[Qingyi cosplay] Zenless Zone Zero's Son of Calydon in New Eridu: Let's Spar!

Convention photos returned from Day 1 of the 34th Firefly ACG Expo, serving as an on-site record of Qingyi in New Eridu.

Choosing to cosplay Qingyi from Zenless Zone Zero on Day 1 of the Firefly ACG Expo came down to how deeply her capable yet effortless combat posture captivated me. The gradient black-and-green twin tails, paired with cyan mechanical antenna hair accessories, make for an instantly recognizable look.

Let's talk about the gear. To recreate the in-game details, the blue-and-black mecha-style combat suit is equipped with various external modules, lending a heavy industrial tactical feel. The chest and arms feature extensive armor plating, while the right side carries energy modules and external attachments labeled "POWER CELL." Paired with a gray tactical belt and "N.E.P.S." insignia, it exudes pure sci-fi aesthetics. The black rigid leg armor carries substantial weight; combined with the barefoot design, it preserves the feel of a mecha combatant while adding a touch of feminine lightness, making the overall presence even more distinct.

The on-site lighting was sharp, direct natural light, which is ideal for shooting techwear or sci-fi characters. Light hitting the blue-and-black gear produced crisp highlights while casting elongated shadows across the concrete floor. Standing in the spacious industrial interior with a black folding chair evoked the ambiance of an in-game arcade or an abandoned outpost. When discussing with photographer @八次方根, we felt complex backgrounds were unnecessary—utilizing this minimalist space allowed the character's body language to stand out much better.

In terms of posing, we experimented with several distinct vibes: stepping one foot onto the edge of the chair with a backward glance and subtle hand gestures, creating an alert yet momentarily rested combat state; a standing hand-clench pose, looking as if ready to trigger a mecha activation switch at any second; and sitting on the floor, utilizing the natural drape of the armor and long hair for a relaxed, carefree attitude. Every photo strived to capture her confident, composed, and boyish charm, with eye focus locked in with precision.

Many characters possess fluid combat moves in-game, but freezing that momentum in real-life convention photos requires improvisation. We attempted a few single-leg jump dynamic captures, catching mid-air poses right on the shutter, which, paired with the swinging twin tails, brought intense combat tension. Staying immersed in character amidst the bustling crowds in the venue was also great practice.

Working with the photographer was a breeze; he understood the exact mood I wanted and avoided background clutter in framing, keeping the subject right at the visual center. The atmosphere on Day 1 of the Firefly ACG Expo was fantastic—despite the warm weather, everyone was deeply engaged. This set represents a dedicated portrayal of Qingyi, and I look forward to exploring even more possibilities for this character in upcoming conventions and shoots.