This Memories of the Deep Blue Sea shoot covered a wide array of dynamic poses, trying nearly every conceivable posture. Sorting through this photo set brings back vivid memories of everyone bustling around the studio—reflecting on that shared effort is genuinely heartwarming.
My condition in the studio was remarkably relaxed. Building upon the previous two sessions, I felt far more confident navigating camera angles and prop positioning. The photographer excelled at capturing flattering lines along the waist and legs, which, paired with the dim industrial warehouse backdrop and cool-toned lighting, maximized the moody on-set atmosphere.
The featured prop was a massive scythe crafted with solid materials; it was genuinely heavy and tested arm endurance. Though wielding it was demanding, the studio lights highlighted its cyan-blue gradient finish and red-black linework with remarkable texture. To harmonize with the weapon's physical weight, I paid careful attention to center of gravity—leaning slightly back when standing, or perching on a black high stool to let leg lines extend naturally. This not only integrated the weapon seamlessly into the frame but also accentuated the visual appeal of the blue uniform and over-the-knee white stockings. Transitioning from seated poses into slashing motions took repeated adjustments to find the most natural posture.
For the wardrobe, the over-the-knee white stockings featured side-stripe detailing, harmonizing with the blue miniskirt and textured dark-blue vest for a crisp, recognizable look. I prepared several expression sets, shifting between sharp, direct gazes and quiet, downward reflection.
Selecting the final shots in post-production was tough because of the sheer volume of poses: standing, sitting, kneeling, top-down overheads, and low-angle shots against the checkered floor—each holding unique composition and character. I prioritized frames that captured Seele's authentic essence most naturally, such as cross compositions and foreground-blurred close-ups.
Huge thanks to the photography crew, makeup artist, and logistic support—especially friends holding light flags and reflectors for hours in the warehouse. The final outcome is entirely the result of collective synergy.
Looking back, my favorite remains the composition seated on the black high stool with crossed legs: the visual balance and negative space hit the sweet spot, making it the clear choice for the cover. Pursuing what you love and pushing it to the absolute best brings immense fulfillment.