[Laqeramaline Cosplay] Arknights: Somniloquium Serenum, A Handmade Set Built in a White Studio

This shoot for Arknights Laqeramaline's "Somniloquium Serenum" theme actually encountered quite a few practical issues from initial planning to execution. The real-scene studio we initially eyed couldn't fully deliver the dark Gothic atmosphere we wanted due to schedule conflicts and site integrity issues. After some consideration, the team decided to do it ourselves in a white studio, handmaking all the set pieces from scratch.

Materializing abstract concepts relied entirely on the partners in the prop crew using wooden boards, wire mesh, matte black fabric, and withered vines to stack and construct layer by layer. The rusty-textured iron birdcage in the frame was actually a purely metallic cage with a rough finish bought off the shelf, which was then repeatedly treated with rust liquid to achieve the weathered look. The suspended black crucifix below was a basic component sourced from architectural model accessories, which was reinforced with spray paint and finally wrapped with dried flowers and dead branches as embellishments. The lighting of the white studio itself was very flat. To create that cool, melancholy, and dreamy feel, we used two cool-toned blue-violet main lights for the base, while adding a set of hard rim lights in the back to outline the contours of the white hair and crown of thorns, giving the entire frame a three-dimensional depth.

Regarding the styling, the layers of this costume are exceptionally intricate. The outer layer is mostly stiff black fabric, while the inner lining and the outer cloak transition to white, visually creating a fractured sense of walking from the abyss toward the light. Those gold chains and thin cords scattered around the waist and skirt hem require extremely precise movement; during the shoot, a slightly larger movement could easily cause them to entangle, to the point where we had to halt the camera and restart several times. The thorn decorations on both shoulders were made by the prop crew using EVA carving followed by black spray paint, carrying a subtle matte metallic texture that delivered a highly effective visual result. The white hair wig was given custom highlights, matching the curvature of the elf ears to perfectly support the overall proportions of the head.

The temperature on the day of the shoot was quite high, and with the baking heat of the lights in the white studio, being stifled in multi-layered clothing meant I was sweating constantly. However, the moment I saw the final photos, I felt all the hard work was completely worth it. The photographer extensively adopted a low-angle perspective this time, effectively elongating the drape of the skirt and cloak. Paired with a slightly restrained gaze, there was no need to force any exaggerated expressions; as long as you understand the character's state through the lens of the wardrobe, makeup, and props, the camera naturally captures that cool and slightly wicked essence.

For the makeup, I deliberately controlled the intensity of the colors, placing the visual focus on the contrast between the purple-red micro-smoky eye blending and the lip color. Combined with the cold on-site light, this perfectly lifted the facial contours. Participating in the manual construction of the set and props myself felt completely different from simply posing in a pre-made studio, giving me a deeper understanding of the character's backstory. This output counts as a highly satisfying attempt, down-to-earthly completing every step from handmade sets to subsequent layout design and photo editing.