When shooting this set of photos, that line kept looping in my mind: "Your moves are pretty, but unfortunately, you're still too young." The battle between Void Hunters isn't just about strength; the accumulated experience is also a part of strength. To reflect this aura that is both oppressive and composed, I put a lot of thought into the preparation of costumes, makeup, and props.
I trimmed and styled this long white wig for a long time. To restore that natural yet slightly sharp layering, I not only needed to control the angle of the bangs fitting the brow bone, but also styled the arc of the hair ends multiple times. The black hair accessory on the forehead looks simple, but to make it fit right in that position without blocking the line of sight while becoming a visual focal point, I tried several times before fixing it.
The costume is the soul of this styling. The black reflective material bodysuit is very visually impactful. To achieve that tight and powerful silhouette, I used multi-layer fixing inside. Every golden button and the stitching direction of every leather piece determined the final presented texture. Paired with a white pleated skirt and black stockings, the black-and-white color contrast not only restored the characteristics of the character's design but also visually added layering. I also spent a long time choosing the thickness of the stockings, needing them to show a hint of skin tone underneath while maintaining an overall heavy feel.
The yellow paper talisman in my hand was hand-drawn by myself, and the process of tracing the red patterns stroke by stroke was very stress-relieving. Also, the three-eyed little black ghost next to it not only played a role in balancing the composition within the frame but also added a unique element belonging to this character to the originally serious aura.
The lighting on the day of the shoot was exceptionally good, and the blue sky and white clouds background made all the black elements very clear. To capture that feeling of accumulated experience, I made many adjustments in my gaze and body language. It couldn't just be pure fierceness; it was more of an absolute control over the situation after experiencing countless battles, a composure that can be felt without trying too hard. The gesture of holding the talisman, the slightly turned angle of the body, and even the height of the slightly raised chin were the best states found through constant trial and error.
Although outdoor shooting is quite tiring, and the heavy costume tests physical endurance under the sunlight, when you stand in front of the lens, the wind blows through the white hair, and you watch the image before you slowly take shape, that experience of fusion between the character and oneself is extremely exhilarating. I've always felt that cosplay is not just about changing into clothes and taking a few good-looking photos; it's more like a way to explore the inner world of the character through external dressing. You need to think about why she would make such movements, why she would look at people with that kind of gaze, and only when you thoroughly understand the character's internal logic can the person in the photo have a sense of breath.
I hope this set of photos can convey Yixuan's trait of being effortless yet carrying a hint of danger; the battles between Void Hunters are never simple.