The Witcher Bitches on Mt. Hood:
Crafting Magic in the Snow
It’s not every day you find yourself in the snow with three badass sorceresses, but when you do, you make the most of it. We packed up our gear, loaded into the car, and headed to Mt. Hood with a mission—to bring the world of The Witcher to life. The weather was chilly, but nothing too extreme. And when you’re working with pros like Carma Cosplay (Emma), DeelaDesigns (Mel), and MiaMay Cosplay (Mia), the only thing cold about the day was the snow beneath our boots.
Power trio, no intro needed. Triss, Yennefer, and Ciri bring the heat to the snow, each with their own flavor of badassery. You can feel the magic and might oozing from this crew.
SHOOTING IN THE SNOW:
Photographing in snow is like dancing on a knife’s edge—everything from light to shadows behaves differently. Natural light became our best friend, bouncing off the snow to create a soft, ethereal glow around the characters. To add some drama, we pulled out colored LED lights and a speedlight flash. The result? Dynamic, otherworldly shots that made these characters look like they stepped right out of a video game and into the real world.
Ciri, poised to pounce, eyes locked, blade ready. She’s not just surviving—she’s hunting. The kind of shot that makes you double-check your back.
Magic meets steel. This shot plays with light just as Ciri does with fate—unpredictable and strikingly beautiful.
THE ART OF EVOCATION:
When I shoot cosplay, it’s not just about getting the costume right; it’s about embodying the character. That’s where Emma, Mel, and Mia excel. They know how to channel their characters’ energy, whether it’s Ciri’s fierce determination, Triss’s calculated grace, or Yennefer’s intense power. With this trio, I don’t have to spell out every detail—they get it. A simple suggestion like “Give me THAT look,” or “Imagine you’re hunting your target and you hear them nearby” is all it takes for them to deliver. It’s a collaborative dance that always ends with killer shots.
Yennefer doesn’t need spells to cast a spell. One look, one gesture—game over. This is power, no wand required.
Cool, calm, and calculating. Yennefer takes a moment in the shadows—where she’s most dangerous.
Mystique in motion. One glance, one moment—captured. Yennefer’s magic is all in the eyes.
Triss, with that ethereal vibe, channeling ancient magic or just daydreaming—hard to tell, but you wouldn’t dare interrupt to ask.
Sitting pretty, but don’t let that fool you. Triss knows her way around both spells and steel.
Elegance meets edge. Triss looks serene, but there's power in that pose.
A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LAUGH:
Here’s the thing—sometimes my directions sound downright bizarre out of context. “Go over there and crawl around under that log,” I might say. With new models, this would probably be met with confusion. But not with these ladies. At this point, they trust my vision, even if they don’t fully get it at first. It’s usually followed by a laugh and an enthusiastic “Okay!” before they dive right into whatever crazy idea I’ve cooked up. This trust and comfort level make the shoot feel less like work and more like a day out with friends who just happen to be dressed as fantasy warriors.
The Witcher Bitches know how to keep it light—whether they’re saving the world or cracking up in the snow.
Who says witches can’t have fun? The forest may be eerie, but these three are here for the mischief. Spells and laughs, in equal measure.
THE DISNEYLAND EFFECT:
I’ve always admired how Disneyland immerses you completely, down to the tiniest detail. That’s what I see in cosplay—the dedication, the craftsmanship, the ability to bring a fictional character to life in such intricate detail. Capturing that in a photo is both an honor and a challenge I don’t take lightly. These cosplayers aren’t just wearing costumes; they’re embodying the lore, the history, and the character's spirit. And if you want to know every last detail about a costume and that character (even if they had to learn it reluctantly), just ask a cosplayer. Their knowledge will blow you away, guaranteed.
This close-up showcases the intricate design of Triss’s hairpiece, with delicately crafted golden leaves and sapphire blue stones set in a starburst pattern. The craftsmanship highlights the dedication to capturing the essence of her character with precision and elegance.
The intricate stitching on Triss’s gown is a testament to the artisan's skill, with golden threads woven into the teal fabric, creating an elegant contrast. The embroidery mirrors the character's sophisticated and regal demeanor.
This shot emphasizes the fine details of Yennefer’s bodice, with a combination of leather and velvet fabrics, intricate lacing, and delicate metal buttons. Each element is designed to reflect Yennefer's commanding presence and attention to detail.
The sleek, black leather boots are captured sinking into the snow, highlighting both their functional design and stylish appeal. The buckles and straps add a touch of authenticity to the character’s formidable persona.
This shot captures the craftsmanship of Ciri’s belt, featuring intricate embossing and turquoise stones that reflect her warrior spirit. The design is both functional and decorative, adding to the character's iconic look.
A close-up of Ciri’s face reveals the meticulously crafted scar, a defining feature of her character. The attention to detail in this makeup work captures the grit and resilience that define Ciri's journey.
Shooting with Emma, Mel, and Mia is always an adventure, and this “Witcher Bitches” shoot was no exception. From battling the elements to laughing at my sometimes oddball directions, it was a day of creativity, collaboration, and a whole lot of fun. These ladies bring their A-game every time, and I can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us.
And finally, the squad shot—me, Triss, Yennefer, and Ciri, just a bunch of nerds vibing the only way we know how. In style.