Putting on this Ruan Mei attire, it feels as though I can instantly sense her calm and composed aura. Shooting this set of photos in this Chongqing garden scene that blends old and new styles was much more interesting than expected, making it a perfect highlight for a Chongqing photoshoot booking. The color scheme of this costume is primarily lake blue and dark green, supplemented by gold trim. Some hollow-out and ribbon designs in the details really test the convenience of daily movement. However, to restore the character's gentle yet detached vibe, the standing posture and emotions must be handled just right.
The sunlight was quite strong on the day of the shoot, so we used an oil-paper umbrella and a round fan as light-blocking and interaction props, which not only reduced facial shadows but also made the movements more natural. Special thanks to the photographer, who is very good at capturing casual moments. For instance, when sitting on the stone railing or leaning sideways against the octagonal window, the dappled light and shadow filter through the leaves, combining with the lines of the surrounding architecture to create images rich in Eastern classical aesthetics for this piece of Anime-style photography.
Actually, the character of Ruan Mei possesses both a detached coldness and a deeply hidden tenderness. This subtle balance is the goal I strived to approach in this attempt. The tailoring of this outfit is very form-fitting, especially the side slits on the skirt hem and the circular ornaments at the waist. Paired with black high heels, it elongates the overall visual effect. The plum blossom pattern on the fan is also a detail I personally love; holding it in hand to coordinate with movements makes the composition a bit more vivid.
From prop preparation to the hair and makeup communication that day, the entire prep process had to be very meticulous, especially the updo and the trimming of the wig's bangs, all to align closely with the character portrait. I am very happy to have completed this creation in such a traditional Chinese garden. With a bit of luck and the photographer's professional cooperation, the final presented photos are quite satisfying. Busy with daily life, having a time like this to completely immerse myself in the character's world is truly rare and well worth treasuring.