The theme for this shoot is Kiryuu Kikyou from Blue Archive. Based on the styling requirements, I didn't choose a complex studio, but instead shot in a Japanese tea room with bright floor-to-ceiling windows. The overall styling revolves around a blue-black sailor suit and haori jacket. In terms of props, it also includes that pair of huge black beast ears (perfect for a Kemonomimi girl look), her signature blue halo overhead, and the black-and-white gradient fluffy tail behind me that takes up almost half the frame.
Speaking of that gradient tail, its weight was indeed somewhat beyond expectation; the interior had to be supported with aluminum wire to maintain a natural curved arc. As for hair, a black straight wig with neat bangs was selected, deliberately keeping some sharp hair strand texture to match the character's tsundere personality. In terms of makeup, since the character concept carries a cool and aloof aura, the eye makeup was kept as clean and sharp as possible, featuring a matte base paired with light blush. The nails were also painted pure black to add a cool touch.
The shooting environment was a classic Japanese tatami room. Green foliage outside the window brought rich variations in light and shadow, which, combined with the indoor wooden furniture and tea sets, created a quiet and relaxed ambiance for Japanese-style photography. To ensure a translucent feel in the images, I chose to shoot with natural light. During the shoot, light illuminated the blue outer jacket right from the side and rear, making the sheen on the lightweight fabric look high in texture without casting harsh shadows on the face.
In the first photo, I intentionally adopted a pose leaning sideways against the table edge. With elbows resting on the tabletop and hands naturally crossed near my jawline, my gaze looked straight into the camera. This stance required delicate muscle control to appear relaxed and lazy while maintaining a slightly scrutinizing, tsundere feel. The second shot featured a cross-legged reading pose on the tatami mat. Since the character leans quiet overall, a reading posture captures her state in everyday Casual cosplay well.
Due to styling requirements, this shoot was done barefoot. Sitting on the floor, my legs stretched out naturally, pairing perfectly with the wide hem of the haori. The deep blue jacket created a lightweight contrast against bare calves and feet, highlighting natural skin textures under the light.
There were actually some interesting episodes during shooting, such as the tail's weight frequently throwing off my center of gravity, requiring constant posture adjustments. The blue-and-white porcelain teapot and hot water on the tea table were actually real; combined with the summer greenery outside the window, it really felt like spending a leisurely afternoon, making the tea ritual atmosphere even more vivid.
This shoot did not intentionally pursue extravagant special effects or massive sets, aiming solely to recreate the character's everyday life aspect. Through costume texture, environmental harmony, and pose presentation, I hope to convey that subtle tsundere feel blended with a cute aura. As a cosplay record, such a tranquil afternoon is well worth cherishing.