This Arturia look visually focuses on a minimalist black-and-white geometric impact, so a lot of rigorous research went into the materials for the costume and props. The overall outfit features a slightly thick white tailored design, and the mandarin collar cut paired with black trim lines beautifully elongates the neckline. The small gold badge at the collar is the finishing touch of the outfit, echoing the colors of the black woven pattern with gold trim at the cuffs. To fit the overall tactical techwear vibe, I specially chose glossy black leather gloves; the reflective material outlines a sharper silhouette under the studio lighting while highlighting the cool, stern texture of the character's hand movements.
Cosplay prop making was the highlight of this entire shoot, featuring this large instrument that combines a traditional string instrument with modern mecha elements. The geometric spikes at the headstock are sharply defined, and the structure of the white instrument body ring with vertical strings not only needs to guarantee a visual sense of weight but also ensures it doesn't feel exhausting to hold due to a shifting center of gravity. The intersection angle of the bow and strings was tried multiple times during initial posing. To avoid a stiff holding motion, I had to constantly pay attention to the exertion method of my arm muscles, trying my best to give the camera presentation a sense of playing freely and naturally.
Highly accurate makeup and hair are crucial for restoring the character's aura. The straight black bangs and long sideburns are the soul; the haircut needs to contour the face, ensuring it doesn't block the eyes' spirit while retaining that slightly detached and aloof atmosphere. The makeup didn't use overly intense colors, but instead emphasized the extended curve of the eyeliner, paired with soft blush, giving the overall face a calm yet delicate texture. The black crown headpiece on top adopted a non-closed ring design, adorned with fine lines, which beautifully increased the agility of the styling and made the overall look fit the visual impression this character brings to people.
Regarding the choice of shooting location, a pure white studio background was the best solution to highlight this black and white outfit theme. Clean, high-key white lighting lets the black lines on the clothing become visual anchors, making the color contrast more layered. In the third photo particularly, the addition of suspended black geometric shards breaks up the emptiness of the pure white background, giving the entire frame storytelling and spatial tension. During the movement of playing the strings, I deliberately made the black shards appear to diffuse outward, as if musical notes turned into solid forms, preserving the character's fantasy aura to the maximum extent.
Throughout the entire shooting process, by adjusting the focus of my eyes and the subtle angle of my jaw, I tried my best to capture the character's state of calmness with a hint of detachment and focus. This state doesn't need too much exaggerated emotional expression, but is instead conveyed through the positional relationship between the limbs and the props. From assembling the props to keeping the costume neat and flat, every detail is meant to present a visual tension that stays true to the character's original setting, which is also the original intention behind every mindful preparation for a shoot.