The official photos of Ptilopsis in her "Fuyunjian outfit" from Arknights are finally organized. The equipment is still the familiar Sony A7M5 paired with 24-70mm F2.8 GM II and 50mm F1.4 GM. The venue chosen was a real-scene studio with a strong Japanese classical charm. Wooden tatami mats, warm-toned standing paper lamps, semi-transparent calligraphy gauze curtains, and scattered cherry blossom branches—these environmental elements perfectly set off the cool, ethereal feel of this outfit.
Reproducing the texture of this cosplay costume was actually quite challenging. The large expanse of white light gauze fabric required special care regarding drape; otherwise, it could easily look messy and shapeless. The dark blue ribbons and metal bells at the chest and neck created a wonderful color contrast, which, combined with the iconic white wing structures on both sides of the headpiece, allowed anyone to instantly recognize Ptilopsis from afar. To match the lightness of the outfit, I also wore a white thigh-highs outfit, maintaining purity and unity in the overall tone. Combined with this slightly sheer visual effect under soft light, the overall silhouette appeared exceptionally gentle.
Quite a variety of props were used during the shoot. The dark guqin shown in the photos was very heavy, but holding it truly added immense atmosphere. In terms of set arrangement, we set up a Go board paired with a light-colored teacup, aiming to create a serene ambiance of scholars taking a leisurely stroll in a courtyard. Additionally, a white owl plushie with gray patterns was included as a cute accent in the frame, adding a touch of playful vitality to an otherwise cool and dignified composition.
In terms of lighting setup, the photographer extensively used side-backlighting and diffuse light reflecting through the paper lamps. That warm light hitting the white gauze garment outlined a very beautiful golden rim line, keeping facial shadows soft and making the overall expression look particularly gentle. Especially in the photo where I sit on the edge of the wooden platform drinking tea, the hair strands and feather accessories under backlighting seemed to glow, and the fabric textures of the clothing were extraordinarily clear.
The process of shooting this set of photos actually had quite a story. Because that guqin was extremely heavy, yet we wanted to capture an effortless sense of elegance, we often had to pause and rest our wrists. Arranging the light gauze on the sleeves was also time-consuming; the position of the gauze would shift with even slight movement, requiring repeated adjustments to achieve the most suitable shape. However, seeing the high-resolution finished photos captured by the Sony A7M5 made all the hard work worthwhile. My understanding of Ptilopsis as a character is that she always carries a calm and wise aura. The "Fuyunjian outfit" skin amplifies this feeling through classical expression, so I also tried to remain restrained and relaxed in my expressions and posture without over-exaggerating movements.
The overall color atmosphere of the final photos is a fairly unified warm tone, appearing exceptionally tranquil when paired with light blue elements. Fallen cherry blossom petals on the floor were subtly added in post-production, making the whole space look livelier. This set of photos counts as a classical style attempt I'm quite satisfied with; both the visual narrative and costume refinement were thoroughly showcased under this lighting setup in Anime-style photography.