This set of Arataki Itto cosplay Client Photo Showcase images mainly focused on recreating two different atmospheres in shooting and post-processing. It was also my first time trying to deconstruct the same character using both a dark chain scene and a gorgeous red drape scene.
The decision to shoot this character came from a long-standing desire to challenge this style filled with contrast. The white hair paired with that eye-catching pair of red Oni horns, plus the red makeup at the corners of the eyes, required quite a bit of effort in makeup and styling to get the sizing and positioning just right. When attaching the horns, special care had to be taken regarding their curvature and stability; if they were even slightly crooked, the visual center of the entire face would be off. The wig also underwent detailed styling: the silver-white hair needed to look fluffy, and the bangs had to sit just right to cover part of the eyes without blocking the sightline, so that when lifting the claymore, the character's arrogant, world-defying presence could be recreated.
Let's talk about the shooting experience in these two scenes. For the photos with chain restraints, the prop chains were actually very heavy. When posing, I not only had to ensure the muscles of my upper body remained tight, but also let the chains wrap naturally around my arms and chest to maintain that contrasting feeling of being bound right before an explosion. The photographer's lighting during the shoot was very refined; the top light and side lights deepened the shadows of the muscles, magnifying that sense of wildness. Meanwhile, in the red drape scene, the overall vibe became extremely dramatic. The claymore prop in hand was actually quite heavy; shouldering the sword with one hand required not only stability, but also showing the metallic sheen and texture of the blade. As for the close-up with the red rose, it was intended to express his character trait of seeming rough on the outside while actually understanding romance and possessing his own unique aesthetic.
In terms of body language and facial expression control, the entire shooting process was truly a dual test of physical stamina and concentration. Because the outfit features a large amount of exposed skin, and to match the character's muscular physique, I had to constantly tighten my core and maintain an upright posture. Even though it was shot in summer and the studio was very hot, the makeup held up thanks to sweat-proofing, resulting in a very high rate of usable shots. This time, we chose two different light and shadow color temperatures—one warm and one cool and dark—to distinguish between the character's two different states, and everyone was pleasantly surprised by how the photos turned out.
As for the essence of the character itself, as mentioned in the copy, the Arataki Gang marches valiantly under his wise leadership, whether in Beetle Fights or the Great Drumalong Festival, as he ventures out with his gang of boys. This personality—appearing casual and careless on the surface while being deeply responsible at heart—is exactly what I wanted to convey through the lens. There were many detail adjustments on the shooting day, such as the angle of holding the sword, the positioning of the wrist guards on the arms, and every accessory was verified repeatedly before finalizing the look. I hope that through these lighting choices and compositions, everyone can see a flesh-and-blood depiction of Arataki Itto. As a cosplayer doing Genshin Impact cosplay, this is a complete expression of my understanding of the character. Recording this immersive Anime cosplay experience in front of the camera and seeing the contrasting final results made all the hard work feel completely worth it.