Having completed this Navia cosplay photoshoot at HoYo Wonderful House, I couldn't resist immediately picking a few photos to share after organizing them. The entire shooting experience went incredibly smoothly; everything from the costume, wig, and hand accessories to the hair, makeup, and post-processing was handled in a one-stop fashion. This feeling of completely not having to worry about logistics myself truly boosted my focus on the shoot immensely.
Regarding this look, I particularly love the design of the hat. The large-brimmed black hat, adorned with white feathers, blue-black velvet flowers, metallic-textured gears, and blue teardrop gems, instantly brings out a vintage steampunk style flavor. The golden curled wig looks beautifully layered under the stylist's care, with the curvature of the sideburns and the position of the bangs perfectly framing my face shape. The large blue eyes, paired with slightly upturned eyeliner, easily bring out that confident yet slightly mysterious gaze in front of the lens. The black lace choker and gem pendant around my neck have an excellent texture under the vintage lighting, and the black, gold, and blue color combination looks highly premium.
The several sets of props chosen during the shoot were also quite interesting. I am personally most satisfied with the second photo holding the golden picture frame. The carved frame border is highly magnificent; holding it diagonally across my chest while placing my index finger by my lips to make a "shh" gesture instantly creates an atmosphere of exploring secrets or telling a story. The frame not only breaks the flatness and adds layers to the image but also helps me find a better focal point for my gaze. Additionally, there was a scene with red velvet curtains and a high chair during the shoot, with black-and-white checkered floor tiles on the ground, a combination that carries a strong dramatic stage vibe. Sitting on the high chair with my legs crossed, paired with the metallic decorations on the boots and thigh rings, the character's nobility naturally shines through.
And my absolute favorite has to be the set from the afternoon tea theme shoot. Delicate egg tarts, cream cake rolls, and small green mousse cakes were placed on a double-layer metal tray, props that were highly enticing on their own. Holding the cake roll, paired with the brown leather sofa behind me and the wooden bookshelf packed with books, the entire image exuded a sense of leisure inside a vintage study room. This everyday, lifelike angle actually showcases the character's elegant and composed side much better.
As a player who deeply loves the game Genshin Impact, being able to materialize my favorite character's costume details, personality, and temperament in reality through cosplay brings a massive sense of achievement. From the design-heavy skirt hem to the cleverly conceived metal pendants, the extremely meticulous tailoring of the entire outfit gave me great surprises throughout the shooting process. The photographer at HoYo Wonderful House was highly experienced in utilizing light and shadow, using strong contrast between light and dark to highlight the sapphires and gold trim on the costume, allowing the fabric texture and metallic sheen to be clearly displayed. The retoucher's handling of colors was also spot-on, avoiding excessive skin smoothing while preserving the character's contours and the texture of the garments. The overall rich, vintage tone perfectly matches the theme of this work.
To shoot a satisfying cosplay photoshoot, aside from the collective efforts of the makeup artist, stylist, photographer, and retoucher, it's also crucial for the model to understand and immerse themselves in the character. In my mind, I imagine what this character would do in this scene at this very moment—whether she is admiring a painting, enjoying a delicate afternoon tea, or observing everything around her. Integrating these minor emotions into the movements and gazes gives the final photos a lot more soul. This collaboration experience was incredibly relaxed, everyone was highly cooperative, and the whole process was very joyful. This set of work has left behind a visual record that I am highly satisfied with recently.