[Thunder in the Azure Dream cosplay] Gothic Duo in Arknights: Organizing Old Photos

I shot this set last year, and while clearing my phone storage recently, I happened upon it and decided to archive it on social media.

This set features Arknights' Thunder in the Azure Dream cosplay, paired with my partner Xun Deng. The rabbit plush she held was the perfect finishing touch, and this setting was genuinely ideal for shots with a dark, palace ambiance. The shoot took place in an indoor European classical setting where marble reflections photographed brilliantly, creating sharp, defined cuts of light. The photographer, Yun Jian, excels at capturing high-contrast light and shadow, giving the images a rich, oil-painting texture.

Let's focus on the overall styling and shooting process. I cosplayed the horned character; the horn accessories carried some weight, but thankfully they were secured well without shifting. The outfit was predominantly in a black Gothic Lolita style, and I put considerable thought into the waist tailoring and the tiered layering of the skirt hem. In terms of details, the skirt was paired with Black stockings and strappy high heels; the ankle straps flattered the leg shape nicely, making this styling very effective at elongating leg proportions. For standing poses, to ensure the silhouette of the skirt remained neat, many angles required standing in a three-quarter profile.

The biggest challenge of this shoot was indoor light and shadow. Since we relied primarily on natural light filtering through the windows, each shot had to be framed at just the right lighting angle. Holding the sword pose was especially demanding—the sword felt heavy and holding it for long periods caused arm soreness, but thankfully the final shots looked crisp, with gorgeous metallic reflections gleaming in the shadows. We tested several compositions, including leaning against the wall seated and standing symmetrically on the floor, utilizing the mirrored floor reflections to give the frame spatial extension.

For hair and makeup, to match the character's cool, alluring aura, the foundation was applied pale with an emphasis on eye contouring. The blue and light-green hair popped vividly against the dark garments. During the shoot, our synergy was seamless; the angle of the props in hand and eye contact toward the lens often worked on the first take.

Shooting these characters, the Black stockings and long gown tested our patience. Dust and snagging were constant risks, so we touched up makeup several times mid-shoot and smoothed out wrinkles in the fabric. Although not a commercial shoot, we invested substantial effort into costumes, props, and scene staging to faithfully capture that mysterious, aloof lore.

Organizing this set brought back many shooting details. It was a delightful collaboration, and I hope to preserve this rendition of Arknights' Thunder in the Azure Dream cosplay on social platforms as a cherished memory.