These Castorice Convention photos are finally organized, and I'd like to take this photo release opportunity to share some reflections from the shoot.
When I initially decided to cosplay this design, the main reason was being drawn to the character's quiet yet elegant aura. The original setting intertwines butterfly elements with the motif of death, creating a paradoxical beauty. To recreate this concept, we selected a studio venue at the CHCC convention, leveraging its industrial aesthetic to build a shadowy atmosphere akin to a floral field in a peaceful resting place.
Let's talk about the scythe prop first. The length and weight of this massive scythe far exceeded expectations; when wielding it on set, I constantly needed to adjust my grip to balance its center of gravity. The scythe's gradient purple paint job and silver skeletal structure looked phenomenal, fully showcasing the blade's 3D dimension under floor fill lights. The scythe's design is intricate, and the prop designer retained sharp lines for close-ups; when I rested it on the floor or carried it over my shoulder, I could feel its massive contribution to the visual tension of the overall look.
Outfit-wise, the primary color scheme is purple and white. The skirt features a gradient purple fabric with white spot patterns mimicking butterfly wing markings. The combination of lace trim and sheer mesh sleeves added a sense of fragility to the character, creating an intriguing chemical reaction with the coldness of a death butterfly I wanted to portray. The floral headpiece and sharp horn structures, paired with a light purple wig, caught the studio top lighting with fantastic sheen. The white over-the-knee socks paired with purple high-heeled boots extended leg lines while visually balancing the heavier outfit volume on top.
In terms of camera angles, we experimented with standing backward glances, seated scythe-holding poses, and side kneeling poses. The seated pose in particular—legs crossed alongside the massive scythe—perfectly showcased the skirt's layering and leg contours. Switching between standing and sitting poses really tests a cosplayer's control over the costume, as complex skirts easily wrinkle during movement, and on-site lighting setups require us to maintain precise positioning.
What surprised me most about this studio shoot was how a simple industrial backdrop, combined with top lighting and floor bar lights for fill, unexpectedly recreated the dark atmosphere from the original art. I usually prioritize a natural feel in Convention photos, but this lighting setup generated sharp color contrast, making the purple-and-white tones stand out vividly. In close-up shots, the eyeshadow makeup systematically mirrored the costume's colors, enhancing character cohesion.
Ultimately, bringing such a complex look to life is an exhilarating creative process. It goes beyond putting on a costume—it's about understanding and connecting with the core of the character lore. Standing before the lens holding that scythe wasn't just visual Anime cosplay; it was a brief journey into that virtual universe. The final result truly justifies all the complex prop preparation and physical exhaustion on the day. Capturing this moment through a thrilling set of Convention photos is, for me, the ultimate fusion of photography and the ACG world.