Shooting five sets across eight straight days has left me completely drained—all I want is to collapse on my bed and never get up. This whirlwind shoot covered works from the Fate series, FGO, Fate/stay night, Ave Mujica, and Arknights. Because the stylistic breadth was massive, the differences in makeup, costumes, and wigs were strikingly distinct. Every day started at 5 or 6 AM with preparations, heading out right after finishing makeup, spending all daylight adjusting wardrobe and props, and staying up late sorting the day's photos to ensure readiness for the next shoot.
Each of the five outfits was exceptionally intricate: delicate lace puffy Lolita skirts, heavy-hemmed Gothic gowns, and sets requiring bulky props. To maximize visual presentation, these outfits were mostly paired with thigh-high stockings, garter belts, and platform heels. Putting on stockings took considerable time because they had to be perfectly smooth without awkward wrinkles or unflattering constriction marks. Walking in platform heels made the soles of my feet throb, especially during prolonged standing angles where my heels went numb. Shooting voluminous skirts also required constant adjustments to the petticoat angle to avoid stepping on the hem.
During outdoor shoots, biting cold winds blew while I fought to keep a stiff, frozen posture and switch poses continuously. In stuffy indoor studios, I had to manage composed expressions while sweating profusely. With multi-layered skirts, constantly fine-tuning folds through the viewfinder was delicate work. Furthermore, the outfits featured countless heavy accessories—earrings, necklaces, and bangles that strained my neck and ears after hours of wear.
The most exhausting aspects are dressing, undressing, and maintenance. Shooting five sets back-to-back demands strict time management alongside sustained emotional presence for the 2D lens. Under specific lighting, stocking sheen directly impacts visual texture, requiring on-the-fly pose adjustments to flatter body lines naturally. Transitioning between sets made losing tiny accessories common, turning bag searches into a routine chore that demanded extreme patience.
The most agonizing routine was detangling wigs and removing makeup. Every wig required specialized conditioning spray and gentle, meticulous brushing to prevent knots before packing away. After eight days, the skin on my hands grew dry from constant exposure to cosmetics and wig fibers. Though completely worn out, exploring so many diverse styles in a short span gave me a profound sense of achievement. For now, I just want to rest for a few days before tackling the massive pile of unedited RAW files. The happiness and exhaustion brought by these five sets are equally immense—I am truly wiped out.