[Shi Qingxuan Cosplay] White Robe and Folding Fan, A Cool and Aloof Official in Xianxia Style

A complete set of white robe and cyan shirt outfit, topped with a red mark between the brows, and a close of the folding fan set the keynote for this Shi Qingxuan cosplay look.

A certain amount of effort went into the makeup. The base makeup is the most fundamental; to achieve that non-human cold white skin texture, it actually requires meticulous powder application while managing the color difference between the neck and the face. The focus of the eye makeup lies in that flush of red and the emerald-green colored contacts; this contrasting color attempt genuinely maxes out the divinity instantly, making the color of the pupils look deeper under dim light. The wig was a major project for this styling. If the long black hair is too thick, it makes the head look top-heavy, but if it is too thin, it lacks a flowing quality. I specifically trimmed the layers of the front bangs, keeping a few naturally flipped-up stray hairs, which provides the typical dignity of a traditional style cosplay look without appearing too much like a mannequin prop, adding a touch of casualness.

The fabric of this Hanfu outfit was selected from a flowing imitation silk material, with a white inner garment and a pale cyan outer robe overlapping with distinct layers. There is silver-gray piping on the inside, increasing the texture and dimensionality. A bright green woven cord knot tied around the waist, along with those two teardrop-shaped semi-transparent jade pendants, gives the overall lower hem and center of gravity a visual anchor. The choice of the fan was also crucial. Abandoning props like swords or flutes, holding a folding fan with black ribs and a white face allowed the semi-open or closed states to complement body language in expressing the character's ease and mastery. During the shoot, slightly exposing the fan ribs through the action of opening the fan added depth of field to the foreground.

Regarding the choice of this high-angle perspective, many people might think that high angles easily create a photo-sticker feel, but combined with this wide-angle lens, it highly emphasizes the overall contour of the eyes, brows, and face. Slightly bowing the head and leveling the gaze at the lens, from this angle, a face shape that originally leaned soft appears more exquisite due to perspective relations, bringing a sense of scrutiny or indifference to the gaze. High attention was paid to the lighting during the shoot; no harsh light spots could hit the face, and a large area of fill light was used to ensure the face had no unnecessary shadows. Once the shadows were softened, the true flavor of this Xianxia style emerged.

In terms of the setting, the background is a white-based, black-shadowed ink wash painting, which, though simple, fits the cleanliness and cool aura of this attire far better than solid-color backdrops or cluttered scenes. Regarding the movement design for the shoot, aside from the standing posture, I also tried several sitting postures, but ultimately found that this standing stance holding the folding fan best recreated the character's composed aura of having everything under control. A huge part of the photography process is actually finding the feeling—one must dispel all stray thoughts and make oneself believe that you are this character. From the moment you put on the wig, step into the clothes, and pick up the folding fan, you must pour your entire mind and body into it. Tossing around in this whole look was indeed quite exhausting, as the wig and accessories have weight, causing aches in the neck and shoulders after a long wear; however, the moment I saw the final photos, the satisfaction brought by that temperament restoration was incomparable. Although photos basically freeze a single moment, that state of mind during shooting, as if detached from oneself, makes one more invested. I actually love this level of focus; it allows one to temporarily toss aside real-life trivialities and immerse entirely within a fictional yet beauty-infused setting. Through this portrayal of Shi Qingxuan, it makes me realize even more clearly that a cosplay is genuinely not just about wearing the right clothes, but more about creating an atmospheric feel unique to this character.