[Jeanne d'Arc Lily cosplay] Fate FGO: Jalter Santa Lily

This Jeanne d'Arc Lily (Jalter Santa Lily) costume from Fate FGO is packed with details, and the weight of the accessories made the shooting process truly unique. Before the shoot, I ran multiple rounds of makeup tests; to faithfully capture the character's aura, I specifically selected light-gold contact lenses, pairing them with pinkish blush and an orange lip color to balance facial proportions. The red-and-white oil-paper umbrella served as a vital visual anchor in the frame, while the contrasting pairing of the white fur collar and blue inner lining added rich depth.

During the session, I communicated extensively with photographer Wan Sheng. Because the location featured traditional vermilion wooden architecture, the red railings stood out prominently in the frame; shooting straight-on risked flattening the depth. We tested numerous camera angles, ultimately settling on two distinct compositional styles. The first was a profile pose leaning against the railing, emphasizing the outfit's overall silhouette and its organic harmony with the red umbrella and wooden pillars. The second utilized foreground-occlusion perspective, aiming the lens through the railings so the red timber framed the subject naturally, guiding the viewer's gaze directly toward the facial expression—a framing technique that wonderfully conveyed the character's untainted purity.

The lighting on the day consisted of soft diffuse light without harsh direct glare, perfectly bringing out the spring palette of tender greens and soft pinks in the outdoor scenery. Since the garment is a modified kimono-style cut, the drape of the sleeves and skirt hem demanded precise posing; I had to mind my posture constantly to maintain a natural silhouette free of awkward wrinkles. Styling the white hair took considerable effort as well; to keep it looking airy and flowing, we used numerous hairpins for targeted hold. Paired with black gloves and red-and-black stockings on the legs, the shoot was physically demanding, but the final images turned out exceptionally solid. Trying out a look with such strong Japanese style fidelity for the first time required me to settle into complete stillness—softening my gaze before projecting a touch of cool detachment. I am very pleased with the final outcome, making this a memorable record of this spring.