From drafting the very first photoshoot plan back in 2021 to finally bringing all four Ambience Synesthesia looks to fruition today, this five-year creative journey has finally reached its completion.
Four sets of attire across four completely distinct seasons and landscapes—the span was truly immense. The first set featured playing the violin by the seashore; waiting for low tide and the ideal light meant standing in sea breezes on high heels for hours. While pairing the black dress with Black stockings looked stunning, every few steps across the sand required stopping to shake sand out of my shoes. Keeping the violin posture flawless meant holding my arms suspended the entire time, leaving them too sore to lift afterwards.
The second set was the black-and-white gown and red cape in a manor estate. In the sweltering heat of over 30°C in high summer, the heavy skirt train and cape weighed down on me while I had to maintain a poised posture; by the time we wrapped, my inner layer was completely drenched in sweat. The dense wig felt like wearing a sauna cap under the blazing sun, requiring non-stop makeup touch-ups. To keep the frames clean, the photographer spent hours scouting angles to frame out modern architectural elements.
The third set took us out onto ice floes. To capture the billowing motion of the cape, we repeatedly adjusted footwork and poses. The freezing gales pierced right through the white tights, chilling me to the bone. The ice was treacherous and slick; maintaining a lightfooted, elegant poise in high heels proved a daunting test. My fingers went numb from the biting cold, yet had to clutch the prop firmly.
The final set was the massive white gown in the snow. In sub-zero temperatures dropping past -10°C, my hands were so frozen I could barely hold the prop staff, smiling until my facial muscles stiffened, all to present the absolute best state on camera.
This project spanned five full years, facing endless real-world obstacles along the way—there were stalls, delays, and moments when I contemplated giving up. Maintaining the costumes and wigs, hauling the props, and planning routes for every outdoor location took a massive physical toll. Yet as an Arknights player, the desire to document Amiya's iconic designs kept propelling me forward to complete this journey.
I must give immense praise to the photographer, Cookie Film (曲奇影画-台前版). Across these shoots, which were essentially back-to-back marathon sessions, he hauled tens of kilograms of gear running around with me everywhere. Shooting in the snow and ice, he frequently threw himself flat onto the snowbank just to nail the composition. By the time we finished the final shoot, his face was pale, and I genuinely worried he might pass out right there. Absolutely legendary—thank you so much for your hard work!
With the click of the final shutter, this five-year obsession has finally reached its destination. After wrapping up this set, I feel I can finally pack my bags and head off with peace of mind, drawing a definitive, fulfilling full stop to this long chapter of my cosplay journey. I truly hope these photos convey the profound weight these editions of Ambience Synesthesia hold in my heart.