Which side do you prefer, black or white? The character featured in this photoshoot is Remielle from Zenless Zone Zero.
The mood of this photo set is truly unique; the dark-toned outfit appears intensely futuristic under the magenta neon glow.
For this styling, the wig features striking short pink hair, complemented by signature black and red bow ties, as well as a pair of cute elf ears, instantly catching the character's charm. The costume design has rich layering: the chest section utilizes a glossy black material, while the sleeves and arms are crafted from semi-transparent black sheer mesh adorned with metallic ring straps, balancing feminine softness with edgy flair. Below is an exaggerated black mini skirt with a hem assembled from numerous sharp, geometric fabric panels that spread open like a black mechanical flower when walking or sitting. I also paired it with lace-trimmed black thigh-high stockings and a pair of studded black patent leather high heels. Putting on these shoes and hearing the sharp heels click against the wooden platform instantly pulled me into Remielle's mindset.
The dark wings behind my back serve as the key prop for this photoset. Crafted with substantial thickness and rigidity, its layered design presents a unique three-dimensional presence under varying light sources. The wings were somewhat heavier than anticipated; during the shoot, I experimented with different angles to showcase them. Especially when angled light swept across, the wings cast intricate shadows that created a dramatic visual contrast with the old electronic display screens, rugged metallic mesh wire, and mottled graffiti walls in the backdrop.
The shooting venue was a meticulously arranged indoor studio. Lighting primarily originated from several vintage CRT televisions glowing with magenta light, alongside cool-toned rim lighting overhead. I particularly love the setup sitting on that wooden platform, as it allowed my body and leg lines to stretch naturally while showcasing the patent leather high heels and black thigh-highs to perfection. Bright light hitting the patent leather formed crisp specular highlights, making the shoe's metallic rivet details stand out clearly.
This shoot was truly an enjoyable creative journey for me, as Remielle herself possesses very distinctive visual characteristics, with the clash of black, white, red, and purple serving as the foundational visual tone of these photos. I hoped to convey the character's mysterious yet playful aura through various poses, such as crossing my legs while seated in front of the TV screens, or gently resting my chin in my hands while gazing into the lens.
Between shots, I reflected on how black and white—two pure contrast colors—are not merely visual element contrasts on Remielle, but extensions of many characters' inner depth. This interweaving of colors broadens the narrative space of the photos, while magenta light against dark backdrops fills the frame with tension, imbuing this portrait set with a richer story feeling. Overall, the shooting process went smoothly. Although sorting out the intricate costume straps and details took time, adjusting every lace-up and skirt layer helped me better grasp the essence of this look until a wonderful synergy formed with the photographer. That is perhaps the most gratifying moment in any location or studio photoshoot—the exact instant when light and shadow freeze, unleashing the character's full charisma.