When shooting this Viviana Droste cosplay, the most immediate sensation was how heavy the equipment was. The massive antlers required a sturdy support structure to secure onto the head; with even slightly larger movements, they wobbled easily and pressed down heavily on my head. To faithfully recreate the character, the corset was cinched very tightly, making even breathing difficult. The costume features numerous layers: a white hood combined with black cutout designs and a red-and-black cape, making wearing it exceptionally intricate and cumbersome.
Preparing these details before the shoot took considerable effort, including managing the material and weight of the sword. The blade is very long, placing immense strain on the wrist when lifted; to achieve great shots, we experimented with numerous poses. Thanks to photographer @荒星, whose choice of a grey-blue background and lighting scheme made the costume's color contrast remarkably vivid, showcasing the red, black, and white layers beautifully, leaving the finished photos looking exceptionally clean.
The shooting process took an entire day, requiring non-stop adjustments from makeup and colored contacts to fixing the antlers and multiple clothing layers. To convey the character's aloof coolness and knightly demeanor, constant attention had to be paid to facial expressions and posture—especially while wielding the sword, making sure the movements looked fluid rather than stiff, which demanded substantial physical stamina. Although exhausting, seeing the final photos made me feel that this intricate Knight costume cosplay look—white Stockings and knee-high boots paired with armor plates and delicate metal gauntlets—was faithfully recreated. This attempt at recreating the original character setting allowed me to accumulate rich experience in shooting complex gear, making it a thoroughly fulfilling journey.