[Rumia Cosplay] Sharing Dark and Sweet Youkai Convention Photos from Touhou Project

This convention photo session features Rumia from Touhou Project. I was quite surprised when I saw the final edits, because the overhead lighting at the exhibition venue was very harsh, making the shoot highly challenging. Fortunately, the photographer Wakaba managed the light positions and angles exceptionally well, preserving the live presence of the scene.

The wig was trimmed in advance, and its blonde blunt bangs paired with the red ribbon hair accessory offer high recognition. For the eye makeup, I used red colored contacts, combined with fake blood near the lips, aiming to recreate the character's slightly dark and unique temperament.

This fan-made cosplay costume features a combination of a black base with white lace and a red bowtie. The midriff-baring and puff sleeve design feels very refreshing to wear and doesn't get too stuffy when walking around. Regarding props, I prepared a small fork, a skull, and a small knife according to the styling needs; you can clearly see their interaction with the character in the images.

Taking convention photos is actually quite a test of physical stamina and quick reflexes, as you have to catch the gaps between passing crowds while keeping your posture stable. In this set, there are close-ups holding the fork, as well as compositions with extended hands for a sense of depth, but I personally prefer the full shot standing on one leg with arms wide open, which displays the layered tiers of the skirt and the details of the shoes more completely. Additionally, the high-angle shot of crouching on the ground with the skull prop is also highly atmospheric.

As a character from Touhou Project, Rumia possesses her own unique charm, and expressing this feeling through cosplay is highly enjoyable. The light and shadow of the convention venue, the depth of the space, and the bustling background can actually bring many unexpected chemical reactions to the final edits.

In terms of post-processing, the overall feel was kept clean and sharp, with the skin tone adjusted naturally. The red eyes and the blood trace by the lips were preserved as focal points, avoiding excessive airbrushing. The fabric textures and the details along the lace edges were also maintained. The industrial-style ceiling bokeh and scattered light spots inherent to the exhibition hall actually added a bit of narrative to the frame. Being able to leave behind some convention photos with a live atmosphere while doing cosplay is a truly precious thing for this hobby. Some friends mentioned this set gives off a bit of a Gothic sweetheart vibe, and I personally feel there's still room for improvement in costume recreation and capturing the right expression this time, so I'll strive to do even better next time.