Today, I'm sharing the behind-the-scenes process of shooting the Princess Serenity look from Sailor Moon. From the moment we decided to create this photoshoot, we poured tremendous care into faithfully recreating both the attire and the scene for this legendary Magical Girl.
The wig was custom-made in a vibrant blonde shade; in addition to the two signature odango buns atop my head, the flowing pigtails at the back were so long they nearly reached the floor. During the shoot, to preserve the voluminous fluffiness of the pigtails, I had to be constantly mindful not to let hair strands snag on the wand or skirt hem. For makeup, teacher Yuchen softened the energetic sharpness typical of daytime Sailor Moon cosplay, employing gentler eyeshadow and nude-pink lip glaze to convey the princess's dignified grace. The golden crescent moon on my forehead was the crowning touch of the overall makeup, catching the light with a gorgeous glint.
The costume was an ethereal white gown crafted primarily from sheer fabrics. The bodice was embellished with gold embroidery and ring ornaments, complemented by cascading pearl chains and layered pearl necklaces. The off-the-shoulder design accentuated my shoulders, neck, and collarbones, which, paired with the cinched waistline, visually flattered my silhouette beautifully. The crescent moon wand held in my hand was actually very heavy, topped with a sculpted golden crescent. Raising it with one hand before the lens while maintaining an upright, poised posture required continuous engagement from my core and back muscles, all while keeping my facial expression serene and effortless.
The location was Chenxing Photography Studio, where they constructed a realistic set brimming with temple-like grandeur. The background featured an enormous crescent moon, a toppled white Roman pillar, and cascading dark gossamer drapery. The floor was crafted from a reflective material; to capture the visual texture of water reflections, I spent much of the session barefoot or kneeling upon it. Suspended crystal beaded curtains sparkled beneath the studio strobes. Working with a dual-toned cool-and-warm lighting design—cool blue-purple light on the left to evoke mystery, and warm amber light on the right to illuminate my hair strands and facial features—the chromatic transitions across the image were remarkably dreamy.
When capturing a character imbued with divine serenity, the greatest challenge is mastering bodily relaxation. Movements cannot be exaggerated; even lifting a hand to touch a speck of light requires a graceful, natural curve in the wrist. Every closed-eye prayer or lowered-gaze reflection demands total focus in front of the lens. From styling and makeup to set construction, the entire Cosplay photoshoot relied heavily on seamless teamwork, and the final visual quality makes every bit of hard work feel completely worthwhile.