Here is the photoshoot record of the Cosmic Witch styling at the Meizhou Xinchen Huajuan Anime Exhibition, cosplaying Gardener (Gardener cosplay) from Identity V. Unlike studio photography, convention shoots involve dense crowds and uncontrollable lighting; to pull off this shoot, the photographer and I scouted a corner in advance to set up lights. We primarily used a dark background with backlighting to allow the sheer prop veil to glow with translucent light mid-air. In terms of makeup and hair, long golden wavy curls paired with a star-shaped halo formed the core of this character, requiring constant checks on site to ensure the hair didn't flatten and the head accessories didn't shift. The costume features numerous golden chains and translucent sheer fabrics that flow gracefully while standing, though they tangle easily and require continuous manual arranging. Sui coordinated wonderfully that day, capturing crisp moments of the outfit billowing in the breeze. The wig was actually quite heavy and pressed noticeably on the head after wearing it for most of the day, but seeing the final photos made the effort completely worthwhile.
The complex on-site lighting added considerable challenge to the shoot. The photographer used a wide aperture to blur the background and aimed for dark areas to make the subject pop. I tested several poses: standing face-forward to the camera with folded hands highlighted the character's gentle demeanor, while turning sideways and looking upward showcased the fluid motion of the veil—requiring elongated arm lines to make the posture look graceful. Because the dress was long and prone to being stepped on, large movements were attempted step-by-step; thankfully, the results turned out great. As an amateur enthusiast, bringing this character to life also owed much to the garment's quality. For instance, the waist chains produced prominent reflections under dim lighting. Movements couldn't be too stiff; the extension angle of the arms dictated how fabric folds fell, which is an intriguing aspect of cosplay photography. There were many fellow fans cosplaying other characters at the convention, creating a wonderful atmosphere, and I took some time to stroll around. Although lighting cannot perfectly replicate original artwork settings, Convention photos possess their own authentic immediacy and spontaneity, serving as a memorable keepsake of this convention journey.
Preparations before shooting also took considerable energy. Because the skirt was fluffy and easily tripped my steps, lifting the hem while walking around the convention hall was essential. To match this serene, aloof persona, the foundation was applied thinly with very subtle cool-toned eyeshadow, creating a clear, translucent look alongside the pale blonde wig. Multiple layers of setting spray were applied, as crowds and walking heat easily cause makeup to smudge. The lighting setup was carefully designed, relying mainly on side-backlighting as the key light to trace the character's silhouette against the dark background; the overhead halo especially stood out brilliantly under strong light, elevating the overall styling. To capture the dynamic veil, the photographer tuned the shutter speed, and I repeated side-stretching motions to match the rhythm. Such broad movements demand physical flexibility to maintain balance while ensuring fabric drapery remains aesthetically pleasing. The joy of Convention photos lies in their serendipity—unlike studio shoots where one can shoot repeatedly until satisfied, great light and shadow at a convention can be fleeting, requiring tight synergy with the photographer. Huge thanks to the client and organizers for the opportunity, and to Sui for great guidance and tips that smoothed the entire process. I hope to keep cosplaying favorite characters and tackling challenges brought by varied costumes and props in the future. These photos largely preserve my natural features while fully presenting costume details, resulting in very satisfying Convention photos. Post-processing focused on darkening backgrounds and boosting veil translucency through highlight adjustments, keeping textures authentic to the on-site atmosphere. I adore this Identity V Gardener Cosmic Witch series and hope you enjoy it too.