Shouldering this ridiculously heavy greatsword while standing barefoot on the stones of the Old Summer Palace made shooting this Honkai: Star Rail Berrypheasant Skewers cosplay set a pure test of physical endurance. While the post description mentioned night photography, I particularly loved this waterside session under natural daylight; the sunlight filtering through the crimson cape created an exceptionally vivid texture. The rock surfaces were rough, and to showcase the character's barefoot detail, every step had to be taken with extreme care, with the red cords around the ankles serving as a wonderful visual accent.
To strike that imposing posture of 'Just say who you want sliced, and I'll slash them all,' handling the prop greatsword was a massive challenge. With its broad blade, it was remarkably heavy in hand; hoisting it relied entirely on arm strength while trying to keep my facial expression steady. The photographer constantly adjusted angles to find framing that best showcased my legs and full silhouette—such as a relaxed yet confident pose seated on the rocks, which captured both the layered garment textures and smooth body lines.
The top features a midriff-baring design paired with a blue-and-white pleated skirt, creating a vibrant contrast between crimson and blue. During the shoot, a gust of wind billowed the red cape, adding dynamic motion and depth. The headpiece is also exquisite, with gems and metallic textures gleaming beautifully in the light. I deliberately styled the flow of the wig so it moved more naturally with the wind.
Holding that candied hawthorn skewer added a playful, cheeky touch to this hardcore greatsword photo set. Although the candied skewer was just a prop, during close-ups I genuinely wanted to take a bite. The purple booklet resting beside was another fun little accessory. Before the shoot, I was quite concerned about accidentally damaging the historic stonework at the Old Summer Palace, so we were extremely cautious throughout. Although the caption noted zinnias, we couldn't find them this time, which was a pity, but the waterside backdrop was more than enough to flatter the outfit.
Since this is Anime-style photography, both early preparation and post-production color grading are paramount. In post-processing, I focused on preserving garment textures while boosting the red-and-blue contrast to accentuate the character's formidable aura. The entire set presents an upscale, cool-toned background contrasted against the rich crimson cape, packing a strong visual punch. My original intention in shooting these photos was to capture the character's unique charm while challenging my own endurance and expression management. Every time I see the finished photos, it reminds me of the tactile feel of stepping barefoot on the rough rocks and striving to keep my balance.
The makeup demands were also very strict—it had to convey authority while retaining a hint of softness, requiring careful thought in choosing the eyeshadow and brow shape. The evening breeze at the Old Summer Palace was fierce, posing a significant challenge to the styling and demanding constant touch-ups on hair and clothing, but for the final visual payoff, all the effort was completely worth it.