[Gilberta Cosplay] A Research Profile from Arknights: Endfield

This set of Gilberta photos focuses on reproducing that sharp efficiency characteristic of a technical operator in Arknights: Endfield. Before the shoot, we decided to abandon complicated outdoor locations and went straight to a research and laboratory base that fits the setting and has good light transmittance. The ready-made control consoles, high-precision display screens, and scientific instruments in the scene perfectly match the character's daily routine while working at the terminal base.

To match the character's vibe through the styling, I put a lot of thought into the techwear outfit coordination this time. The black-and-red leather outerwear inherently carries a sense of sci-fi functionality, while the collar and halter strap design perfectly accentuate the shoulder and neckline. The accompanying black over-the-knee stockings and platform high-heeled combat boots provide an excellent elongating effect on proportions. The animal ear style and twin-tails are the character's visual identity; in terms of makeup and hair, we deliberately toned down overly sweet elements, emphasizing sharpness in the eye makeup to lean the overall demeanor toward a calm observer image.

The actual shooting process presented quite a few challenges. There were a large number of fluorescent tubes on the ceiling inside the laboratory, and this flat lighting easily casts rigid shadows on the face. After communicating with the photographer, we decided to introduce a set of off-camera flashes for fill light to suppress the messy ambient light. Regarding camera angles, we also tried a low-angle upward shot, which better composed the character's casual, semi-reclining posture with the control console behind her, while keeping the legs as the visual focus in the frame. The posture of semi-reclining on the white chair actually demands a lot from the costume; it must maintain the coolness brought by the open coat without letting the leather material bunch up too bulkily.

For post-processing, we made some trade-offs, mainly preserving that cool blue sci-fi ambiance on the large screens of the laboratory background, while adjusting the character's skin tone to be more translucent to showcase the material contrast among skin, black leather, and stockings. Additionally, the weathered details on the boots and the snug fit at the edges of the gloves are beautifully presented in the final photos. We also appropriately incorporated experimental bottles and jars as props and foregrounds in some compositions to add narrative depth to the frames. The cooperation with the photographer throughout the process was seamless, and this captured relaxed moment fits the setting without appearing staged. I hope this expression of being within a tech-based setting while remaining sharp and effortlessly capable can convey the unique charm of this character.