[Yunli cosplay] Sword-wielding Girl from Honkai: Star Rail Loves Candied Hawthorns Today Too

The final edits for this Yunli set are finally finished today. In Honkai: Star Rail, Yunli is characterized as spirited and slightly tsundere; capturing that lively energy took considerable preparation across wardrobe and props. The blue-and-white palette and metallic gold hardware were paramount—especially the black gemstone centered on the chest, which I tracked down across several shops before hand-sewing it into place. The wig featured a textured short bob, with the crown styling requiring side braids anchored together with metal ornaments; larger movements easily knocked it askew, requiring frequent touch-ups throughout the session.

For makeup, to honor the 2D aesthetic, I blended warm orange-brown tones across the eyes paired with amber contact lenses, applying blush generously to emphasize youthful, spirited charm. The shoot took place in an interior framed by wooden screens and circular lattice windows, where warm golden lighting fostered a nostalgic, cozy atmosphere. Holding two skewers of candied hawthorns provided a playful prop choice that formed an amusing contrast with the character—also cheekily winking at the humorous Baby food tag in the post description as an experimental crossover between dimensions.

Many ask about framing techniques in sets like this; the key lies in harmonizing with the environment. Standing before or slightly to the side of the grand circular window frame utilized its architecture to guide leading lines while maintaining compositional balance. When holding props, engaging the wrists gently rather than death-gripping the bamboo skewer prevented finger knuckles from appearing rigid. Extending one skewer toward the lens exaggerated depth of field to forge an engaging, intimate connection with the viewer—an interactive touch that works wonders in still photography.

Time was tight, with only a few hours from initial fitting to wrap, and we even re-staged the lighting midway when the angles fell flat. To showcase the garment's layered cuts, anti-slip lining was added to inner pieces to maintain modesty during wide movements, while invisible waist ties helped the skirt fall in natural pleats. The metallic hardware tarnished quickly, requiring regular polishing with soft cloths to retain crisp specular glints. Fortunately, the finished stills captured great tactile depth, preserving fabric textures and gem refractions faithfully. The greatest joy of cosplay lies in translating character personality through personal interpretation—whether through playful glances while raising the hawthorns or calm eye contact with the camera, it was all about bringing Yunli vibrantly to life. Huge thanks to the crew for their dedication, and looking forward to our next shoot!