[Lan Meng cosplay] NARAKA: BLADEPOINT: Little Lan Meng in Cyan Gauze Robes Amidst the Bamboo Forest

The photos from this NARAKA: BLADEPOINT Lan Meng shoot are finally fully retouched. Today, I want to share the entire process and behind-the-scenes details from this Bamboo forest photoshoot. Portraying Lan Meng from NARAKA: BLADEPOINT, the visual direction leans heavily toward Traditional Chinese style cosplay with a wuxia edge.

Costume: The primary color scheme combines cyan-green and pure white. The outer layer is a translucent wide-sleeved sheer gauze robe adorned with subtle gold jacquard patterns and gilded piping. Beneath is a deep cyan short skirt paired with white over-the-knee Stockings sleeves, finished along the upper edges with cyan lacing and ribbon bows. To preserve visual polish, the garments required extensive steaming beforehand; sheer gauze creases easily and demands delicate care.

Hair and Makeup: The wig is long black hair styled with symmetrical twin topknots and braids. True to character design, the hair tips and ribbons feature cyan accents. For makeup, the base was kept clean and luminous. The eyes were fitted with cyan contact lenses to echo the costume palette, with eyeliner extended and gently flicked upward to convey subtle martial sharpness.

Props and Posing: The wooden scroll in hand has solid end knobs and carries noticeable weight. The first shot features a seated pose on a wooden armchair, resting the scroll casually across one shoulder while leaning slightly forward. To flatter leg lines and emphasize the texture of the Stockings, I adjusted my posture—bending one leg naturally while extending the other to inject visual tension into the frame. The second photo is a landscape composition across a calligraphy desk, leaning against the wooden tabletop with one hand unrolling calligraphy paper to foster a languid mood. This pose was deceptively challenging, requiring core engagement to suspend the torso; it took over a dozen shutter clicks to nail the optimal line.

Scene and Lighting: Light within a bamboo grove is intricate. We deliberately chose the 10:00 AM window when morning sun filters through bamboo foliage to cast dappled patterns. A reflector provided soft facial fill to prevent harsh, crushed shadows. The bamboo backdrop and rice-paper calligraphy props substantially heightened the classical ambiance.

Takeaways: Doing outdoor location shoots—especially for characters requiring leg warmers and intricate accessories—demands rigorous preparation. If the leg ties are cinched too tightly, they leave deep marks after prolonged wear; if tied too loosely, they slide down, so finding that balance is essential. Furthermore, delicate sheer fabrics snag easily outdoors, requiring constant vigilance while walking and sitting. Every detail from scouting to light design was carefully considered to capture Lan Meng's distinctive spirit, and I look forward to exploring more diverse outdoor styles ahead.