I finally got my hands on the Cosplay convention photos from Changsha Identity V Only. This Ghost Candle cosplay look for the Entomologist is a set I spent a long time preparing; from choosing the blue gradient fabric and hand-sewing the 3D flowers on the chest to sculpting each leaf on the headdress, I did my best to recreate that dark yet poignantly beautiful aura from the original design. For makeup, I deliberately crafted purple-blue petal-inspired eye makeup and beaded tear tracks, paired with a pale foundation to convey an otherworldly essence lingering between the living and the dead.
The shooting spot was the large glass curtain wall outside the venue, where the rigid modern steel structure and the blue-toned natural diffused light happened to match the cool palette of this outfit perfectly. The candle prop in my hand was custom-made by a workshop, featuring a crystal-textured flame on top; although there was no real flame, lifting it naturally brought out that ritualistic feeling of "guiding departed souls." The weather in Changsha was great that day, but the temperature difference between inside and outside kept the veil fluttering, resulting in some great candid dynamic shots.
While the off-shoulder design and black lace corset of this dress look gorgeous, fastening them took quite a bit of effort—especially keeping the giant flower on the chest from shifting, which required repeated adjustments with safety pins and fishing line. As a veteran player of Identity V, being able to cosplay a classic skin for the Entomologist at an Only convention in my own city made the entire experience deeply memorable.
Compared to studio shoots, Cosplay convention photos test one's grasp of lighting and angles even more. Thanks to the photographer's patience, despite severe glass reflections, we captured this cool, translucent texture. Looking back at these photos, all the hard work of staying up late to alter patterns and craft headpieces feels completely worth it. What touches me most about the Ghost Candle design is that feeling of solitude coupled with quiet resolve; though the candle's flame is faint, someone in the darkness will always seek it. I hope this photo set conveys this serene, somber atmosphere to everyone who sees it.