The Convention photos from this exhibition primarily focused on Anran cosplay from Overwatch. A great deal of thought went into crafting this outfit: we experimented with multiple fabrics for the spliced orange, black, and white color blocks. To ensure a snug fit to my body while keeping it breathable during long hours of walking the convention floor, breathable lining was incorporated inside. Anran's character design is quite distinctive—the white waist belt and golden criss-cross buckles serve as the visual centerpiece, so during shooting I paid special attention to my waist posture, doing my best to support and define the garment's lines.
Prop-wise, the two semi-translucent chakram ring blade weapons were the true soul of this photo series. To recreate the in-game texture, the edges were sprayed with metallic paint, while the center utilized semi-transparent orange acrylic. To harmonize with the themes of scorching wrath and incandescent fire feathers—embodying Vermilion Bird elements—we deliberately scouted darker background zones. Although the convention hall lighting was somewhat chaotic, thanks to photographer Summer Night Sleepless's candid captures and post-processing, the integration of flame elements lent the entire scene a dramatic atmosphere of rising from the ashes. The first seated photo is a personal favorite: I was resting on a folding chair, casually holding the weapons up to shield my front. The photographer perfectly captured that candid moment—my gaze fixed squarely on the lens, paired with a slightly tousled high ponytail, conveying a cool composure laced with sharp edge.
The other standing shots were truly a test of physical stamina. Because the weapons carry noticeable weight, and angles had to be continuously adjusted—especially when thrusting the weapons forward to amplify forced perspective—my arms had to sustain continuous effort. Even so, the beauty of Convention photos lies precisely in this improvised synergy. Without the meticulous studio lighting setups, sometimes an overhead venue light beam or a rim stroke from a reflector casts unique highlights that bring out unexpected dimensions in the costume fabrics.
On site, I met many fellow fans who recognized the character, and we exchanged details regarding prop fabrication. I noticed that many people cosplaying action-oriented characters in Game cosplay struggle with cumbersome weapon grips or costumes shifting out of place during movement. My experience is that when strapping on arm guards and knee pads, the internal fastening bands must fit tightly, and the belt can be cinched slightly firmer, ensuring the outfit maintains its crisp silhouette even during broad dynamic motions.
For hair and makeup, plenty of homework was done as well. To accentuate the character's fierce intensity, the eye makeup used generous reddish-brown eyeshadow blending paired with crimson contact lenses, deepened at the outer corners, with a beauty mark dotted under the right eye. The high ponytail wig was styled with generous hairspray and setting mist, sculpting textured, spiky strands that flew outward naturally, ensuring that when swinging weapons or glancing over my shoulder, the hair retained dynamic flow rather than clinging flatly to the scalp.
Capturing Convention photos in an exhibition hall tests one's ability to maintain character immersion amidst a noisy environment. Surrounded by shifting crowds, you often have to count tempos in your mind to find the physical tension points of each movement. Whether crossing the ring blades before the chest with both hands or slinging a weapon behind my back with one hand, these poses require coordinated breathing to channel the character's raw power. Despite the limitations of live event conditions, this photo series preserved the authentic convention atmosphere, where ambient lighting and blurred silhouettes became the narrative backdrop of the experience. Without extravagant studio sets, this raw on-site authenticity remains the unique allure of Convention photos. Successfully creating these satisfying frames wouldn't have been possible without the photographer's sharp shutter timing, giving me an even deeper appreciation for the kinetic tension of Anran cosplay.