[Jeanne d'Arc cosplay] Behind the scenes Moments of Azur Lane Jeanne d'Arc Qipao Styling

Spending a very fulfilling day shooting these Behind the scenes moments of Azur Lane Jeanne d'Arc cosplay in her Qipao styling. Compared to the final official photos, I personally often favor these candid Behind the scenes shots taken in a relaxed state, as they capture the most genuine reactions right after completing the hair and makeup and during the back-and-forth adjustments with the photographer.

In terms of the outfit, the white lace halter dress features rich visual layering. The intricate lace at the neckline and the tailored patchwork design truly test the craftsmanship of the tailoring. The deep blue cloak is the highlight, with gold-threaded trim that gleams under the lights. Wearing it, the weight of the cloak combined with the plush fur collar felt a bit stuffy inside the studio. However, once opening that white paper umbrella, the feeling of physical constraint was instantly dissolved by the cool and elegant temperament filling the scene.

This time, I chose short golden hair paired with airy see-through bangs, adorned on the side with white feather hair ornaments so the look wouldn't feel too heavy. The makeup subtly emphasized the contours to match the overall poised, cool atmosphere. For the legs, I used white stockings and a garter with delicate lace details for a White stockings cosplay look, stepping into silver sequined high heels. The overall color palette was a cool-toned blend of blue, white, and silver, perfectly matching Saint Jeanne d'Arc's sacred yet oriental-inspired Qipao setting in Azur Lane.

The studio arrangement was thoughtfully designed. The wooden fretwork screen and floral branches in the back, along with a large blue satin backdrop on the left, established an oriental spatial depth. The silver-blue reflective material laid on the floor was my favorite, creating ripples of reflections reminiscent of a water surface and making the seated poses appear lighter and more dynamic. Yet it posed quite a challenge for the gaffer—to avoid chaotic light spots and reflections of light stands on the floor, we had to adjust the light circles at our feet numerous times and even added temporary blackout fabric.

The biggest difference between shooting Behind the scenes and final photos lies in the sense of ease. Sitting on the dark wooden armchair, I had to balance the tilt angle of the paper umbrella while ensuring the light illuminated my face without being blocked by the umbrella canopy. These seemingly effortless postures were actually found through countless micro-adjustments and shutter clicks between the photographer and me. The moment in the second photo where I look directly into the camera might just be what the photographer described as "catching the vibe." The blue backdrop projected its color onto the reflective floor, the white skirt hem draped down naturally, and combined with the silhouette of the paper umbrella, it created a truly dreamy effect.

All in all, the little surprises during the shoot, adjusting props, folding and unfolding the fan, and even slightly stumbling because the cloak was too heavy are the most cherished parts of these Behind the scenes photos. Compared to the polished perfection of the final set, these moments carrying a touch of authentic real-life energy bring back the warmth and bustling energy of the studio that day. Doing Qipao cosplay is often not just about recreating a character, but about recording the emotions and challenges experienced while embodying her.