Shooting this set took a lot of effort from initial brainstorming to on-site execution, especially bustling around in a well-lit room while wearing such heavy equipment, which was genuinely a physical test. Having always wanted to try a retro Black and white witch style combination, once this Witch fanon outfit was confirmed, my team and I settled on an indoor set rich in wooden elements and window louvers. When sunlight pierced through the gaps onto the costume, the ambient vibe was instantly achieved.
Let's talk about the costume first—this black and white Lolita-style witch outfit is exceptionally rich in layering. Most eye-catching is definitely the giant white ruffled hat, with embroidered star and flower details on the brim; this exaggerated hat shape paired with blonde twin braids is a classic, highly recognizable feature. I picked a lighter cream-colored wig, which easily captures a translucent feel under bright light. The upper neckline combines pearl chains with a black bow tie, complemented by a 3D floral choker that looks quite delicate. White puff sleeves are retained at the cuffs and shoulders, overlaid with a black pinstriped vest, while side waist straps and metal buckles add a hint of techwear flair. The skirt layers stack immensely, with outer layers of black tulle and striped fabric trimmed with lace and tassels, lined by a white ruffled underskirt that sways gracefully while walking.
Prop choices also fit the setting very well. Besides the huge hat, the long-handled broom in hand served as an essential soul prop, its handle texture echoing the wooden bookshelves and ladders in the background. During filming, we used several weathered antique books and a hexagonal metal compass on the carpet as foreground embellishments, making the frame much more vivid. Light passing between wooden stairs and bookshelves was truly captivating, and the photographer captured this Tyndall effect brilliantly—backlighting cast a golden contour along white lace and fabric edges, while bestowing a 3D texture to the diamond and playing card patterns on the Fishnet stockings in the light and shadow. Specifically, the spade and club patterns printed on the black fishnet stockings, paired with shiny black leather shoes and metal buckles, visually elongated the leg lines in the shot.
The shooting process was actually quite fun, as sunlight angles shifted rapidly, leaving only a window of one or two minutes for each pose. We started with a top-down view lying on the floor, then switched to standing poses like holding the ladder or lifting one foot while holding the broom, aiming to convey the image of a little witch wandering casually in an archive. Later I moved in front of an antique piano, trying a few quiet, languid poses—such as resting an arm on the keys with closed eyes or leaning my cheek on my hand looking into the camera. Lighting around the piano was softer, creating a subtle contrast with the sharp window louver shadows by the bookshelves earlier. Controlling facial expressions throughout required precision to match this outfit with a slightly cool yet not overly stern disposition.
This attire with strong Witch fanon vibes leans sweeter and more retro compared to the original design. Recreating the aura of Touhou Project in a real-world setting with such an exquisite outfit was a thoroughly satisfying experience. Although running around in corset clothing on a hot day was exhausting, looking at the final photos—where intricate ruffles, golden braids, black Fishnet stockings, and the vintage carpet merge together—brings that leisurely Gensokyo atmosphere right into reality.