[Keqing Cosplay] Yuheng Star's Summer Vacation Style

In 2025, finding a truly sunny day in Chengdu that isn't gloomy or plagued by light pollution is almost a luxury. Having caught a rare clear sky, I immediately scheduled this Keqing swimsuit beach photoshoot that I had been planning for a long time. I have always believed that grand settings are the soul of cosplay photography, especially for a character like Keqing who commands the winds and waves in Liyue Harbor with absolute efficiency. Although the swimsuit represents her more casual side, it absolutely cannot be shot in a narrow, uninspiring way. The location chosen was a very spacious resort beach, equipped with a thatched sun umbrella, a wooden lounge chair, and the blue-and-purple gradient "Summer Party" swim ring in my hand, which instantly maxed out the relaxed and leisure vibe of a vacation.

In terms of makeup and styling, the light purple long straight hair and the high-tied butterfly-bow-like hair loops are Keqing's iconic elements. To match the bright summer sunlight, I put extra effort into the base makeup, emphasizing clarity and radiance, striving to keep my facial contours clear and three-dimensional even under backlighting or intense light. For the outfit, I chose this deep blue and white spliced swimsuit, which is highly accurate to her original design elements. The white ruffles look lively and charming, while the deep color balances the intense outdoor light, showcasing a touch of maturity.

During the shoot, the photographer and I worked in perfect synergy. I chose to lie on the lounge chair, using sunglasses and that massive swim ring as foreground elements to create a haughty, tsundere vacation vibe of "I'm here, but I can't be bothered to pay attention to you." At that moment, I was thinking: how would the "Yuheng Star," who is usually extremely diligent in her work, look once she relaxes? She definitely wouldn't just be smiling mindlessly or making overly sweet expressions; instead, she should carry a hint of dominance and laziness, showing her innate commanding presence even on vacation. So, with one hand on the swim ring or leaning sideways on the lounge chair, I slightly squinted my eyes at the camera, trying to capture that "nonchalant aura."

One aspect of this photoset I am highly satisfied with is the use of the foreground and background. The large swim ring you see is not just a prop; it serves as an excellent leading line. Combined with the harsh direct sunlight, it cast deep shadows on the lounge chair and the sand, pushing the "scorching summer" atmosphere to its absolute peak. The texture of the thatched umbrella, the wooden slats of the lounge chair, and even the banana leaves swaying in the wind all added a sense of storytelling to these photos.

For post-processing, I did not rely excessively on filters or forcefully alter the original light and shadow structure. Instead, I preserved the natural sunlight tones. The focus was on skin texture refinement, brightening the skin tone while keeping a realistic texture, allowing the transition of light and shadow across my body to look softer and more natural. At the same time, I adjusted the environmental color contrast to let the ocean-blue swim ring and the purple hair collide in warm and cool tones, giving the entire frame both summer warmth and a touch of cool nobility.

I have always believed that cosplay should not be restricted to indoor studios. Bringing a beloved character into real sunlight, sand, and vegetation, giving her a sense of living breathing room, is the ultimate goal for a cosplayer. I started cosplaying Keqing back in 2022, and in 2025, I am still exceptionally fond of her. Many might ask what keeps me cosplaying the same character. I'd say that every shoot reveals a different sparkling side of her—sometimes playful and cute, sometimes mature and calm. This swimsuit attempt let me see a Keqing who, in her brief moments away from hectic public duties, can also indulge in and enjoy life to the fullest.

Seeing the final photos, all the hard work was completely worth it. These are more than just pictures; they represent my earnest dedication to this character. I hope to deliver Chengdu's rare warm sunshine and Keqing's unique, lazy confidence to everyone.