This time, I reorganized my Qingyi cosplay costume from Zenless Zone Zero and headed out with my photographer friend to shoot this night scene set. For the blue-and-black color-blocked Tactical style vest, I selected a fabric with a subtle sheen, ensuring superior texture under intense night illumination. The metallic buckles and equipment modules on the chest were assembled piece by piece by hand; to match the original design, the textured star insignia on the left went through multiple mold revisions before achieving a satisfying cast finish. The blue protective guard at the base of the belt was crafted from rigid material, with its clasp position adjusted repeatedly so it wouldn't hinder deep squats or high leg lifts while visually contouring the waistline flawlessly.
The balance and center of gravity of the prop weapon matched our expectations nicely, offering a solid, realistic grip during swings. The gray weapon body accented with bright yellow details and the white serrated blade at the tip received subtle weathering, conveying traces of authentic combat rather than looking like brand-new glossy plastic. The green-and-yellow dual-ring ornament dangling from the pommel popped vibrantly against the rich blue night lighting; when capturing close-ups with a telephoto lens, this color combination served as a striking visual accent. When executing staff-wielding poses, the friction between the tactical gloves and the shaft was just right, allowing me to maintain steady balance with relaxed arms without having to grip rigidly.
For makeup, the eyelashes were defined stroke by stroke, paired with a slightly downturned eyeliner to project that calm, resolute gaze characteristic of a Battle girl. Blush was kept minimal, used primarily to brighten the complexion naturally. The dark green wig was silky and smooth, with the twin-tails styled with a fluffy, outward-flipped curl; combined with light turquoise ribbon hair accessories, it added soft, dynamic layers to the otherwise sharp, tactical styling. The battle-scratched effect on the midriff was painted on directly using specialized pigments, intentionally weathered with softly blended edges so that under the direct beam of the key light, the light-shadow contrast looked remarkably authentic, bringing out the raw feel of battle damage.
We selected an outdoor steel staircase as the primary shooting location. Outdoor temperatures dropped quite low at night, and as the chilly wind blew through, the strong lighting cast against the coarse metal railings looked exceptionally rugged—an ambiance that resonated perfectly with the industrial, cool-toned combat setting of Zenless Zone Zero. To capture the precise moments of shouldering the weapon and aiming, the photographer and I adjusted lighting positions seven or eight times. Keeping the key light bright while crushing the ambient background allowed the subject to stand out in high contrast, evoking a tense atmosphere of a nighttime patrol.
Posing in combat stances with this full gear required constant core engagement. Because the outfit carried substantial weight, combined with the length of the polearm, every joint angle needed meticulous adjustment in minimalist compositions to present fluid lines. When holding the weapon across the chest, sinking the center of gravity low and keeping the gaze steady toward the lens effectively communicated the effortless composure defined in the character lore. During breaks, I was extra careful not to mess up the wig or bump the metal fasteners off the suit; fortunately, the resulting photos turned out great, capturing that crisp, cool agent temperament.
Every cosplay endeavor is a process of reinventing oneself, using real-world physical textures and lighting to bridge the gap toward the 2D universe. Through this Qingyi cosplay from Zenless Zone Zero, embodying that efficient, rigorous tactical style and bringing these details to life across prep work and the shoot was a deeply fulfilling experience. I hope everyone viewing this can feel the unique atmosphere of combat-ready night patrols—a complete realization of the character brought into reality.