Shooting this Arknights Eyjafjalla Cosplay set at the Ranch turned out quite differently from what I expected. The flock of sheep wouldn't obediently follow commands; they were full of curiosity about the staff and the little bucket. Sometimes, to capture a natural interaction, I had to walk back and forth in the damp mud. My pant legs and shoe uppers got covered in mud, but to achieve the desired effect, it was a necessary process to go through.
The location chosen for Photography in Guangzhou was an outdoor Ranch. The afternoon light had just the right warm color temperature, and this lighting, paired with the surrounding natural environment, created a great atmosphere. The backlight hitting the edges of the fluffy skirt and the freshly bathed sheep looked highly textured. As for props, I prepared a custom-made staff with a black vine-shaped material as the base, hanging a small white iron bucket at the lower end. This made movements look much more natural when raising my hand or leaning against a wall, and it also added visual weight to the frame.
Specifically to match the Ranch environment, the makeup leaned towards warm tones. The pink wig featured double-bun braids and curled goat horns to enhance the animalistic traits. The outfit used a white, red, and purple color scheme with very strong overall layering. The bottom of the skirt was specially treated with black fluff resembling sheep's wool, so standing among the flock didn't look out of place. For the lower body, I wore Black stockings and high boots with red straps. This slightly edgy leg styling felt great walking on the grass and was very photogenic, a design that effectively elongates the body proportions. Black gloves and wristbands were also added to increase the character's sense of resilience.
We encountered quite a few difficulties during the shoot. For example, the lambs were too lively, constantly nudging the camera and messing up the composition; water accidentally spilled from the bucket, and I had to quickly wipe my shoes; the muddy grass accidentally brushed against the skirt, making it a hassle to clean. However, it was precisely because of this uncontrollability that we captured many authentic moments close to nature. To reflect the feeling of light chasing me, the photographer had me try turning around under the eaves where there was only localized light, allowing the light to leak perfectly onto my face. Capturing this light and shadow required the exact right angle; even a slight deviation would lose that glowing-edge atmosphere.
Wearing a thick fluffy skirt and black stockings was actually quite hot under the midday sun; this combination was both warm and stuffy. But as the evening breeze blew across the Ranch and I watched the sheep grazing around me, my mood gradually calmed down. This state of interacting with the environment, rather than simply striking poses, better conveys the character's atmosphere in a specific setting and makes it easier for people to immerse themselves.
Because it was at a Ranch, being surrounded by a flock of sheep felt wonderful, making it easier to understand the character's feeling of chasing bright light amidst loneliness. It’s that sense of salvation you mentioned—when you actually place yourself in such a real natural environment, watching the light gradually dim while seeing the sheep beside you, those emotions naturally reveal themselves. This shoot was a very pure attempt. Thanks to the photographer for capturing those dynamic moments, and I look forward to trying more looks in an even more open environment next time.