Shooting outdoors at the CICF convention this time was truly a unique experience—especially once I slipped into this Velina (Velina cosplay) ensemble, the feeling of stepping directly out of Zenless Zone Zero (Zenless Zone Zero) into reality was overwhelming. To recreate the character's tactile quality, the fabric selection was remarkably exacting: the deep navy portions feature subtle-sheen velvet that catches natural daylight with gorgeous luster, though this also means it easily attracts dust and lint. For that reason, I brought along a white plush rug to serve both as a compositional prop enriching the frame and as a barrier preventing the skirt hem and White stockings (White stockings) from directly brushing the rough pavement.
Lighting is always the trickiest puzzle during outdoor shoots. Around three or four in the afternoon on the convention plaza, although swarming with crowds, the diffused ambient bounce light near building edges was ideal for rendering textile textures—far softer than harsh midday direct sun. For pose design, because Velina embodies an agile, spirited persona, I explored varied seated stances. In kneeling or side-seated poses, it was essential to fan out the navy velvet skirt, leveraging the asymmetrical hemline cuts to create dimensional tiers. Meanwhile, the over-the-knee White stockings (White stockings) serve as a visual centerpiece; slightly extending the leg angles elongated leg contours, which, paired with the block heels, allowed for a stable, poised posture even through extended walking and shooting.
Regarding props, the folding fan was the ultimate crowning touch. The fan's blue-and-yellow colorway resonated seamlessly with the palette of the outfit. When posing with the fan, adopting asymmetrical body language—such as veiling half the face or reaching forward—adds narrative tension while guiding the viewer's eye. The elven ears, though fatiguing to wear with ear clips over time, elevated the overall fidelity by several tiers once angled properly before the lens. The form-fitting belt and metallic buckles are a dream for detail lovers, sculpting an immaculate waistline, though one must take extreme care during dressing to avoid scratching the velvet fabric.
Outdoor convention areas are notoriously noisy and chaotic. To stay locked in character, I scouted quieter corners, utilizing railings and staircases as leading compositional lines. I brought two pairs of shoes this time: beyond the pair I wore, I placed white pointed-toe stilettos nearby as a still-life prop accent, infusing casual lifestyle authenticity into the scene. The joy of cosplaying lies not merely in the final stills, but in collaborating with the photographer under the blazing sun to refine angles and master light and shadow. Every minute adjustment—from the gentle curve of a finger to the focus of the gaze—breathes three-dimensional life into the character. Despite wrapping the CICF shoot drenched in sweat, seeing the finished frames made all that effort genuinely worthwhile. I hope everyone feels the heartfelt dedication poured into this set.