Preparing this Selena Pianissimo look from Punishing: Gray Raven, the core challenge lay in the intricate metallic components on the crown and chest. Spray-painting and sanding took considerable time to ensure proper edge texture and luster. The wig was selected in a matching hair color and styled with setting spray to keep its shape. For makeup, I applied a specific deep blue eyeshadow technique, which, paired with colored contacts, aligned the gaze closely with the character's mysterious temperament. Putting on and taking off the costume was rather intricate: the neckline lace had to be smoothed out first before securing the metallic chest pendants. Because the pendants carry weight, I had to mind my center of gravity when walking; however, getting used to them actually helped my posing, allowing more grounded, structured postures.
During the shoot, the photographer guided several hand placements to make the overall composition look more natural without stiffness. Arriving at the Twin Resonance Only venue, the crowd was massive, yet seeing so many fellow fans in the hall made me feel the vibrant energy of the community. In addition to my own cosplay photos, I also captured the on-site dessert display area—the matcha cream puffs and mini cakes were exquisitely arranged, creating a strong atmosphere alongside the character standees. There were also merchandise stalls on the floor covered with various goods, including badges, stickers, clear cards, and acrylic stands, and I even snapped the giant outdoor mascot puppet. This costume was actually quite stuffy and hot; especially when darting between indoors and outdoors, I was drenched in sweat, but seeing the final photos made everything completely worthwhile.
In fact, to prepare for this shoot, I carefully inspected the wig the night before, separating the strands to ensure smooth styling. During shooting, metallic reflections made texture control tricky at times, so we subtly adjusted the lighting angles. The entire shoot took quite a long time, particularly the outdoor portion where the sunlight was a bit glaring, but the resulting photos were pleasantly surprising. While packing up the gear was tiring, looking back at the captured photos and meticulously prepared props gave me a deep sense of accomplishment. Every time I attend an event, meeting old friends, making new ones, and presenting my beloved character in a more vivid, dimensional way is the greatest joy. I hope everyone can feel this love for the character through these photos. Finally, thanks to the friends who guided my posing—everyone's collaboration made the final outcome smoother and more natural. Seeing that big-headed plush mascot alongside chibi stickers on-site made the atmosphere especially joyful. Regarding portraying a character, beyond visual accuracy, conveying personality traits through gaze and motion is what truly matters. If given the opportunity in the future, I look forward to trying more diverse styles and bringing even better works to everyone.