Character: Lisa
Sauce: Genshin Impact
Cosplayer: @bethofthewild (IG)

Beth invested an enormous amount of time and effort into her Lisa cosplay in preparation for Saboten Con’s masquerade. I was unable to attend and unfortunately not able to see her perform in her magnificent cosplay. To make up for that (with Halloween approaching), we decided to do a little witchy photoshoot. She set up a lovely little library set in her room and I brought in a few lights. I also decided to practice some video work and shot a handful of scenes with my X-T30 (which you can watch here).

I decided to shoot on Kodak Vision3 500T motion picture film; is there anything better? Due to the small space we were working in, I wanted to avoid using the lights set too bright, as it would overwhelm the scene and reflect everywhere I didn’t want it to be. Thus, I ended having the film pushed two stops while it was being developed in the ECN-2 process. I shot on my Nikon FM2/T, as it it my trusty and capable workhorse. the Voightlander 58mm F/1.4 and Nikkor-O 35mm F/2 received equal use on set. It is rare for me to use the 35mm, but the limited space is exactly why I keep it around. I employed the use of two Tiffen Black ProMist filters - the 1/4 and 1. As per my usual preference, I wanted softened details, reduced contrast, and blooming highlights. These filters are on my lenses almost indefinitely.

Balancing the vibes and batching concoctions.
*Kodak Vision3 500T (+2 stops)*

I wanted to share information on more than the photoshoot itself, as crafting a cosplay from scratch is no small feat. I asked Beth to write up a brief summary of her work and she offered this insight into her work:

“The entire outfit was constructed out of a faux satin dupioni, linen, and cotton fabric. The hat, as well as every rose on the costume, has individually hand embellished beads for extra glimmer. The top of the dress features a fully boned, three-layer linen corset that laces up the back. The Knights of Favonius crest on the stomach was also hand embroidered and hand beaded with beads of a variety of different sizes for dimension. The lace on the socks was individually cut from a larger lace piece to the correct size, width, and shape; and then hand-sewn onto the socks for added strength and cleanliness. More beading appears on the shorts, which also feature real leather trim designs hand-cut and then pressed onto faux velvet. The emblems on the flounce were also hand embroidered with cotton floss.

Lisa’s spell book was modeled after the ascended version of the Favonius Codex. The orb in the center glows and the entire book opens and can secretly hold and carry a small wallet and phone. The entire book is designed to easily slide onto the belt and hang at the hip (since I can’t make it float around me like in-game, unfortunately).

Lastly, the lantern on the hat also glows with LEDs. Every detail on the lantern was individually placed, including: the moss, lights, and flowers. Most of the hat is made of stuffing, so it is surprisingly light!!” -- Beth (@bethofthewild)

Wishing a fuffy Binx boy would come out from hiding…
*Kodak Vision3 500T (+2 stops)*

While we both put our whole focus into this shoot, it was not without complications. The most significant, perhaps, was that the star of the shoot was a bit shy and opted out. Binx (Beth’s magnificent prince and general good fluffy boy) had decided to hide deep under her bed. We had very much wanted him to wander the set and be in many of the photos. He was eventually coaxed/fished out of hiding and held for a handful of photos - indeed, I was impressed with Beth’s ability to maintain her poise while Binx fervently fought for freedom. I was put to the test with rapid-fire exposure changes, focusing, and advancing the film in the brief moment we had him in the frame. I was especially pleased to have captured a cute little blep.

Another issue I faced was human error - I had done a poor job metering and exposing for the scene. I should have had the film pushed 3 stops, as I had underexposed most of the shoot. There were two saving graces that saved the photos:
1.) motion picture film is incredibly capable and was able to handle the compensation.
2.) film grants a certain privilege when it comes to grain and missed focus - aesthetic.

There was a significant challenge presented by the set, as well. Creating a variety of distinct images and operating lights in a confined space with virtually little-to-no relocating of the subject is no easy feat. I addition, I had minimal area for myself to move and shoot. I typically was climbing around (often on the bed) and squeezing the camera into my face. It also increased the difficulty of keeping the light stands and such out of the frame - no photoshop to save me there.

The 58mm was a blessing and a curse. I simply did not have the space to utilize it for more than half-body shots. The plus side to this is that is aided in creating unique images as I could compress and crop the scene into sub-scenes; focusing on parts, rather than the whole.

Challenges such as these only strengthen skills and aid in creativity. Pros and cons. Ultimately, both of us came away satisfied with the photographs in this set.

Don’t turn away, looming moon.
*Kodak Vision3 500T (+2 stops)*

Beth is a wonderful muse - the photographs we create together are always beautiful. Her attention to detail and ability to focus on her character and expression is incredible and makes it considerably less difficult to bring a vision to fruition. This photoshoot came together nicely, despite the challenges presented. Being the first time shooting with such control over the set (I shoot almost exclusively with natural/ambient light in various locations), I was eager to see what I could do. My lack of experience in this setting certainly peeked through and showed me how much I have yet to learn. While I was initially disappointed with the amount of grain and off-focus in the photos, I have learned to enjoy that aspect of film. Perfection is a mistake; imperfection adds character - a flavor lost upon the insipid eyes of the masses.

Something, Something, Something Witchy.

A Roll of Provia 100F

Lagoon Company