For Rikuhachima Aru from Problem Solver 68 in Blue Archive, I tried shooting a set of photos themed around a wine cellar this time. Considering that Problem Solver usually handles tasks that involve clearing up aftermaths, although the leader herself always carries a somewhat majestic yet cute temperament, she also occasionally needs some relaxing downtime. Thus, we came up with this concept of her resting in the shop with a glass of red wine. The red velvet dress and long white gloves are major highlights of this look. These vintage elements, paired with the dark, warm-toned lighting of the background, beautifully enhance that serene and tipsy ambiance.
The texture of this red velvet dress is truly unexpected, revealing a rich wine-red color under the warm lights, which fits the gorgeousness behind her cool demeanor as a "leader" much better than pure black or pure white. Moreover, the short skirt and over-the-elbow white gloves create a strong contrast. I specially prepared a glass bottle to simulate a red wine prop, which serves to embellish the foreground and prevents the frame from looking too empty. The lighting on-site was quite dark. To keep the shadows on the skin from looking muddy, I carefully adjusted the highlights during post-processing so that she could still stand out in the dim bar environment.
In terms of expression management, I intentionally dialed back a bit of her usual liveliness and added a slight look of scrutinizing the lens, which better suits her calm and unhurried tone when handling business. However, she also likes to show relaxed micro-expressions normally, so you will see a touch of playfulness in it. Thanks to the texture of the wooden display racks and leather sofa at this venue, the resulting color layers are very rich, and the label on the wine bottle also serves as a perfect visual focal point for the frame.
Looking back carefully, everyone in Problem Solver 68 actually has their own distinct traits. Although Aru, as the leader, sometimes obsesses over strange concepts and details, it is precisely because of this that she is more charming. Through these photos, I wanted to convey a bit of her sense of control mixed with a slightly elegant aura. Regarding photography and prop preparation, since I prefer tones with a nostalgic feel, the overall look was processed into a warm yellow-brown, avoiding harsh cool white light that would ruin the tavern's atmosphere. The size of the outfit was also just right, allowing me to comfortably strike various sitting poses without looking stiff.
As for the specific shooting poses, it wasn't just simple posing; I truly imagined myself in a moment of enjoying a solitary drink in a quiet corner after finishing a busy day of business. This allowed for capturing more natural expressions and makes viewers feel a sense of reality. The iconic horns on her head are actually quite heavy. It took some effort to maintain their balance and angle, but fortunately, the final results did not let those adjustments go to waste. This is my Blue Archive Rikuhachima Aru cosplay shooting attempt, and I hope it recreates the tipsy yet composed leader of Problem Solver 68 in everyone's hearts.