This exorcist-themed photoshoot took about a week of preparation from initial brainstorming with the creative director to final execution. Because the setting is neither traditional period style nor pure modern slice-of-life, we decided to use a white cyclorama studio combined with a large red background to create an oppressive yet intense visual impact.
Styling-wise, we chose a classic sailor suit as the base. To evoke traces of fresh combat, the costume stylist used theatrical fake blood and pigments to create spontaneous splatters and stains across the white fabric. This distressed, battle-worn look offers far richer storytelling and authenticity than a pristine uniform. On my head, I wore a traditional woven bamboo conical hat; to anchor the subtly eerie presence, white fringe cords were added around the rim. The polearm weapon in hand was surprisingly heavy—solid iron—requiring sustained core and arm tension throughout the shoot to keep stances looking natural and effortless.
The most striking prop was undeniably the black heavy motorcycle beside me. The collision of a traditional woven hat, a sailor suit, and a modern industrial machine formed the core visual concept of this shoot. To match the bike's hardcore aesthetic, we dialed down sweetness in the makeup, opting for cool-toned eye makeup paired with a short black wig to emphasize an aloof, unapproachable sharpness. On my feet were black flats paired with a black midi skirt, making it easy to stride, lean, or crouch beside the motorcycle to project a crisp, capable demeanor.
Shooting in a white studio heavily tests lighting technique. To capture that dark, suspenseful mood, the key light utilized hard, directional lighting, with rim backlighting sculpting contours, while the red background glow was projected separately using gel filters. This produced razor-sharp shadow edges and deep contrast, giving the raw unedited files fantastic texture. During post-production grading, we intensified the red-and-black contrast while preserving fabric grain and skin texture without over-smoothing, aiming to keep authentic film grain and battle-hardened grit.
When posing before the camera—holding the polearm and leaning against the bike—my gaze had to constantly stay locked onto the lens like tracking prey. Even though I was wearing a sailor suit, it couldn't look cute; it had to project the cold, ruthless edge and deadly intent of a seasoned exorcist ready to strike at any second. The photographer continually guided me toward that quiet yet perilous state of mind. While physically demanding, seeing the final images proved that the chilling, uncanny atmosphere completely achieved our original vision.