Shooting this photoshoot set for Augusta cosplay from Wuthering Waves was a truly unique experience. From the moment I got the character concept art, I was captivated by her lazy yet powerful aura, so when planning hair, makeup, styling, and photos, I tried my best to align with that texture. For the costume, a modified Qipao cosplay design in a black and gold color scheme was chosen. The fabric was specifically selected with smooth material featuring subtle jacquard patterns, so even pure black displays rich layering under warm lighting without looking dull. The cutout details at the neckline and chest were key design focal points, paired with intricate golden embroidery on the fabric that matched the character's luxurious feel while beautifully outlining body contours.
Regarding accessories, my favorite is that metallic star-shaped pendant with long dangling red tassels. It adds a touch of movement to a static look, catching the eye with every subtle sway. A white fluffy fur shawl was draped around the shoulders, neutralizing the cold sharpness of the black-and-gold color scheme while forming a striking color contrast against the Red hair cosplay look. The black folding fan and long gloves in hand were also finishing touches of the styling, serving as excellent interactive props during posing that made postures look more natural and expressive.
The wig selected featured a very vibrant bright red color. During styling, I intentionally created rich layers to prevent the high hair volume from looking rigid, and clipped a small gold-and-white flower accessory on top so the head area wouldn't look monotonous. For makeup, reddish-brown earth tones were chosen for eye shadow blending, paired with subtle dark lip color to give my gaze a more storied, cool, and glamorous quality.
The shoot took place inside a Chinese-style cosplay studio. The backdrop featured dark wooden frames paired with golden landscape painting screens, with Chinese vases and blooming flowers arranged on the right. A bamboo daybed was specially set up on site, perfectly accompanying seated poses to embody a relaxed, effortless state. During shooting, the photographer assisted with warm yellow rim lighting; particularly in the first close-up, the lens flare from backlighting was dreamlike, illuminating the edges of my red hair. However, to keep background elements from overwhelming the shot, we adjusted lighting angles for full-body photos so the gold thread embroidery on the qipao could reflect luster while keeping facial lighting even and clean.
The intended mood for the entire set was to blend classical elegance with a confident, detached air. To achieve this effect, lying and sitting angles were adjusted several times to ensure body curves looked best under the tailored cut of the modified qipao. Although the shooting process was physically demanding—and wearing a black qipao with long gloves under warm indoor studio lights felt quite warm—the final images dominated by modified Chinese-style cosplay and warm-toned light and shadows beautifully presented my understanding of this character's disposition, standing as a highly completed cosplay photoshoot set.