[Zhuang Fangyi cosplay] Arknights: Endfield - Into the Abyss, the otherworldly aura among bamboo shadows and blooming branches

A fellow photography enthusiast sent me forty original unedited photos in one go. When I clicked on the full-size images, I was completely blown away by their sincerity. There are actually over a dozen more photos from this set currently sitting in the post-production queue waiting for retouching. It's really impossible to finish editing them all at once, so I can only pick out a few with relatively good final effects to quickly share the pre-shoot atmosphere with everyone. For this shoot, I mainly tried a Zhuang Fangyi cosplay from Arknights: Endfield, choosing the highly recognizable Arknights: Endfield - Into the Abyss look.

This time, we specifically found an outdoor location with Chinese courtyard elements. We were mainly attracted by the sprawling white blossoms in the courtyard and the scattered green bamboo growing in the background. The lighting in the outdoor environment on the day of the shoot was actually very complex. We relied entirely on the photographer's on-site lighting coordination and reflectors for fill light. The actual execution adopted the approach of a High-key portrait, overlaying soft diffused reflection, successfully restoring that ethereal, translucent, and untainted cold texture in the frame.

The details of this outfit really test the post-production processing, but the accuracy of the styling in the early stages is also crucial. For example, the pair of forked reddish-brown branch-like horns on the head is actually quite heavy to wear. Standing outdoors shooting for a long time creates a noticeable downward pressure. I had to constantly tuck my chin and maintain the posture of my neck so it would look natural and upright in the final photos. In addition, the pair of long, pointed elf ears, the obvious cyan-blue gradient highlights at the ends of the hair, and the beaded tassel accessories on the cheeks all greatly enriched the layered feel of the character.

In terms of makeup choices, to complement the color-blocking design of this off-white off-the-shoulder inner wear and the black leather mechanical arm armor, the base makeup was deliberately processed to be clear and clean. The focus was entirely on outlining the eyeshadow and eyeliner. Combined with the cyan-green color contacts echoing each other, it created a cold, non-human temperament. The difficulty of this styling lies in the hand armor. The black leather gloves paired with the metallic mechanical armor greatly restrict the flexibility of the arms. When doing small movements, such as gently stroking a flower or touching the cheek, special attention must be paid to the coordination between the range of motion and the props, otherwise, it easily looks stiff and rigid in the photos.

To capture the frame that best fits the work's setting, we repeatedly adjusted various body languages on set. Like the photo looking back at the camera, we used the blooming white flowers in the foreground for large-area blurring as a block. Paired with the piercing gaze, it excellently highlights the character's mysterious aura with a slight sense of detachment. The photo where I look up and stretch my arms upwards simulates a dynamic moment of feeling the natural atmosphere in the breeze.

After a whole day of shooting, although it was physically exhausting, the atmospheric feel of the final photos makes all the effort feel worthwhile. Among the unedited negatives, there are still quite a few action snapshots worth uncovering. When color grading later, I hope to adjust the faint green ambient light around the bamboo to be more in line with the undertone of Chinese-style Xianxia. The cooperation between photography, makeup, and styling is very important. I am very satisfied with the final presentation of this look, which coexists with heaviness and ethereal lightness.