For this shoot, we chose a very hardcore abandoned garage. The graffiti on the iron gates, scattered old televisions, motorcycle oil drums, and that vintage motorcycle all maximized the industrial wasteland atmosphere of Arknights: Endfield.
Driven by my love for the character Gilberta, I spent extensive time studying the costume materials. The silhouette and tailoring of this black leather outfit are meticulously crafted: in addition to the base leather, mesh splicing was added around the collar and shoulders, which together with the choker and various tactical strap details preserves the character's techwear aesthetic without feeling bulky. The red cape of the coat is the crowning touch, delivering a powerful visual punch against the dark garage setting and creating a sense of narrative as I move.
When cosplaying Endfield characters, accessories can never be overlooked. The mecha-style beast ears on my head and the sci-fi armor pieces on my outfit were repeatedly refined with the prop maker. Although wearing them for hours put pressure on my scalp, it was completely worthwhile for the fidelity of the final look. Paired with black over-the-knee socks for this black stockings cosplay, it preserved character allure beneath the hardcore tactical exterior.
I must praise our collaborating photographer for the shoot. The lighting setup was exceptionally professional, with warm 4-bank continuous lights illuminating the background iron mesh and oil drums; the tawny-amber tones allowed the character and setting to blend seamlessly into a heavy-industrial wasteland state. In the set, a close-up seated on an old leather sofa captured the texture of the leather, the sheen of the stockings, and the sharpness in my eyes with pinpoint accuracy in this industrial style photography session.
To stay true to the combat girl persona of Endfield, I deliberately maintained a relaxed yet vigilant posture during shooting. Instead of deliberately feminine poses, I leaned toward the composed alertness of an intermission between battles. Expressing the character's poise doesn't require exaggerated poses; a casual arm cross or a sharp side glance effortlessly conveys the foundational core of her personality.
During post-processing, we opted to preserve the gritty industrial texture of the frame. Rather than over-smoothing the skin, we retained the authentic on-set realism of hair strands and leather, applying selective depth to light and shadows to sharpen the rugged contours. This style truly tested color grading in post-processing—highlighting the vibrant red cape and orange hair while stabilizing dark details to prevent visual muddiness.
Amidst the rush of urban life, having the chance to immerse myself in such a stylistically distinct environment and experience Gilberta's perspective felt like a brief dimensional crossover. From the feel of the costume to the entire shooting experience, my connection with this character deepened immensely. The moment I took off the wig after wrapping up, despite the physical exhaustion, seeing the desolate wasteland world brought to life in the final photos brought a profound sense of satisfaction and peace.