For this shoot of Xishi's Mermaid's Song cosplay in Chongqing, we selected a low-key indoor space adorned with lush botanical elements and dramatic lighting. To complement that serene, ethereal ambiance reminiscent of tranquil waters and secluded shores, we arranged an abundance of blue hydrangeas and greenery, using top spotlights to illuminate the subject and create sharp chiaroscuro contrast.
For the makeup, to highlight the anime character aesthetic, the base was applied sheer and porcelain-fair. The eye makeup blended soft pinks and blues paired with pale blue contact lenses, lending an ethereal clarity to my gaze. The silver-white long hair required constant grooming; the translucent aqua dragon horn headpiece, along with the white blossom and feather accents, had to be fine-tuned continually between takes to ensure no rigging was visible from any angle.
This Mermaid's Song gown is exquisitely crafted: the multi-tiered skirt displays a graceful gradient shifting from white and blush to soft aqua blue, with sheer tulle sleeves that drape with an airy lightness under studio lamps. The azure satin ribbon and golden tassel pendants at the waist serve as crowning touches that elevate the regal luxury of the look. To weave narrative depth into each frame, I brought a violin as a prop. Though I do not play, adjusting the angles of holding the instrument and bow—paired with delicate expressions—allowed me to conjure an air of focused, wistful reverie. In the first shot, I shifted my weight onto my right leg while extending my left slightly forward to let the skirt billow naturally; resting the violin close to my chin and finding the right arm elevation required repeated calibration to achieve visual harmony.
Throughout the shoot, managing the lighting proved the steepest challenge. Because the ambient environment was rather dim, the overhead beam fell directly across my face and hair, requiring micro-adjustments of head angles to keep shadows from obscuring facial features while maintaining a fluid, relaxed posture. In the second shot, I leaned beside a high stool with a slight torso tilt, crossing my legs to elongate the silhouette while lightly grazing my cheek with one hand. This pose captured the cascading tiers of the skirt beautifully while harmonizing with light grey strappy heels to elongate leg proportions.
'Spring keeps its promise, blooms never miss their turn, faithful through the rolling seasons.' Bringing this project from concept to wrap was a long journey, but portraying the gentle yet resilient water-like nature of Mermaid's Song amidst such a blooming spring setting made every moment worthwhile. The shooting studio in Chongqing delivered wonderful surprises—the woven baskets, photo frames, and eccentric decorative masks on the background shelves enriched the composition with textural mystery. The blend of chiaroscuro and greenery turned every frame into a painting. I hope this photo set conveys the translucent purity and ethereal grace designed into this skin.