The backup convention photos from the May Day holiday Firefly ACG Expo are finally sorted out. This time, our main focus was the dress stylings related to Jeanne d'Arc cosplay in Fate/Grand Order—specifically the dress versions of Jalter and Jeanne mentioned in the post. In fact, foot traffic at the expo during the May Day holiday was quite heavy, so capturing great convention photos in such an environment was a true test for both cosplayer stamina and the photographer's snapshot skills.
Unlike our usual combat outfit cosplays, the emphasis of these gowns leans much more toward elegance and maturity. The blonde character wears an all-black dress; the incorporation of sheer tulle patchwork and ribbon bows adds a sweet flair while preserving the character's core persona, and the blue-and-white flower ornaments on the head stand out brilliantly against the dark palette. Meanwhile, the silver-haired character dons a deep purple satin dress featuring a chest cutout design that echoes a matching necktie; paired with a mask-like headpiece and argyle drop earrings, the entire ensemble gives off a wondrous luminous luster under the convention lighting.
The on-site lighting at the expo poses a massive challenge for props and costumes, as the overhead venue lights are often harsh and easily cast unflattering shadows on the face. However, this time the photographer skillfully utilized the ambient light spots, using a wide aperture to blur background light sources into soft, circular bokeh, making the foreground figures pop with three-dimensional depth. Especially when capturing leg close-ups and full-body standing poses, the black high-slit gown and over-the-knee black stockings of the blonde character, along with the purple tights and platform high heels of the silver-haired character, added immense visual impact to the Stockings cosplay look. This stockings and leg styling was a core visual highlight of the ensemble, visually elongating proportions beautifully before the camera.
Next, regarding the coordination between wigs and makeup: to match the theme of formal evening gowns, we avoided overly heavy or dark makeup, focusing instead on a clean, luminous complexion complemented by brows and eye makeup in tones harmonious with the wigs. The blonde look incorporated bright blue colored contacts and short golden layers to give off a lively, energetic aura. The silver-haired look incorporated the iconic mask headpiece, using amber-gold contacts to heighten the sharpness of her gaze. We dedicated substantial time to styling the wigs, particularly securing the ahoge and the fluffy volume of the blonde wig, striving to make it appear natural on camera while staying true to the character's original design elements.
Both costumes worn this time were exceptionally faithful to the characters' profile cuts. The black outfit featured a hairstyle with a playful, subtly tousled feel, while the purple one was sleek and smooth, looking all the more refined with its headpiece. Walking through the venue, roaming photography enthusiasts frequently stopped by asking to take a few snaps, and I gladly accommodated everyone's angles. While these outfits weren't extravagantly oversized for a convention, this blend of everyday elegance and subtle allure was well-suited for being captured by lenses on the show floor, while allowing easy mobility through the crowds.
The overall shooting pace was relatively brisk, and interactions with my partner felt increasingly natural. From checking costumes and wigs prior to entering the floor, to micro-adjusting angles and leg posing during the shoot, our coordination was seamless. In seated shots, my silver-haired partner mastered that effortless relaxed demeanor perfectly, adding a grounded, lifelike casualness to the photos. Sorting through these photos and looking back on the brief May Day experience, this convention photoshoot feels truly memorable. Though exhausting, meeting fellow fans at the expo and witnessing everyone's love for our characters brought a deeply authentic sense of fulfillment as cosplayers. We didn't add fancy watermarks, wanting simply to share the raw, authentic atmosphere of the Firefly ACG Expo floor with everyone.