The convention photos for this Castorice set from Mengxiang Expo are finally out! Organizing the raw files brought back vivid memories of the shoot day, so I'm documenting the experience here.
The convention was packed, making it quite a feat to secure a relatively clean red accent wall suited for wide-angle low-angle shooting. Managing the skirt's tiered structure demanded extreme care; the white-to-purple gradient outer drape and floral waist ornaments could easily snag on passersby in crowded halls. To project the character's signature elegance laced with dangerous lethality, we utilized numerous dynamic single-leg-lift poses, balancing entirely on one supporting leg. Combined with the towering platform high heels in the styling, prolonged standing put intense pressure on my legs; however, achieving those elongated leg proportions and the wind-swept flutter of the hem made every ounce of effort worthwhile.
The weapon prop posed another major hurdle: the scythe carried noticeable heft, demanding solid core strength to hoist aloft and hold at precise angles. I also had to keep the extended locks and elf ear accessories from shifting out of place, spending the entire session managing the voluminous skirt and hair. Immense gratitude to photographer Zhenyu for commanding wide-angle perspective so accurately—guiding my angle adjustments constantly to not only sculpt clean waistlines and elongated legs, but also capture the blade's razor-sharp presence. The first close-up portrait is my absolute favorite: the facial makeup paired with pale wig strands and White stockings looks remarkably crisp, with the low-angle perspective elevating the character's aura to its peak. The second dynamic full-body frame carries rich narrative tension, flawlessly freezing the moment an air draft lifted the skirt.
To counter the mixed cool-and-warm convention lighting, the makeup was intentionally brightened, and the wig was trimmed and pre-styled by a stylist beforehand to align closely with canon hair color gradations. Executing looks with such grand skirt volume always demands meticulous dedication. I met many fellow enthusiasts at the event who were exceptionally warm, helping each other straighten garments. Amidst the busy venue backdrop, the contrast between white and purple stood out gorgeously, leaving behind cherished memories of both prep and shooting time.