Today, I shot a set of Convention photos for Cissia from Zenless Zone Zero across both a photography studio and the convention floor. The overall styling and prop preparations were quite thorough this time. Starting with the wig, the blonde twintails appear simple on the surface, but to preserve airy volume and distinct layering, I spent significant time prepping the fibers beforehand, topping them with black hair accessories and white fluffy pom-poms to capture the character's playful essence. For makeup, to recreate her slightly sinister and flamboyant edge, I wore red colored contacts, deepened the crimson blending around the orbital sockets, and prepared fangs paired with glossy red lips, giving the entire face a much sharper, more aggressive bite.
Wardrobe-wise, this costume is packed with intricate nuances. The sleeveless pink vest is emblazoned with white 'N.E.P.S.' lettering over a black inner lining, complemented by a black choker adorned with a lightning bolt insignia. The sleeves are white flared arm-warmers accented by black straps and metallic buckles. A white prop snake was coiled around my arm; keeping it from sliding off during poses required constant vigilance and patience. For the lower half, a black high-waisted leather corset miniskirt was paired with patterned black Stockings featuring cutout motifs, finished with black harness straps around the thighs. Footwear featured chunky black platform ankle boots laced with pink shoestrings, accented by metal buckles and white pom-poms, lending a satisfying visual weight with every step. Because this outfit accentuates leg lines, I specifically posed seated on a stepladder, crossing my legs to highlight the textures of the black Stockings and boots.
Regarding props, beyond the white snake coiled on my body, I held a long-handled staff topped with a wooden-toned geometric openwork design; gripping it during shoots instantly bolstered the character's commanding aura. From makeup test to on-location shooting, lighting demands were rigorous. In the studio, softboxes balanced the lighting ratios to cleanly resolve specular highlights on the black leather and the fine details of the white sleeves. At the convention venue, with busy backdrops, I had the photographer rely on large apertures to melt away distractions, focusing all visual weight onto facial expressions and upper-body details.
While posing, I tried curling both hands into claws beside my cheeks paired with a bared-teeth grin, aiming to channel the character's vivacious personality. The long staff required cautious maneuvering in the crowded hall to avoid bumping passersby—realizing these Convention photos takes plenty of behind-the-scenes diligence. Throughout the shoot, the photographer constantly guided my angles, as this dense costume could easily obscure the waistline or make the snake look unnatural if postures were off. Seated on the stepladder demanded core stabilization; though my legs went slightly numb from crossing them for so long, seeing the initial previews made the effort completely worthwhile. The black-and-pink clash alongside tactile leather elements proved exceptionally photogenic. Overall, I am thoroughly pleased with Cissia's styling and props, hoping the final captures radiate that cool, sassy charm.