[Xishi cosplay] Poetic Jiangnan, the Girl in the Ink Wash Painting Scroll

This shoot features Xishi's Poetic Jiangnan skin from Honor of Kings. To be honest, the layers of this costume are richer than I imagined; from the frog buttons on the collar to the lace patchwork at the cuffs, and then to the faint lotus patterns hidden on the skirt hem, every single detail needed careful grooming. To recreate the gentle and smooth temperament of the Jiangnan water towns, I specially chose this cool-toned blue-and-white gradient color, paired with double buns and two braided pigtails, and tied with blue-black hair ribbons. It really makes the whole look carry a bit more of a scholarly air.

During the shoot, I kept thinking that the character Xishi is not just about being "beautiful"; she possesses a serene and introverted inner strength. Therefore, I didn't intentionally strike any flashy poses but instead relied more on props to build the atmosphere. Whether it was the book in my hand, a casual side-glance back, or even the moment of squatting and hugging my knees, I hoped to capture a sense of "harmony between person and scenery." The on-site set design was very thoughtful, with draping blue-purple flower strings, calligraphy scrolls, along with touches of lotus seed pods and oil-paper umbrellas—elements that perfectly echoed the "Poetic Jiangnan" theme of the skin.

In terms of lighting, the photographer used soft light combined with a touch of rim lighting, allowing the gauze fabric of the clothes to reveal a lightweight texture while making the skin tone look more translucent. I especially love the photo where I'm squatting—with hands resting on my knees, head tilted slightly, and looking calmly at the lens; that sense of relaxation actually holds more story than a forced pose. There's also the one where I'm holding a book and reaching out; the movement is subtle, but the extension of the fingertips and the guidance of the gaze give the frame a dynamic sense of breathing.

Honestly, the most enjoyable part of shooting an official cosplay photoshoot is this "immersive" creative process. From makeup, hair, and costuming to scene scheduling, every step is an effort to get closer to the character's soul. Compared to those quick mirror selfies, an official shoot requires much more patience and communication, but it is precisely because of this that the final images have a richer texture and stand up to close inspection. This time, I tried to shoot the Chinese-style photography using a somewhat documentary-like approach, without relying heavily on post-processing special effects, but rather relying on authentic lighting and color coordination to convey the atmosphere. I am quite satisfied with how it turned out.
\ Every time I finish shooting a favorite character, I feel like I've unlocked a new version of myself. I hope the gentleness and agility of Xishi's Poetic Jiangnan can be conveyed to you through these few photos, and I look forward to encountering different characters next time.