At ChinaJoy, I finally brought these convention photos of Azur Lane's Zhen Hai to life. I selected a black Qipao silhouette whose black-and-gold palette and halter mandarin collar exuded remarkable texture. The front features sheer mesh splicing with side-waist cutouts, which heavily tests both the garment's fit and physical conditioning. To ensure complete fidelity, I textured the wig's layering, wore reddish-toned eye makeup with crimson contacts, and carefully pinned the black floral hairpiece before the mirror. The lace trim along the sheer black opera gloves was another crucial nuance; with every pose, I had to ensure the cuffs didn't roll, as macro lenses amplify every imperfection.
The photographer used a Sony A7CII paired with a Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 DG DN II. This focal range is exceptionally practical in dense convention crowds, enabling rapid compositional shifts around venue lighting. Overhead ambient lights were quite chaotic, so the photographer actively searched for clean light positions, opening up the aperture to melt the passing crowds into creamy bokeh. To achieve our vision, we laid down a white plush rug, creating stark visual contrast against the pitch-black Qipao. Seated on the rug, I alternated between crossed-leg poses, over-the-shoulder glances, and kneeling seiza stances. Sheer Black stockings reflect subtle specular highlights under flash strobes, so I constantly fine-tuned leg angles to maintain elongated lines, safeguard modesty, and brace my core throughout—it was a true physical workout. Even minor shifts in wrist or leg curvature altered the frame's emotional resonance, demanding tight synergy with the photographer.
Because the dress was extremely form-fitting, I barely dared to take deep breaths to preserve clean silhouettes. The convention floor was sweltering, and wearing a non-breathable Qipao with long gloves during intense posing left me drenched in sweat during breaks, with the wig feeling rather stuffy. Yet Zhen Hai embodies a composed, enigmatic serenity, so I focused on amplifying that detached poise. While the white rug was visually striking, kneeling on it for hours took a toll on my knees. Still, seeing the final cuts where the black-and-gold design clashed with crimson irises, alongside the exquisite texture of Black stockings under the lights, made all the hardship worth it. Preserving every nuance of this wardrobe and the on-site lighting through the lens was an immensely satisfying creative experience. Packing up the gear to leave, though physically spent, I was already brainstorming my next convention shoot. Looking forward to meeting everyone at the next event and capturing more cherished 2D moments.