[Gardener Cosplay] Afternoon in Identity V: Cozy Times during a Dessert Shop Visit

Taking advantage of the good weather recently, I finally arranged this Store visit photoshoot at Lanyuan Sweet House. As the Gardener in Identity V, I've actually always wanted to show her relaxed side outside the manor. After all, usually busy decoding machines and dismantling chairs in the game, it's rare to have the chance to sit peacefully for a while in a physical store filled with warm tones and cute decorations. Collaborating with NightDiva for this shoot, her lens always captures many lifestyle details rather than rigid poses. Before setting off, I knew I wanted to capture a \"store visit diary\" feeling this time, so prop and Cosplay outfit selections leaned toward daily life and comfort.

To fit the Gardener's character design, we considered many details for this outfit. A white shirt tied with a large red bow at the collar, layered with a deep navy sleeveless vest, instantly brought out a classic tailored feel. The lower body was paired with a red and blue Scottish plaid midi skirt, with chunky black Doc Martens and white socks on feet. This combination retained original character flavors while being well-suited for walking around and sitting down in a cafe setting. Naturally, the most recognizable piece was the woven straw hat on top; the wide light lotus-purple ribbon on the crown was the finishing touch, falling just to shoulder length and swaying gently with steps while walking. Freckle makeup on the face was specifically requested to be drawn naturally without stiffness, pairing with long brown hair to give an overall neighborly yet playful visual feel.

The decor at Lanyuan Sweet House was truly thoughtful; the retro tapestry in the background served as an excellent backdrop. Especially the woven butterflies and floral patterns on it matched the Gardener's pastoral vibe just right. At first I ordered a smoothie drink, and while sipping with a straw, the photographer captured several shots (like closing eyes or looking straight at the lens), finding that natural relaxation very quickly. Later we also tried interactive movements bringing utensils close to the lens—a red cherry impaled on a fork thrust forward created strong perspective before the lens, feeling ready to feed dessert to someone at any moment.

Lighting throughout the cafe leaned warm, with all wooden tables, chairs, and floors; shooting under this atmosphere naturally carried a fluffy retro film feel. Sitting on a high stool by the window, holding a small bouquet of flowers in hand while sunlight streamed through glass onto my body felt truly healing. Most interesting were several shots sitting on the shop's wooden counter; that counter height was just right for sitting with feet suspended, perfectly revealing Martens boots and white socks, which not only elongated leg proportions to give overall styling more tension, but also fit the Gardener's casual, free-spirited style perfectly. Purple fingerless gloves served as hand details, becoming visual focus points whether picking up a cup or gently holding the hat brim. Fun little episodes occurred during filming, such as nearly slipping off the high stool while adjusting standing positions, or worrying about poking the cherry onto the photographer's lens when bringing the fork close.

This store visit collaboration was not just a roleplay, but felt more like a weekend gathering hanging out with friends. Bringing the girl who usually decodes machines head-down in-game to a real-world dessert shop, allowing her to enjoy afternoon sunshine and a cold drink—I think this is the most charming aspect of Cosplay, granting characters vivid realism. The photographer was truly professional at capturing dynamic moments without forced, exaggerated poses; simple chatting, spacing out, and drinking beverages instead preserved the most vivid images. We didn't apply heavy filters in post-processing either, basically restoring the warm yellow lighting atmosphere of Lanyuan Sweet House, as natural colors best reflect a leisurely daily life feel.

This trip to Lanyuan Sweet House ended very successfully; this warm-toned memory is probably my most satisfying work recently. Being able to present another side of the Gardener's charm in a warmly decorated place while in the most relaxed state was indeed a very special shoot experience. Hope everyone enjoys these Store visit photoshoot pictures carrying a warm sun aura.