Recently, I tried using the mobile version of Pixel cake to layout and publish my Touhou Project photos. This top-and-bottom split-screen visual presentation truly brought me a lot of fresh inspiration.
Its distinct feature is the ability to transform original real-life shots into another form of artistic illustration through color extraction and typographic layout. This novel presentation adds a rich narrative quality to the entire photo set. I had previously heard that Pixel cake has exceptional aesthetic taste, and trying it out firsthand made me realize how well its layout logic understands photography.
For this Touhou Project shoot, I prepared quite a few outfits. Some featured Elf ears, others were Lolita-style dresses, and some even incorporated White stockings. The shooting locations spanned a wide range as well: the shadowy depths of outdoor forests, the red walls and green tiles of traditional Chinese architecture, and vintage indoor window-side settings were all incredibly fascinating.
Speaking of the actual shooting experience, because the costumes featured intricate details like lace and bows, lighting was particularly challenging. The lighting conditions differed across locations—some under tree shade, some indoors, and some even inside a car. To ensure sufficient leeway for post-processing, I communicated extensively with the photographer in advance to control light contrast as much as possible.
Regarding the chosen cover image, the photo of sitting on an indoor chair caught the light filtering gently through sheer curtains. Combined with the layered skirt and thoughtfully coordinated White stockings, the whole look was both delicate and possessed a retro Lolita charm. The composition placed the subject right in the center rather than pushed toward the edges, which looked exceptionally balanced when placed into the layout. Another satisfying aspect was how the White stockings captured texture under the soft light, avoiding overexposure and harsh glare.
The post-processing this time was intriguing. The Pixel cake layout goes beyond simple color enhancement; it adds English sentences matching the photo's mood, paired with paper-like textures, making it resemble an open picture book. During early layout design, I had to account for the connection between the top and bottom sections—such as negative space and color coordination—ensuring it wouldn't be overwhelming and that the lower illustration echoed the real subject above.
For hair and makeup, I preferred making the glitter on my eyelids slightly more pronounced, giving off a distinct shimmer on camera that perfectly complemented the costume textures of the Touhou Project character. To prevent the voluminous bell-shaped skirt from appearing bulky, I specially adjusted the underskirt petticoat to make the silhouette flow cleanly.
Among these photos, alongside the indoor shot, there is also a snapshot taken inside the car. The shooting process was casual with a relaxed expression, and paired with traditional elements on the costume, it looked as if I were heading out for a picnic. In the outdoor forest setting, I also experienced a diverse range of natural lighting.
Running around in these elaborate costumes was quite exhausting; skirts easily pick up dust, and one must be extra careful wearing White stockings to prevent snags. Seeing the final results, however, made every bit of effort worth it. Presenting photos with this touch of artistic processing yields fresh dimensions from realistic shots and inspired deeper thoughts on post-production. Pixel cake performed impressively when handling complex lace, White stockings, and feather textures, preserving details cleanly. This new visual format is truly distinctive. That concludes this share!