[Reimu Hakurei Cosplay] Touhou Project Fanon Version, The Interweaving Fantasy of Water and Light and Shadow

This time, I tried a fanon version of Reimu Hakurei from Touhou Project. In terms of costume design, it retains the classic red-and-white color scheme and large bow, but incorporates more lace and ruffles, and the sleeves are made extra wide to capture a better flowing sense during dynamic shooting.

The core concept of shooting this photo set was to use a dark background to highlight light and shadow. The photographer and I built a water tank in the studio, utilizing the water surface to create a symmetrical sense of reflection. The first and third shots both attempt to utilize the calm water surface, where the warm light of the lantern is the only main light source, casting a very soft side-backlight on the face. At the same time, the reflection on the water stretches the depth of the entire frame, making it look very ethereal.

In terms of props, several kinds of lanterns were prepared: round paper lanterns and three-dimensional goldfish lanterns. For the shot sitting in the water holding the goldfish lantern, in order to maintain posture and the balance of the lantern, I actually sat in the water for a long time, and the water was quite chilly. The light shining through the paper surface of the lantern happened to form shadows on the folds of the clothing, which was a detail I found particularly interesting during the shoot.

The subsequent shots shifted to a deep blue background with added dry ice smoke. From a photographic perspective, smoke can effectively allow light to produce the Tyndall effect, increasing spatial layering. Standing or sitting in the smoke holding the lantern, the lace details of the costume appeared exceptionally textured at the boundary of cold and warm lighting.

The action range in the final shot is relatively large, capturing a momentary snapshot. I leaned my upper body backward, forcefully swinging the colorful ribbons and the gohei in my hand, while letting paper talismans drift down in the frame. This required mobilizing my entire body's muscles to control core balance, but the resulting flying skirt hem and sense of tension feel incredible.

Regarding the presentation of this photo set, because it's a fanon version, adjustments were made to the expression and aura, which might differ slightly from the relatively direct feel of the original design. I hope to present a tranquil yet slightly mysterious atmosphere. The entire shooting process was a major test of physical endurance and expression management, but seeing the intertwined effects of water ripples, light and shadow, and the skirt hem in the final photos, all the earlier hard work was entirely worth it.