrinsic disposition. The long, straight black wig was styled naturally rather than overly glossy; a subtle matte finish gave it a more authentic, lived-in feel.
Among these photos, I particularly love the seated and kneeling poses in the latter half. Sitting with legs naturally relaxed, the black over-the-knee socks sculpted the leg lines, and paired with the casual placement of the handbag, it evoked a relaxed after-school vibe of waiting for a bus at a stop. This state captured the character's serenity far better than rigid standing poses. The earlier standing shots focused on recreating her cool, focused gaze, where close-ups clearly captured the fine eye makeup details and golden-brown eyes.
We encountered a few minor challenges during the shoot, such as passersby wandering into frame, so we consciously used the railings and corridor depth to bypass crowds when picking angles. Using the shoulder bag as a visual counterweight also worked wonders in composition, preventing the body posture from looking one-dimensional.
As for the tanned JK vibe that people often ask about, this styling fits the aesthetic effortlessly. The warm skin tone contrasted sharply against dark uniforms and accessories, making it visually striking. Looking at the finished photos, that overall cool, capable presence was thoroughly captured. Reflecting briefly after the shoot, I felt that if given the chance in the future, shooting another set against slightly darker indoor settings might yield another unique charm.
This photo set fulfilled a long-held wish of mine. Huge thanks to cosplayer 桃桃逃QAQ, who mastered the character's demeanor so well and made the shooting process seamless. I hope this post fully records these carefully restored details and the mood of these convention photos.