This photoshoot centered on Kafū Chino's Alice style look. The light-blue wig paired with plush bunny ears, combined with the blue-and-white maid outfit, perfectly captured the sweet essence of Houbunsha's works. To faithfully recreate the character, I also prepared the iconic giant spoon prop, a tray with a cake, and a small white plush item. The entire shoot took place at the Chengdu Worldline Animation and Comic Exhibition, serving as part of the 'One Hundred Chinos Project.'
The photographer, Miao Dan, put a lot of thought into scouting locations. The first set of photos was taken in a semi-indoor area beneath a metal canopy, where the gray asphalt road formed a contrast with the light-toned outfit. Holding the cake, I experimented with poses like standing on one leg and pretending to toss and catch items; in my hands, the giant spoon acted as both a weapon and a staff, creating an engaging, interactive feel. Next, we transitioned outdoors, where the lake, reeds, and distant city skyline served as the backdrop. Natural sunlight filtered through the leaves; tossing the plush toy while wearing the over-the-knee blue-and-white striped Stockings added a lively, spirited vibe as I moved across the lawn. The Alice style skirt has multiple layers, requiring careful attention to its flare during shooting so that each ruffle was clearly defined under the play of light and shadow.
In terms of posing, I tried to stay as lively as possible. Small details, such as smiling while holding up the cake or playfully pretending to fumble so the cake and toy flew outward, gave the photos a narrative dimension rather than feeling like simple static displays. Brandishing the spoon harmonized with the flowing movement of the wig, showcasing the character's charming cheekiness. The weather was pleasant that day with gentle lighting, allowing the outdoor lawn and lake to blend naturally into the frame without stealing the spotlight. To highlight the visual effect of the blue-and-white striped Stockings, I carefully adjusted angles during poses with raised legs, showcasing both the overall cohesion of the outfit and flattering leg lines.
From the styling and costume details, the blue-and-white striped ribbons and over-the-knee Stockings served as the finishing touch, retaining classic maid elements while infusing the whimsical atmosphere of an Alice theme. The giant spoon prop delivered strong visual impact, creating a delightful 'gap moe' contrast against the lightness of the maid outfit. Communication with the photographer went smoothly throughout, and the transition from indoors to outdoors felt very natural. When interpreting the Alice style, handling props is just as critical as the costume itself. That giant spoon wasn't lightweight plastic; swinging it required genuine arm strength, yet I had to keep my facial expressions relaxed and effortless without showing strain. Balancing the cake while tossing and catching the toy also put hand-eye coordination and facial expression management to the test. The lighting on the lawn shifted rapidly, so we took multiple action shots to capture the exact frame of the plush toy mid-air, resulting in a very natural final shot. Every time I take on a different style of Chino, I gain new insights into prop handling and subtle body language. I hope this photo set showcases a unique side of the character.