This indoor studio shoot of Ganyu from Genshin Impact is finally complete, and I am extremely thrilled with the final outcome. Let me share some behind-the-scenes insights and thoughts from this shoot.
Regarding hair, makeup, and wardrobe: to honor the character while introducing a fresh aesthetic, I selected a modified Chinese-style qipao dress as the core piece, paired with black shorts, classic black stockings, and glossy black Mary Jane high heels. The heels sharply elongated the leg lines, which, combined with the smooth black stockings, looked sleek and statuesque against the set. To faithfully preserve the original character's signature features, I prepared a pale blue wig and crimson horn hairpieces. Styling the wig took considerable time—using hairspray carefully to maintain an airy, natural curve. The horn props carried noticeable weight on the head, requiring mindful neck and head angle control to preserve aesthetic balance.
The studio was decorated with rich traditional Chinese elements, including carved wooden tables, classic armchairs, golden birdcages, a circular silk fan, and ancient screen paintings in the background. Warm-toned lights cast upon golden branches and pink blossoms crafted a gentle, nostalgic ambiance. During the shoot, photographer HarGow Gyoza demonstrated exceptional mastery over light and shadow. The pose in Photo 1—resting one foot on the edge of the wooden table—was chosen to highlight the sleek lines of the black stockings and heels; however, balancing on the slick surface required significant foot and core control. Photo 2 featured a seated, crossed-leg posture on the wooden armchair, creating a grounded composition that accentuated elegant poise. Holding the circular fan was key: a gentle grip paired with a focused gaze added narrative depth to the frame. Post-processing retained warm ambient tones and natural skin texture, avoiding excessive smoothing.
Wearing this full attire and stiletto heels all day left my shoulders and ankles aching, but seamlessly merging Chinese-style photography details with Ganyu's iconic traits brought immense fulfillment and a genuinely joyful shoot experience.