This studio shoot for Pozëmka has been in preparation for a long time, and I've finally achieved the atmospheric feel I've always wanted to recreate. The material of this costume is exceptionally picky about lighting; the outer layer is a semi-transparent laser fabric. To capture that shimmering, sparkling glossiness, the lighting positions in the studio were adjusted countless times. Judging from the final photos, the warm-yellow backlight hitting the golden leaves and white flowers forms a wonderful cool-and-warm contrast with the cool-blue main light hitting me, which not only outlines the subject's silhouette but also sets off the overall fantasy ancient-style atmosphere perfectly. Actually, during the lighting setup, I also added a warm rim light on the side, specifically to make the subject pop out from the complex background and enhance the frame's three-dimensional sense.
In terms of makeup and styling, the pink wig was styled with micro-curls and braiding, mainly to increase hair volume and layering, preventing it from looking flat before the lens. The hair ends were flipped outward, which beautifully flatters the face shape when looking down. The beast ears on top of the head are a key focus; I paired them with golden leaves and pearl tassels, creating a slight sway when moving, which fits the character's agile yet slightly aloof temperament. The circle lenses were intentionally chosen in pink, paired with pink-toned eyeshadow blending to get closer to the 2D anime feel. The inner layer of the costume is a silver-gray scaly material, covered on the outside with an ice-blue transparent sheer garment, and the waist straps and metal accessory details are exceptionally abundant, looking amazing in close-ups, though wearing it truly required two people helping to pull the straps tight to secure its position.
To match the calligraphy scrolls and wooden tables and chairs in the scene, I intentionally designed some reading and fan-holding poses. For instance, sitting in front of the table cradling a book, or holding that transparent blue round fan while slightly lowering the head—this not only showcases the costume's layering but also makes the frame look quieter and more narrative-driven. Books and round fans, as important props, played a great role in guiding the gaze during the shoot; for example, slightly covering half the face with the fan makes the gaze appear even more vivid. Because the sleeves are exceptionally wide and baggy, blocking the light with the slightest movement, I had to constantly mind the turning angles of my wrists when posing. The final snapshot with open arms involved my assistant shaking out the skirt hem nearby while I controlled my gestures and expression, aiming to convey a dynamic feel of breaking out of a scroll. The skirt hem of this outfit is massive; to capture the spread-out effect, I sat on the ground adjusting my posture for a long time, letting the fabric drape naturally.
The set design for this studio shoot was truly crafted with care; the calligraphy screen in the background and the long scroll spread on the floor added strong cultural depth. The barefoot design is also part of the styling, with blue gemstone anklets intentionally worn around the ankles to echo the costume's color tone. During the shoot, I had to constantly maintain the shape of the crop top while balancing the flowing feel of the wide water-sleeves, which was indeed quite a test of core strength. For post-processing color grading, I preserved the dreamlike tones of the original photos, slightly raising the texture of the highlight parts to make the blue more translucent and skin tones more even. Although the entire shoot was tiring, the finished photo texture is exceptionally translucent.