For this shoot themed around Theresa's EPOQUE Series - "Condolence" Civilight Eterna, the core objective was capturing the raw emotion in that single downcast glance. Achieving this required meticulous attention to makeup and props. In particular, the translucent tear droplet on my cheek was molded and positioned multiple times using specialized adhesive and resin materials. During the shoot, even breathing had to remain gentle to preserve that delicate, fragile feeling, requiring absolute stillness of my facial muscles.
The headpiece was laden with intricate details of black tulle and golden vines, requiring layered pinning into the wig to harmonize with the flowing pink hair and evoke a heavy yet opulent presence. Reflecting the mourning theme, the lighting was kept on the cooler side, with the background softened through a wide aperture. Throughout the shoot, my eyes remained softly closed while keeping strict control over hand gestures—fingertips resting lightly against chin and lips, accented by black lace gloves and delicate rings to prevent rigidity. While the attire featured minimal skin exposure, the intense gothic styling, intricate lace, and pearls fully drew out Theresa's blend of sacred reverence and brokenness.
To complement the concept of Walking on water by moonlight, water-ripple projections and subtle shifting lighting were integrated into the set to simulate moonlight dancing on water. This ambient design immersed me deeply into the silent, desolate atmosphere. I tried to inhabit Theresa's inner world in that moment: not ordinary weeping, but enduring an overwhelming destiny and farewell. With each click of the shutter, I balanced restraint between gaze and posture, holding back overt sorrow so it remained internalized within my downcast brow. The wig styling also took considerable time; the volume of the pink hair had to be precisely managed, and the drape of the black lace veil was adjusted millimeter by millimeter to avoid obscuring facial nuances while preserving an aura of elusive mystery.
In post-processing, I favored cool tones with slightly lowered contrast to elevate that muted, sophisticated texture. Throughout the shoot, I stayed in close coordination with the photographer regarding lighting angles, ensuring the artificial teardrop caught the light with crystal-clear brilliance. The heavy fabrics and weighty headpiece left my neck aching after a while, but seeing the pure emotional depth captured in the final frames made every effort worthwhile. Portraying this role demands deep emotional restraint, expressed not through exaggerated movements, but through micro-expressions and the tension in one's fingertips. The faint adhesive marks left after taking off the makeup remain a vivid reminder, yet they felt like a quiet homage to the character. I hope this series genuinely conveys the profound story behind her.