This spring, I had the opportunity to shoot with Dari at one of the most beautiful hidden spots in southern New Mexico — Tunnel Vista Waterfall. We hiked down into the canyon, surrounded by rushing water and lush greenery, and spent the afternoon capturing three stunning cosplay looks in and around the water.
It wasn’t the typical golden hour session I usually plan for. We arrived in the middle of the day, and the lighting was harsh and direct. But sometimes a challenge becomes a gift in disguise. I used this shoot as an opportunity to test a new lighting technique, and it ended up opening a lot of creative doors.
Cosplay in the Canyon: Yelan, 2B, and Changli
Dari came prepared with three incredible character cosplays:
- Yelan (from Genshin Impact): Strong and elegant, with deep blues and silvers that popped against the rocks and water.
- 2B (from NieR: Automata): A powerful contrast of dark leather and pale skin, shot near the waterfall for a cinematic effect.
- Changli (from Fox Spirit Matchmaker): Flowing fabrics and graceful lines that worked beautifully in the shaded creek areas.
Each look was full of personality and brought out a different side of the location. Dari’s ability to shift between characters, moods, and movement made this shoot dynamic and exciting from start to finish.
Midday Sun and a New Skill
I usually rely on the soft, golden tones of sunrise or sunset for my outdoor work — but this time, I had to adapt. The bright midday sun created harsh shadows and uneven highlights, which pushed me to experiment with light balancing and manual flash in a new way.
It turned out to be a win. Now I feel confident shooting throughout the day, which gives me more flexibility when planning future sessions with clients. I’m always grateful for shoots that force me to grow as a photographer.
Dari: Model Spotlight
Dari was absolutely fantastic to work with — creative, expressive, and full of great ideas. She brought each character to life with grace and intensity. You can view more of her work, and even purchase select cosplay prints, on her personal site.
Find her info here and go show her some support!
Wrapping Up
Cosplay shoots are some of my favorite types of sessions, especially when we get to combine the beauty of nature with strong character work. This one had everything: new techniques, unexpected challenges, and a model who gave it her all.
You can see a few of the final images from the shoot above, and be sure to check out Dari’s site for more from the session.
If you’re a model looking to collaborate or submit to magazines, or just want to plan a shoot with intention and creativity, let’s talk. I love working with people who are as passionate about the process as I am. Contact me here!
Natural Exploration 