This Kurumi Tokisaki cosplay photo shoot was mainly completed through Studio shooting in a Dark Gothic studio filled with chess elements. To convey the character's mysterious and dangerous aura, we did extensive preparation in costume, makeup, and props.
The costume is an orange-and-black gothic dress featuring multi-layered lace hemlines that feels substantial when worn. It is paired with knee-high black lace-up boots, which I feel not only flatter the leg shape but also align seamlessly with the character's overall presence. For makeup, I applied a very pale base foundation paired with red-and-black eyeshadow, red colored contacts, and a black-to-red gradient wig, recreating that delicate dark-doll aesthetic. The props consist of a vintage flintlock pistol and an astral rapier; handling the angles of these two props during Anime-style posing required meticulous care to avoid clipping or looking unnatural.
The set was thoughtfully arranged, featuring giant black chess pieces and a huge clock marked with Roman numerals in the background. The photographer used strong chiaroscuro contrast lighting and red rim lights, which, combined with the massive props, created an intensely imposing atmosphere. Throughout the shoot, the photographer constantly fine-tuned my Anime-style posing and angles—such as having me point the gun directly at the lens or sit cross-legged on an ornate throne—striving to capture that dangerous, elegant, and commanding aura.
I personally love the line in the character lore: falling in love with that person no matter how many times she dies; this sense of obsession and madness is core to how I understand the character. The shooting process was actually quite tiring, as the dress was heavy, making challenging poses require perseverance, while the tight boots exerted pressure on my legs during crouching and sitting poses. Nevertheless, maintaining sharp facial expression control in front of the lens was essential, doing my best to reflect that cold gaze tinged with murderous intent.
I am very satisfied with the overall atmosphere of this photo set, especially how the poses highlighted the design highlights of the costume amidst the ambient set. These photos are not only a visual recreation of the character, but also an attempt to align closely with her demeanor and personality. Completing this shoot smoothly felt like fulfilling a promise to myself.