Today, I'm finally sharing the behind-the-scenes shoot log for Sandrone from Genshin Impact. Leading up to this shoot, I spent countless hours pondering how to materialize Sandrone's signature marionette-like aloofness and aristocratic elegance. Sandrone is a character who places immense value on decorum, perpetually maintaining the pristine demeanor of a lady; thus, my posture and expressions had to balance poised dignity with theatrical drama.
On the styling side, Sandrone's garments are packed with intricate details—from the ruby at the chest to the gold embroidery along the hem and the headdress adorned with a white corolla, every aspect tested meticulous precision. To embody the character, I wore a sleek, pale-blonde straight wig paired with azure contact lenses. Slipping into this grand attire woven from black, white, gold, and crimson, complemented by long white gloves, white Stockings tights patterned with golden lines, and red-and-black high heels, looking in the mirror truly felt like the doll partaking in afternoon tea within an antique study had stepped into reality.
The location was scouted in an atmospheric wooden lodge. Dark timber walls, crimson drapes, and a vintage brown leather sofa looked as though they were plucked straight from a private Fontainian estate. To capture the whimsical, fantastical ambiance of her tea party, the photographer rigged numerous floating books around the sofa using concealed mechanical armatures. Staggered in mid-air, they created an illusion of zero gravity that imbued the composition with surreal dramatic tension.
The shooting process was quite demanding. To sustain Sandrone's proud, graceful lady persona while seated on the soft leather sofa, I had to keep my legs crossed to accentuate long leg lines while constantly ensuring the skirt pleats stayed immaculate. Despite the floor and surroundings overflowing with tomes—and even a giant plush teddy bear—my gaze had to project detached, imperious coldness, creating a stark juxtaposition with the cluttered fairy-tale environment. The upward gaze in Photo 1 captured her contemplative yet haughty gaze, while Photo 2 locked eyes directly onto the lens to unleash her commanding presence.
Special thanks to our photographer's dedication. He masterfully leveraged the harsh sunlight filtering through the windows; that high-contrast rim lighting vividly highlighted the metallic gold threads and skin texture. Though waiting for optimal light pockets took considerable time, the resulting tonal depth and mood in every shot turned out spectacular. Bringing Sandrone to life allowed me to delve deeper into embodying a graceful lady, successfully merging character temperament with elaborate props in a serene atmosphere.