This photo series for Odette was actually shot back on August 14th, and it took until now to post because of a relentless schedule—I only recently managed to carve out time to finish retouching! The photoshoot was an absolute joy, and I'd love to share some on-set details and behind-the-scenes thoughts with everyone.
Speaking of the outfit, the blue, white, and gold palette looked breathtaking against the stained-glass window. To authentically honor the character's texture, I spent considerable effort tuning fine details—from the golden filigree embroidery and delicate cutouts to the crimson heart-shaped gemstone at the waist—since mixing glossy and matte textures readily reveals garment craftsmanship. The tailored, form-fitting cut of the bodice demanded pristine posture throughout the day, but it rewarded us with gorgeous bodily lines on camera. The voluminous puff skirt has rich dimensional layers: white subtle jacquard on the outer layer trimmed with blue along the hem, fanning out with an enchanting fullness whether walking or seated.
Styling the wig was another massive endeavor. To create natural, dimensional layering, I trimmed and textured the wisps around the forehead and sideburns strand by strand, adding subtle body shimmer to catch the ambient light. For makeup, I selected violet-blue contact lenses paired with a soft reddish eye wash, aiming to highlight her graceful yet enigmatic presence. The dark blue fingerless gloves also feature distinct graphic prints; these meticulous accessories significantly elevated overall fidelity.
The prop longbow carried substantial heft, leaving my arms rather sore after prolonged holding. To achieve striking archery stances, the photographer and I continually refined my angles and muscle tension, seeking the optimal balance between toned contours, facial calm, and precise finger placement. Drawing the bow, for instance, demanded sharp ocular focus to project authentic power. A plush white faux-fur rug was spread across the floor, allowing comfortable kneeling and seated poses. Surrounded by decorative birdcages, floral arrangements, and dappled lighting bokeh, the romantic atmosphere was dialed straight to the maximum. While I brought matching golden high heels, for aesthetic softness I spent most of the time barefoot or in stockings posing across the rug, gently adjusting the skirt's pleats for a lighter, more ethereal frame.
On the day, wearing patterned White stockings not only contoured leg lines beautifully, but also harmonized flawlessly with the blue-and-white theme. Wearing this intricate ensemble definitely demanded patience: dressing, adjusting the skirt, and securing the heavy headpiece with extra pins to prevent slipping required extreme care at every step. Seeing the final retouched shots made every ounce of effort worthwhile. Half a month has flown by in the blink of an eye; it might be a while before my next shoot, so archiving this cherished memory here!