The CP31 photo report has finally been sorted out, and I'm quite pleased with the accuracy of this Astesia cosplay outfit. A lot of thought went into everything from wig styling and trimming to the layered arrangement of the garments. Especially to capture the dynamic effect of the black and white striped skirt, numerous detailed adjustments were made specifically to the prop staff and the winged microphone. The wig was curled strand by strand with a curling iron and set with hairspray, while the makeup matched the character's cool-toned temperament, featuring blue contact lenses to add depth to the gaze.
That day's shoot was genuinely a test of stamina. The skirt features richly layered textures, and the combination of the outer translucent tulle and the inner black pleated skirt is by no means lightweight. To capture the fluttering arc of the skirt, I spun around in front of the lens repeatedly for test shots. Pairing White over-the-knee socks with high heels while walking around the convention venue all day was also quite a challenge. However, seeing how the leg contours and overall light-and-shadow rendering turned out in the photo report, it felt like all that exertion was completely worthwhile. The venue lighting during the shoot was deliberately chosen to be cool-toned, perfectly echoing the calm, vintage aura of this outfit.
Actually, the most joyful part of playing cosplay is breathing life into a character. Although the process is tedious, stepping in front of the lens wearing this outfit allows me to fully immerse myself in that aloof and mysterious state. The metallic texture of the props and the fabric's sheen collide under the camera, yielding an effect even better than expected. At this convention, I met many long-time friends; everyone gathered around the booths chatting about gear and shooting insights, creating an exceptionally warm atmosphere. Candid convention photo shooting requires high coordination between the photographer and the coser, and sometimes a single pose needs repetitive angle adjustments to discover the most flawless light-and-shadow cutting line.
Speaking of upcoming plans, are any friends heading to Shanghai Bilibili World? If I go this time, I'll likely bring this outfit along or try out other styles. I've also been pondering some new pose designs lately, hoping to capture more natural yet impactful frames. To make convention photos look great, aside from the photographer's professionalism, timing in on-site candid capture and naturally expressed states are equally crucial. If any friends are heading there too, we can discuss composition and lighting together then.
While organizing these photos, I recalled the busy yet fulfilling moments on site. Every cosplay endeavor is a completely distinct experience; from the preparation stage to the final photo release, every single link along the way is brimming with joy. Moving forward, I will continue experimenting with more diverse styles, treating each convention photo session as a brand-new practice to constantly elevate my expressiveness in front of the camera. I look forward to meeting everyone at the convention next time and enjoying this creative atmosphere together.