The moment I put on this butterfly haori, I felt as if I had truly transformed into that Insect Hashira who always carries a smile but hides a firm resolve deep inside. This night shoot was set on a path lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The trees full of pinkish-white petals looked exceptionally dreamlike under the flash, perfectly fitting the gentle undertone of Shinobu Kochou. The makeup intentionally softened the sharpness between the eyebrows and eyes, while preserving the translucent look of the purple pupils. The hair accessories and bows were also repeatedly adjusted for the perfect angle, striving to recreate the lightness of butterfly wings.
During the shoot, I tried several different combat stances. The Nichirin Sword in my hand was custom-made, giving off a subtle fluorescent effect when hit by a UV light, making it feel as if it could truly slice through the demons in the night. I am most satisfied with that mid-air leaping action. Although I had to jump repeatedly to capture the most gracefully extended moment, seeing the arc of the haori unfolding with the airflow in the final photos made everything completely worth it.
Night environments have high requirements for lighting. This time, a dual-light setup was used, which brightened the face while preserving the shadow details and atmosphere of the cherry blossom forest. In post-processing, we didn't over-saturate the colors, focusing more on expressing a cool and crisp night texture for this Night portrait and Night cherry blossom photography session.
As a coser, every time I release an official photoshoot, I want to get as close to the character's temperament as possible. Shinobu Kochou is not just about "gentleness," but rather a determination that overcomes strength with softness. This theme of night cherry blossoms and butterflies serves as a tribute to the quiet strength within her heart. I hope everyone can feel the unique style and charm of the Insect Hashira through this set of photos.