[Ciel cosplay] Tsukihime's Blue-haired upperclassman, Happy Birthday, as sky blue as you

Since her birthday is approaching, I picked a few photos from two sets taken earlier this year as a birthday gift. Although the formal main photos are still being edited by the post-production artist, these behind-the-scenes, straight-from-camera shots actually hold quite a memorable meaning. From the chilly battle setting in the studio to the quiet everyday moments on the tatami, two completely different temperaments perfectly reflect the multi-dimensional depth of the "classic Senpai" in my heart.

Speaking of the battle outfit shots first, they really exhausted me! That black blade prop looked cool, but it was actually pretty heavy. Holding it single-handedly to strike a powerful posture was a real endurance test for shoulder sleeves and wrists. To capture a sharp and fierce feel, the photographer specifically laid out black velvet cloth sprinkled with glass shards in the studio, using a high-positioned softbox with grids alongside side-backlighting to drastically pull down background brightness, giving the entire image a cold, stern atmosphere. I intentionally kept my gaze blank and avoided smiling, trying to recreate that sense of conviction of someone carrying a heavy mission yet stepping forward without hesitation. That deep blue short hair looked exceptionally clean and sharp against the contrast of the pure white collar and pitch-black long skirt.

But looking at the later photos, the style takes a turn into standard student daily life. Switching into a bright yellow knitted vest and bow tie, and putting on those round-framed glasses, I instantly shifted from combat mode into a scholarly vibe. That set was shot under warm light by wooden sliding doors, with only a branch of flowers and a small saucer beside me; the minimalist composition tested facial expressions even more. I deliberately slowed down my movements, either looking down to adjust my collar or just sitting quietly, allowing light to shine from the side-rear to cast a cozy rim light around my hair strands. This Japanese wooden aesthetic is actually perfect for expressing character traits that seem gentle on the surface yet hold firm principles within.

Speaking of the classic version, I've really been longing for it forever. Having been into the TYPE-MOON universe for so long, the Blue-haired upperclassman has always been a very special presence in my heart. That contradiction in her between a clergy member and a fanatic, along with that sky-blue visual symbol, is truly hard to replace by other versions. So before this shoot, I spent a long time discussing with the makeup artist just on wig trimming and eye makeup—aiming for a cool gray-blue tone, not too flashy nor too dull. The eye makeup needed softened black eyeliner, emphasizing a gentle downturn at the corners of the eyes to convey that subtle emotion of "seeing through everything yet holding compassion."

In fact, my condition on the shoot day was quite average due to staying up late the previous nights causing facial puffiness, but fortunately, the lighting and angles cooperated well, making the final shots look convincing enough. During the first studio shoot, to plant the sword into the ground, we repeatedly adjusted angles several times and even used tape to secure the crystal fragments to avoid bloopers. In the second Japanese-style scene, to find a sitting pose where my knees wouldn't go numb, I tried nearly ten kneeling/cross-legged positions, finally discovering that leaning slightly to one side with weight on one leg maintained that relaxed and casual feel—all details repeatedly tested on site.

Showing two styles with such a huge span is not just about showing off outfit changes, but more about breaking the stereotype that "a character can only have one fixed image." A vivid, living character can both draw a sword in desperate situations and sit quietly with a book under the warm afternoon sun. This is why I didn't just release a single-style photo set.

Although the formally edited photos will take more time, looking back at these raw files without deep color grading actually feels a bit more authentic. Some slightly messy hair ends, slightly imperfect hand angles, and even the fatigue that couldn't be completely hidden under my eyes all constitute part of this shoot's memory. I remember buying an iced latte at the studio entrance on the morning of departure, sporting fresh blue hair; the turn-around rate of passersby was indeed high, but my heart was happy because I was one step closer to my goal of restoring the character.

Happy Birthday! Wishing that girl as blue as the sky to always remain free and steadfast. I will keep working hard, striving to make the formal Ciel cosplay photos even more textured and story-driven next time—not just an attractive shell, but with emotions that allow people to immerse themselves.