Crafting the outfit and props for this Sun Shangxiang shoot took an incredible amount of energy, but the moment I saw the final cuts, all the fatigue vanished into thin air. Known as an agile marksman in Honor of Kings celebrated for explosive burst damage, Sun Shangxiang has a fierce persona. For this 2D-inspired cosplay shoot, I especially wanted to channel her tsundere edge and imposing high-born aura.
Let's start with the wig and makeup styling. Long straight black hair with blunt bangs was gathered into a high ponytail, accented with her signature oversized green bows, instantly infusing vibrant anime flair. To mirror the wilder edge from the splash art, I added green animal-ear ornaments. For eye makeup, I drew slightly upturned wings paired with bold red lips, striking a delicate harmony between cuteness and stern coolness.
The garment details are what I adore most. This tailored green cheongsam is exquisitely designed; the teardrop keyhole at the chest offers subtle allure without feeling overdone. Outlined in blue and silver hems interwoven with subtle gold threading, the textures look exceptionally rich. Around the waist, a wide white sash is centered with a green gemstone and cascading golden tassels that sway dynamically with every step. The flared umbrella skirt underneath is layered with leaf-cut panels and four-petal blue blossom patterns, adding wonderful visual dimension.
To accentuate Sun Shangxiang's slender silhouette, I paired the outfit with tight black leather pants and high-heeled black thigh-high boots. This combination not only flatters leg lines but also visually elongates lower-body proportions. During poses like kneeling on one knee or stepping atop a wooden stool, the boots and leather pants showcased leg definitions to perfection, delivering power tempered by sleek allure.
Prop-wise, the gigantic golden heavy cannon was undeniably the centerpiece of the shoot. Featuring a high-contrast clash of gold and black, it radiates raw mechanical impact. The massive circular muzzle upfront and the scrolled flourishes at the rear seamlessly merge traditional Chinese motifs with sci-fi flair. To convey the lingering heat of combat, we created dense smoke effects around the weapon; watching white plumes curl upward felt as though the cannon had just fired in fierce battle and was cooling down.
The shooting took place along a classical Chinese corridor. Green wooden lattice windows, red lacquered pillars, and stone slab paths provided profound historic depth. The photographer excelled at capturing lighting nuances, interweaving warm light filtering through the window lattices with rising smoke to forge an intensely cinematic atmosphere.
Throughout the session, the choreography centered on sharp agility and regal defiance. Whether capturing windswept hair turning toward the lens or kneeling with the cannon ready to unleash fury, I kept myself fully immersed in battle readiness. Sharp eyes, an upright posture, and pure unyielding confidence were essential to convey her iconic line: 'Here comes the Eldest Miss, out of my way!' Every swing of the heavy cannon carried tangible physical weight, drawing me deeper into character. Tackling this Sun Shangxiang look tested both physical endurance and expressive poise, turning into an immensely gratifying creative journey. Looking through the lens at that bold, valiant warrior clutching her heavy cannon, I felt I had brought the Eldest Miss of my heart to life.