For this The Legend of Zelda Outdoor photoshoot, we headed straight into high-altitude lake country. To recreate that sweeping expanse reminiscent of the wild, scouting the ideal snow-capped peaks and mirrored waters alone took more than half a month. Wardrobe and props were the absolute core: the printed patterns across the mantle, tailored stitching lines, and the handful of flower props were meticulously crafted by hand down to the finest detail. Because the original character design carries a distinct Fantasy style, the physical textiles had to withstand both high-resolution lenses and harsh outdoor lighting—particularly under direct sunlight, where cheap sheen had to be avoided at all costs, requiring multiple sample fittings for the base fabric.
We were up at 5:00 AM on shoot day to start hair and makeup. Setting the wig proved trickier than expected; brisk mountain winds easily whipped stray strands across the face, so we invested serious effort with hairspray and structural pins to maintain airy volume while ensuring rock-solid hold. By the time we arrived at the location, the sun was fully up—the light was hard, yet the reflection of azure skies and white clouds mirrored across the lake surface created an astonishingly wide vista. Since we were shooting as a duo, capturing the running sequences along the lakeshore was the hardest challenge. Sprinting repeatedly across gravel and muddy grass in boots required keeping an effortless posture while controlling the billow of the cloak so it swept forward gracefully into the wind. With the camera crew firing high-speed bursts ahead, we ran back and forth easily over twenty times, filling our boots with grass clippings and mud.
Many friends ask why I am so obsessed with shooting an Outdoor photoshoot. While studio setups offer stable lighting and controlled conditions, the sheer grandeur of Mother Nature cannot be replaced by any green screen. The authentic tactile feedback of standing between earth and sky, feeling every gust of wind, naturally sets your mind at ease, making you feel genuinely immersed in a world of untamed adventure and the unknown. Quite a few tourists were strolling by the lake that day; they stopped to watch and greeted us warmly, bringing a wonderful sense of connection in the real world. During post-processing color grading, I deliberately preserved the deep saturation of the sky and the rich dark greens of the mountains without heavy beauty smoothing or heavy-handed presets, aiming to protect that raw, textured vitality. Every sprint, leap, and backward glance captured in these photos was an attempt to freeze that thrill of exploration. Hiking across rough terrain while carrying heavy gear to frame shots and watching our footing was exhausting, but seeing the final images of both of us running against the wind made every ounce of sweat worthwhile. The outdoors is simply mesmerizing, and I'll keep bringing these characters into even more authentic landscapes in the future.