Getting straight to the point: for this Guangzhou CPGZ convention, I cosplayed Tashkent from Azur Lane (Tashkent cosplay).
I spent quite a long time preparing this outfit, as recreating the refined elegance of the black-and-white palette along with the signature white plush elements from the original design is quite challenging. The overall styling features a high-slit black bodysuit dress, enriched with white straps across the chest and neck paired with a leather choker for dimension. To match the character, I chose a light purple long straight wig, accented nicely with white floral and lace headpieces, which, paired with blue contact lenses, created a cool, ethereal, and lively look.
Instead of a standard indoor studio shoot, we chose the outdoor waterside setting around the CPGZ convention. As dusk fell and the streetlights turned on, the background foliage and trees took on a deep, moody tone, creating a striking texture contrast under the lighting with my white plush shawl and Black stockings cosplay. The photographer cleverly used water reflections in the composition—especially for the cover shot, where I sat on the edge of the stone platform with slightly bent legs, creating symmetry between the reflection and reality that brought out spatial and narrative depth. Combined with wide-aperture background bokeh to emphasize the subject, this layered nighttime Anime-style photography felt far more vibrant than a plain white studio backdrop.
Speaking of accessories, while the white plush shawl looks thick and warm, walking around the convention floor naturally made me sweat, but enduring that warmth was completely worth it to recreate the character's winter aura. The paired black high-heeled boots and sheer black stockings balanced elegance and allure, and the slender leg lines highlighted by the night waterside served as a key visual focus. Staying relaxed during the shoot—subtly tilting my head or running a hand through my hair—helped capture relaxed, candid convention moments.
Regarding Tashkent as a character, she possesses a compelling gap-moe trait—appearing as a cool, aloof northern maiden on the outside, while harboring a delicate, gentle nature within. For this cosplay, rather than forcing stereotyped expressions, I strived to present a clear, tranquil gaze with a touch of graceful distance, a demeanor that naturally flows from understanding her personality.
The convention atmosphere was fantastic. I met many fellow fans who love Azur Lane, sharing Convention photos with one another and chatting about fun moments in the game—these offline interactions are the most precious takeaway beyond the photos themselves. Returning to this photo set, selecting the cover was tough because each waterside shot had its own flair, but evaluating composition, gaze, and leg line presentation, I chose the first photo. It showcases both the crisp black-and-white contrast of the upper bodice and the graceful extension of the legs with the mirror-like water reflection. The photographer and retoucher coordinated seamlessly, preserving the relaxed feel of candid convention snaps while achieving commercial-level clarity and polish.
In a bustling convention environment, managing to carve out a quiet waterside spot to create such a serene yet dynamic set of photos was truly a rare and rewarding experience. While this styling isn't overly convoluted, its rich details deepened my understanding and love for Tashkent from Azur Lane.