Today, this set of photos is finally retouched! This shoot took quite a while to prepare, with the core intent to pay tribute to Liu Piaopiao from King of Comedy. When mentioning this classic character, everyone's immediate thought is undoubtedly that sailor uniform and twin braids. This time, instead of replicating every frame from the film verbatim, I made subtle adjustments based on the original look to suit modern street photography aesthetics, making the overall look nostalgic without feeling jarring.
The shooting location was chosen in the old alleys for a Shenzhen photoshoot. The architecture here has a distinct vintage feel: weathered, mottled walls, ivy-covered iron railings, and occasionally a few vibrant pink blossoms blooming brightly. While Shenzhen's summers are hot, it is precisely this temperature, paired with the buzzing cicadas and dense foliage shadows, that effortlessly cultivates an atmosphere where time slows down. To suit the character, I changed into a white short-sleeved Japanese sailor suit top paired with a navy-blue pleated skirt, finished with white calf socks and black platform loafers. My hair was styled into two braids resting across my chest, carrying a black leather shoulder bag tied with a red-and-white polka dot silk scarf—a small accent that played a major role in elevating the retro charm.
The entire shoot was captured through Sony photography. Usually I rely heavily on natural light, but the lighting conditions in the old alleys were fairly intricate, with light and shadow intertwining. To achieve better skin texture, we experimented with varied lighting angles, such as utilizing light leaks from the edges of buildings for close-ups. I consistently emphasized to the photographer that direction is key to great photos. The character of Liu Piaopiao is multi-faceted: she embodies both the pure, youthful innocence of wearing a school uniform and the weathered tenacity and stubbornness shaped by life's hardships. To convey this contrast, we put considerable thought into pose choreography. In some frames, I sat on a wooden bench with a book spread across my lap, wearing headphones and pretending to make a phone call to show a quiet, introspective side; in others, I leaned against the railing with a cigarette between my lips, eyes glazed and distant, channeling a touch of rebellion and languid detachment. There was no need to replicate movie scenes frame by frame—delivering that distinct vintage era vibe through costume, environment, and emotional expression was more than enough to fulfill the vision.
During the shoot, listening to music while feeling the breeze made it effortless to slip into character. Atmosphere isn't built purely by throwing clothes together; it requires environmental harmony and personal relaxation in the moment. I deeply enjoy trying out diverse styles, which is what makes photography and cosplay so captivating to me. From location scouting to preparing outfits and props, to communicating camera settings with the photographer and fine-tuning mood, every step requires patience and mindfulness. I hope this photo set brings everyone a refreshing touch of summer coolness and awakens fond memories in your hearts. Going forward, I'll continue sharing my shooting routines and insights here, documenting many more interesting moments.