[Serval cosplay] Chengdu CD29 Convention photos: Belobog Sister's Stage Moments

The cosplay Convention photos from Chengdu CD29 Day 2 on July 20 are finally retouched! Describing myself as having suffered a "defeat in picking just one single photo" couldn't be more fitting. While selecting photos, it was simply impossible to cut any out—every angle and facial expression carried a different language, so I simply edited all my favorites at once. Choosing to post them all is not only deeply satisfying for myself, but also an attempt to convey that relaxed yet focused state from that day. This time, I cosplayed Serval from Honkai: Star Rail, which felt like the attempt that resonated most closely with my current state of mind. Attending a convention for photos isn't just about snapping pretty frames; more often, it's a fleeting moment of deep resonance with the character's personality.

The lighting in the hall on the day of the shoot was rather chaotic and shifting. I initially thought top lighting would easily cast strange shadows on my face, but the photographer skillfully utilized the bokeh of point light sources in the background, combining wide apertures to blur the bustling crowds and exhibition halls into dreamy, colorful circles of light. This interplay of warm and cool tones perfectly matched Serval's distinct presence—blending metallic leather with effortless, rock-and-roll languor. While holding the microphone, I was constantly fine-tuning my grip strength and the balance of my body's tilt. Because I've always believed that simply freezing in place with a few formulaic poses is far from enough for certain characters; their charm often hides within that casually expressed ease.

Believing that a single glance or a passing breeze can ignite inspiration, when shooting the full-body standing shot in Photo 4, I tried to construct an imaginary space where I was soundchecking on stage, on the verge of shouting to the crowd in the next second: "Sing along with me!" Even the natural outstretched hand gesture in Photo 2 carried an essence of anticipation and invitation, hoping that viewers beyond the lens could feel the character's burning passion rather than just seeing a soulless shell. Collaborating with photographer and retoucher @Soraha_ has always been seamless; we can always quickly reach a consensus on capturing fleeting expressions. Since the physical movements this time were quite dynamic, the tension between restraint and release was nestled right within the direction of my fingertips and the focus of my eyes.

In a surging convention environment packed with people, maintaining full character immersion is no easy feat—especially facing continuously passing attendees, a myriad of shutter clicks, and curious gazes. Fortunately, once I get into character, outside distractions fade away; in fact, the authentic lighting of the venue and the blurred silhouettes occasionally wandering into the edge of the frame added a unique live atmosphere. This outfit is packed with details, such as the black-and-white colorblock ruffles, silver chain choker, and prominent red arm sleeve, giving the entire look an extra punch of punk and rock spirit beyond pure stage flair.

I particularly noticed that post-processing didn't deliberately chase exaggerated, high-saturation bright colors, but rather preserved a sophisticated, moody dark tone with a subtle film texture. This allowed the blonde and teal highlights at the ends of my hair, along with the square metal buckles on the Over-the-knee boots cosplay leather boots, to showcase gorgeous dimension under subtle reflections, adding major points to the overall quality. Having cosplayed for so many years, compared to simple straightforward headshots, I now personally prefer frames with environmental storytelling and kinetic candid capture—because that represents the genuine live memory belonging to that exact moment.

Finally, even though I often joke about being a lonely older sister, putting on this gear, standing on stage, and unleashing the character's open-hearted, free-spirited nature is genuinely enjoyable in itself. Even after the convention concludes, I hope everyone viewing these photos can feel that warmth residing in Belobog's freezing snowscape. Photos freeze time, but the insights gained from every location shoot and convention, as well as the wonderful flow state shared with the character, will stay in my memory forever. Let these frames flow gently, staying true to one's distinct personal style.