After wrapping up the photoshoot at the Arknights Carnival, I organized this set of Theresa Cosplay convention photos to share some thoughts on the experience as a photography sharing piece.
Choosing an escalator as the primary setting was because its strong geometric lines formed a striking contrast with the graceful, soft gown of Theresa's outfit. The natural light filtering through the mall's glass windows was perfect for shooting—lit on one side and shaded on the other, this play of chiaroscuro distinctly enhanced the character's aura.
Wearing this costume was quite intricate, especially the mechanical headpiece which carried notable weight and fixed support structures; to ensure stability during the shoot, my neck had to stay locked in position. The ruffled black tulle cuffs, while gorgeous, were fragile and required great care when putting on and taking off. The trailing white gown spread across the steps when seated to create a striking visual impact, but moving around required constant caution to avoid stepping on it—luckily, most poses were completed while sitting.
We designed several poses during the shoot, such as tilting the head slightly and reaching one hand upward as if touching something unseen, or clasping hands in front while gazing quietly at the palms to cultivate a peaceful mood. Hand details were also crucial: the black rings on the fingers paired harmoniously with the dark hair accessories, elevating overall cohesion.
The community context—where Hoederer proposes while Ines cosplay is featured and Theresa blesses them from above—served as visual inspiration for my gestures. I deliberately avoided the piercing intensity of looking straight into the lens, instead maintaining a soft, detached gaze like a silent observer from afar. The photographer aligned with this concept, using lighting to emphasize the fabric's rich texture and giving the frame a cool, ethereal palette.
Attending this convention meant spending most of the time in a state of subtle exhaustion. Restricted by the long gown, my movements were slow, but this coincided nicely with the character's calm, dignified presence. The headpiece's positioning tested my patience throughout, but the final results made it all worthwhile.
If I were to offer advice to other cosplayers attempting this look, it would be to pay close attention to the gown length and headpiece weight, as these are the hardest parts to manage. For me, shooting Theresa was unforgettable, and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing that sense of grace amidst architectural geometry.
Regarding post-processing, I kept requests minimal so the photographer could preserve the authentic light and shadow textures. In an expansive space with strong perspective lines like an escalator, body proportions are put to the test; awkward posing easily makes one look stiff, so I listened closely to feedback to keep my posture elongated and fluid.
Looking at costume details, the black-and-white color-blocking patchwork on the dress added strong three-dimensionality. When seated, the contrast between the flowing hem and the metallic edges of the escalator created a visual aesthetic reminiscent of deconstructivism. I love compositions that are minimal yet charged with visual tension. The union of metallic hardware and soft fabric achieved a striking balance of weight and weightlessness.
Between shoots, nearby exhibition booths and flowing crowds surrounded us, but I tried my best to keep our immediate space tranquil. On an escalator, lighting subtly shifts with the movement of the mechanics, requiring precise timing to capture the frozen instant. Continuity of movement was equally vital: controlling arm strength and muscle tension allowed me to portray an effortless elegance.
Beyond shooting, attending this Arknights Carnival allowed me to browse the booths and feel everyone's passion for the characters. That buzzing energy beautifully accentuated the quiet serenity of my outfit. Overall, it was a smooth and rewarding shoot; despite the sore waist from prolonged standing and the tight headpiece, the moment I saw the final photos, everything felt worth it.