For this Eyjafjalla Cosplay shoot from Arknights, an authentic sheep pen was chosen as the location. I had previously considered shooting on a real pasture because artificial backdrops always lack vivid realism. After coordinating the venue in advance and preparing the costume and props, the weather that day was fantastic—the evening sunlight cascaded in warm, golden tones, matching the character setting perfectly.
The outfit features rich details: the dress has a gradient purple-gray tone with red and black accents at the collar and cuffs, crafted with substantial fabric weight. Paired with the horned wig and fluffy fur collar, the overall look felt very true to the character. The prop staff was very heavy, and conveying that natural stride across the grass was quite physically demanding. Additionally, pairing with Black stockings and platform boots not only brought a distinct aesthetic flair, but also provided non-slip grip and insect protection while walking around the ranch. Although the weather was warm, I pushed through for the sake of the styling.
The most enjoyable part of the shoot was interacting with the sheep. These lambs were wonderfully lively—as mentioned in the caption, they would peek at my book, tug at my clothes, and one white lamb kept trying to nibble on my staff. To capture a quiet, trusting atmosphere, we moved as gently as possible, crouching or sitting on haystacks to let the flock naturally gather around. The crouching shot, with its luminous halo and flattering leg lines, carried a particularly poetic mood.
Collaborating with the photographer went smoothly; to create a soft aesthetic, backlighting was utilized along with subtle soft-focus effects in post-processing. Because this was a real outdoor environment, bits of dry grass clung to the dress, and the animal scent was quite pronounced, requiring continuous adjustments to the fur collar and skirt hem, along with several makeup touch-ups. All in all, this shoot tested both stamina and patience, but the final outcome captured the quiet, soft-hearted maiden tending sheep on the pasture just as I imagined, brimming with a natural and adorable warmth. It was an unforgettable experience, and I hope everyone can feel the heartfelt tenderness in this photo set.