As Yingzi, I am currently applying for the Xiamen coastline Animation and Game Carnival's Independent anime convention tour. The set of photos shared today includes some convention photo reports I recently took at the exhibition hall and in the photography studio.
Although the single-day character submitted for this application is still in a TBD state, the atmosphere of the anime convention always makes one unable to suppress the anticipation. There are guests like Tuli and Zhangyu Lala on July 25, and teachers like Mabuqi and Songxi on the 26th, making the lineup quite rich. When doing a site survey at the Xiamen International Expo Center, I was drawn to the cold-toned industrial style and the transparency of the large space inside the venue.
Many people only find the fine-tuned images gorgeous, but they don't know that wearing these cosplay outfits for outdoor shoots is a physically demanding task. Wigs, costumes, layers of skirt hems, and various props—walking around all day leaves one drenched in sweat. To take good-looking photos, one not only has to maintain a slim physique, but expression and gaze management are also crucial. I am used to preparing a sewing kit, safety pins, and a small pack of tissues in my bag for any emergencies. In fact, the weather in Xiamen is very hot; navigating through such a large anime convention venue means that besides looking beautiful, staying comfortable is also key. To cope with the lighting on that day, I will also communicate with the photographer in advance about camera positions and angles, trying to capture the dynamic side under natural light.
Frankly speaking, every time I do a cosplay, the process from choosing the character, finding a makeup artist, finding a tailor, to making the props is very long. But the moment you actually put on that outfit and stand in front of the lens, all the hard work instantly transforms into confidence and joy. For me, this process is not only a tribute to the character I love but also an expression of myself.
I have been looking forward to this Xiamen coastline anime convention for a long time. Some time ago, I also briefly planned an action route based on the convention map, hoping to avoid crowded foot traffic and shoot from more unique perspectives. At the same time, I also referenced previous masters' convention photo reports, studying the lighting and composition in the same environment.
Choosing a suitable outfit, pairing it with appropriate makeup, and planning well can really save a lot of trouble. For instance, for the several styles in the pictures, pure color systems like blue-white and red-black are actually very photogenic, with high contrast, making snapshots in dark areas or spaces with lights highly atmospheric. Friends always love to ask me if I will get heatstroke from wearing so much in the hot weather; I will prepare small fans and cooling patches in advance, and bring enough drinking water, which is also a little experience I have accumulated from running to anime conventions for many years.
This Independent anime convention tour application is not just about browsing the exhibition for me, but more about wanting to present the styles I have prepared to fellow enthusiasts who share the same love and whom I meet at the convention venue. Everyone taking photos for each other, chatting, exchanging makeup and styling tips, or even just a simple high-five makes me feel that this offline social interaction is full of vitality.
Speaking of the end, I am actually really looking forward to meeting friends who love the 2D world on the 26th. Whether it's the stage interaction area of the exhibition hall or the surrounding check-in points, being able to truly experience the bustle and heat belonging to the subculture festival is what I want to do most this summer. I hope this set of photos can make everyone look forward to this coastline anime convention even more. Although the character hasn't been decided yet, I will definitely welcome this event with my best state.