For this shoot, I chose the Republic of China style cheongsam look with high slits for Chen Hai Retrofit from Azur Lane, setting the scene in a distinctive traditional studio. Every element, from the black feather folding fan to the Chinese horseshoe armchair, was chosen to recreate the unique character and spirit of the Dragon Empery faction.
The costume fabric was chosen for its substantial weight and elegant drape, with black, white, and blue color-blocked tailoring that demands exacting body proportions. The high-slit design creates sleek lines along the legs, which, paired with a black tights outfit under the warm yellow glow of lanterns, visually elongates the silhouette. White high heels serve as a striking touch, balancing the heavy monochrome tones with modern flair. Wearing this outfit tests core muscle control—because of the high slit, maintaining an engaged core whether standing or sitting is essential to keep the gown draping at its best.
For props, the feathers of the black folding fan were neatly arranged—lightweight yet substantial in hand, fitting the composed poise of a shipgirl giving commands. The placement of the white crane prop was adjusted to create a dynamic interplay of motion against my seated stillness. The long gown's hem trailed across the floor, its silky folds gathering naturally; this effortless cascade under the lens highlighted a tranquil moment following the baptism of battlefield smoke. An oiled-paper umbrella was positioned to balance the visual weight, preventing the composition from leaning too heavily to one side.
Hair and makeup avoided exaggeration, keeping natural black hair accented with a white hair ribbon, paired with light yet focused eye makeup to convey a restrained yet formidable shipgirl aura. The silver emblem and gold tassels on the chest produced subtle glints under the lights—fine details that required strict lighting control during the shoot to avoid losing highlights or sinking into shadows.
The main challenge during this studio Cosplay photography session was lighting. With abundant wooden furniture and paper lanterns around, flat overall lighting would have flattened the scene and destroyed depth. I favored directional side lighting, casting shadows into the garment folds and body contours to accentuate the crisp tailoring of the cheongsam and the sheen of the stockings, while sculpting the subject's silhouette. The studio haze machine helped evoke the subtle ambiance of sea fog or battlefield embers as a soft backdrop.
Chen Hai's evolution from a merchant vessel into an aircraft carrier embodies a resilient transformation, reminiscent of how Eastern women balanced grace and strength during the Republic of China era. Posing required both the disciplined posture of a military uniform and the composed relaxation of seated poses. I deliberately kept my expression cool and collected rather than overly emotional, matching her status as Dragon Empery's pioneering aircraft carrier. Holding the fan was not merely handling a traditional prop, but imagining it as a command signal directing carrier-based aircraft.
Throughout this shoot, I maintained that character fidelity goes beyond donning a costume—it requires grasping the psychological tension shaped by the character's background and battlefield role. The restraint and elegance conveyed by this attire serve as the truest expression of her core persona. Mastering these vintage color tones tested post-processing color grading; I opted for a low-saturation amber-warm palette, keeping the visuals from becoming overly garish while imbuing them with historical weight.
The essence of this work lies in presenting the confidence of Chen Hai Retrofit after her rebirth—the steadfast resolve etched by sea winds holds far more power than superficial visual styling. This shoot reinforced my conviction that authentic roleplay requires delving into lore; only by understanding her past can one truly command the battlefield aura she holds today in Azur Lane.