Getting straight to the point: for this New Year greeting illustration shoot, I chose this look for Peter Strasser from Azur Lane (Peter Strasser cosplay). Aligning with the New Year season, this set of photos offers plenty of details to share, from costume to scene setup.
First, regarding the costume: this cropped halter top is made of black velvet with a wonderful tactile feel, and the cutout design at the neckline and chest effectively elongates the neck line. Paired with white sheer cascading flowing sleeves and layered white waist detailing, it makes the monochrome black-and-white palette feel much airier. The hair accessories feature fluffy white pom-poms and slender white ribbons, resonating with the character's elegant yet subtly playful temperament.
Next, looking at the scene and prop coordination: the studio used abundant red elements to build the atmosphere—a large red oiled-paper umbrella opened in the background, painted with vivid koi motifs symbolizing surplus year after year; a red "Fu" character lantern hanging on the left, along with golden bonsai pots bearing red winterberries, filled the space with rich Chinese New Year flavor. The prop team also prepared golden ingots and a red scroll inscribed with "Happy New Year," allowing interactive posing that turned simple standing shots into a narrative scene.
During shooting, I specifically asked the photographer to pay special attention to the lighting. Because the outfit has high black-and-white contrast, harsh lighting would easily wash out the white fabric. Therefore, we used warm soft fill and side-backlighting, allowing the black velvet to absorb light for a luxurious finish while the white sheer skirt revealed subtle layers of light and shadow. The resulting tone carried a cozy, warm Spring Festival warmth, making my complexion look vibrant.
As for makeup, instead of heavy blush typical of traditional New Year styles, I opted for a clean matte base paired with eye-catching pink-toned contact lenses, extending the eyeliner slightly to give the gaze sharper focus. The makeup had to fit the character design while standing distinct from the surrounding gold-and-red backdrop without blending in, so I chose a relatively natural dusty rose red for the lips.
For posing, I alternated between sitting and standing. When seated with legs crossed, the sleek leg lines wrapped in White over-the-knee socks were beautifully showcased; when holding the scroll and golden ingots, I slightly tilted my center of gravity, using extended arms to create a dynamic balance. This looked natural and flattering on camera. White over-the-knee socks paired with white pointed-toe heels were the perfect match, echoing the top's white accents while introducing a bright highlight against the red-and-black background.
Reflecting on these details, cosplaying a regal character always tests one's understanding and control over movements. Peter Strasser's New Year look is inherently elegant and radiant, so before the lens, I strove to remain confident and composed, avoiding exaggerated expressions and relying on my eyes to convey emotion.
This photo set is a New Year gift to both myself and the audience. The set design, costume, props, and the teamwork of the photography crew made this shoot a fantastic experience. I hope everyone viewing these photos catches some of this good fortune and joy—after all, it's New Year, where flourishing prosperity and smooth sailing matter most. Reviewing the raw photos after the shoot, I was genuinely amazed by the harmony between this styling and the lighting. Black-and-white costumes are tricky to master, especially in a colorful Chinese New Year setup where the background can easily steal the spotlight. Yet thanks to the garment tailoring, long white gloves, and pom-pom accents, the visual focus remained firmly locked on the character. This clever design nuance was one of the key reasons I chose her for this New Year greeting illustration shoot.
When it comes to cosplay and formal photoshoots, I always believe that establishing a compelling atmosphere is key to captivating the audience. You don't necessarily need overly complex poses or effects; as long as the character and setting resonate harmoniously, the photos naturally carry emotional power. Finally, wishing everyone great fortune and smooth success in the Year of the Snake! May this vibrant New Year greeting illustration bring you good cheer, and I look forward to creating more exciting works for the next holiday!