[Ronova cosplay] Genshin Impact's Dark Aesthetics of the Shroud of Death

This set of photos for Ronova, the Shroud of Death, has finally reached Vol.3. To present that feeling that is both gorgeous and freezing, characteristic of Snezhnaya and the Authority of Death, we put a lot of thought into the set design. The details of this outfit are extremely rich, with a black main base paired with dark red geometric textures, as well as an asymmetrical skirt hem. To reflect its texture in photos, lighting was particularly important. I communicated with the photographer Masaka for a long time and decided to use a dark background combined with dramatic side-backlighting to illuminate the silvery-white wig and skin, forming a strong contrast between light and dark. The material splicing of the clothing has great layering, and the alternation of matte fabric and translucent tulle shows rich reflection effects under the lens.

Looking at the official photos, you can see that props were also a major focus of this shoot. For example, the crystal ball in hand actually needed to have some self-luminous effect through lighting or post-processing during the shoot to add a bit of mystery. Also, that group of red roses, birdcages, and crystal ornaments were all meant to set off the character's arrogant control over life and death and the dark-toned atmosphere. The two photos of me sitting on the table that everyone sees—actually, to show the character's languid yet dangerous posture, I deliberately took off one shoe, and the leg lines in black stockings also provide a visual tension in this environment. Sitting on a red leather sofa holding a wine glass, or sitting on a table draped with a velvet tablecloth, the sense of oppression presented by different heights and postures is completely different.

The equipment used this time was mainly the SONY A7M5, with the FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM and FE 70-200mm F2.8 GM OSS II lenses. To capture that slightly hazy film-like feel, a KENKO BLACK MIST NO.05 filter was specially added. The soft focus effect of the black mist filter on the highlight parts is really great, especially in the red-and-black background, where it can blend the highlights of the silver hair and skin softly. Since the outfit worn has many black and red elements with extremely strong contrast, the black mist filter just neutralizes the overly sharp digital feel, making the overall atmosphere a bit more retro. When taking close-ups with the 70-200 telephoto lens, the perspective compression combined with the black mist filter elevated the texture to another level.

When portraying Ronova, mastering the gaze is crucial. Because she is the Shroud of Death, she doesn't need too many complicated expressions; that aloof sense of "ignoring rules" often has more tension than exaggerated actions. I tried my best to keep my state in front of the lens in a sort of scrutinizing and detached manner. Shooting the details of wearing high heels and taking off a shoe was also hoping to showcase a bit more of the character's aura under different states; of course, the matching of long gloves and stockings is also a very textured part of the character's design. The color tone of the entire set of photos revolves around red, black, and white, and during post-processing, the surroundings were deliberately darkened to make everyone focus on the character and the gorgeous light and shadow. To make a 2D-designed outfit look realistic in front of the lens, besides the clothing itself, the relaxation of body posture and the focus of the gaze are equally important.