From drafting patterns to the final fitting, preparing this Shorekeeper outfit took nearly an entire month. To convey that otherworldly ethereality and weightless float within the complex lighting of an anime convention, fabric choice and prop textures were paramount. For this set of CICF Convention photos, I put extensive effort into hair, makeup, costume, and props.
First, regarding the wig and makeup: the light blue hair needed to be free of synthetic sheen, so I spent hours trimming the crown layers to achieve fluffy volume and natural drape. The purple contact lenses are the heart of the look, paired with wide pink eyeshadow blending and red accents at the outer corners to evoke that supernatural gentleness. A dewy, high-shine lip glaze ensured my facial features retained plump dimension even under harsh lights.
The costume is filled with intricate details: the skirt combines multi-tiered gradient blue chiffon and form-fitting white fabric, while the black floral motif at the chest and the bow choker required precise pinning. The greatest challenge was the high-slit skirt—moving and posing at the convention meant constantly minding the hemline to prevent excessive exposure, while using the slit to elongate leg lines and project airy lightness. The giant blue artificial Butterfly prop pieces in hand were remarkably delicate with fine wing venation, requiring gentle care to avoid snapping or staining.
We shot in a semi-outdoor pavilion with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Natural light was abundant; in backlit angles, the sunlight filtered through the gradient blue tulle and drifting train, sculpting the fabric's delicate sheen. The photographer excelled at capturing back-lit ambiance. To prevent white fabrics from blowing out while preserving nuances in the pale blue hair and Butterfly prop, we continually fine-tuned camera positions and reflector angles. My personal habit is to observe the light angle beforehand, feel how highlights fall across skin and cloth, and then stretch out my posture.
Convention floors are inevitably chaotic, but capturing great frames demands resolute focus before the lens. I took deep breaths to relax my arms and shoulders, flicking the gown's train to cast graceful arcs mid-air. The high slit paired with heels beautifully lengthened my silhouette in full-body shots, imparting an upright, stately grace.
Walking around the venue in high heels and an elaborate gown was physically draining, yet seeing the finished images made every adjustment worthwhile. The white and blue palette glowed with translucent clarity under bright daylight, as if a corner of that fantastical realm bathed in butterflies and sea breezes truly crossed into reality. I hope this authentic convention record communicates that serene, dreamlike magic in full.