[Kal'tsit cosplay] Destruction Intertwined with Healing: CP32 Convention Photos Share

The convention photos from CP32 have finally been edited at full speed. This photo set taken on location truly matched the tone initially envisioned in my heart. Although the weather was somewhat muggy and the hall was packed with crowds, starting makeup early at dawn gave us the anticipation needed to persevere until the official shoot. Finding an open area beneath a glass skylight, the lighting and background ambiance were just right.

Much thought went into the details of this styling. Especially the wig, which featured a high-saturation fluorescent green highlight over a black base with rich layering. Meticulous trimming was required during prep to maintain clean bangs that hold a natural curve when looking down or turning back. There were also two sharp green animal ear ornaments with black gradient textures on the edges, which required extremely secure fastening to prevent slipping during sudden head turns.

For makeup design, I strived to complement the character's cool aloofness, softening eye highlights while sharpening eyeliner to keep my gaze focused. Paired with a black leather choker and chest strap harness, it presented a light yet armor-filled visual effect. The dark blue windbreaker jacket offered excellent drape and structure, featuring an asymmetrical hem cut that outlined sleek lines during movement or posing. The black lace-up platform boots worn on my feet brought commanding presence, though walking in them all day at the exhibition hall was a genuine physical workout.

Before the shoot, I was somewhat anxious about the prop's accuracy. The long bright green M3 lightblade was not only the visual centerpiece of the look, but also carried rich lore setting feel. Holding it in hand, although a prop, it contained an internal support frame giving it a solid feel—swinging smoothly without excessive weight while displaying great tension in slashes. Its semi-transparent fluorescent green coating reflected gorgeous textures under light refractions.

I must praise the photographer's composition. We selected low-angle look-up shots, such as leaning forward with one hand touching the floor or standing on one leg raising the weapon high. Under low-angle perspectives, not only did body contours appear sleeker and longer, but pairing with the venue's steel frame structures and glass ceiling added industrial power to the frame. When posing in a single-knee kneeling stance with one leg extended forward (the cover shot), we specially adjusted our center of gravity so leg lines and weapon orientation echoed along the same plane.

Regarding the character's intrinsic disposition, I have always viewed it as ultimate composure and restraint. This composure, combined with her lore-based "destruction" attribute, forms a unique charm. Though on-site noise was loud, the moment the shutter clicked, I immersed myself in her icy, independent mood to recreate her demeanor as faithfully as possible. Furthermore, given her connection to healing, my gaze couldn't be purely fierce—it needed a readable trace of steadfast resolve.

The overall color palette of these final photos maintained cool tones—dominated by dark blue, black, and fluorescent green—which harmonized naturally with the venue's gray-white tones to create sharp foreground-background contrast. Retouching focused primarily on adjusting light-shadow contrast while preserving authentic garment textures, especially the matte jacket surface versus the reflective boots, avoiding over-editing to maintain professional Cosplay photography quality.

Beyond this photo set, I met many fellow fans at the convention. Recognizing each other's cosplay characters or sitting down to chat about character interpretations made meeting through characters and gathering around shared hobbies far warmer than simple photography. Some friends even brought same-series merch to exchange and take return photos. Although running around on location left us exhausted, our hearts were constantly nourished by this enthusiasm.

Looking back at these photos, the complex emotion of "destruction intertwined with healing" that I wished to express seems mostly conveyed in post-processing. Though this character outfit was complex, the endorphin rush after finishing was real. Each convention feels like briefly stepping into another person's life, recording that vitality through the lens. The seamless teamwork with my photographer and logistics crew was indispensable. From raw shots to finished retouches, the process brought pure joy. I hope the final presentation allows people to feel the dedication behind building this character, rather than just putting on a costume. Looking forward to celebrating upcoming milestones like the Arknights 7th Anniversary together with everyone, and appearing before the camera again in even better state next time.