This set of Arknights Eyjafjalla Cosplay Waterscape photography photos was a truly challenging Summer location shoot piece. To fit this natural scene, I specifically designed this breezy red-and-white checkered outfit, paired with a pink sheer tulle skirt that looks lightweight but becomes exceptionally heavy once soaked in water.
The weather on the day of the shoot was fantastic with blazing sunshine. The water's surface was scattered with sparkling light specks, and sunlight hitting the water bounced right onto my face—the lighting was perfect, yet glaringly bright. To protect against UV rays, I applied multiple layers of sunscreen, but shooting in the water meant getting thoroughly soaked regardless. The stream where we shot was a natural outdoor location with slick, slippery rocks and rather swift currents. I had to tread cautiously across the stones to balance my body, otherwise a slip was inevitable. The staff prop in hand was prepared beforehand; to keep it dry and visually pristine, I had to ensure the shaft didn't get too wet to prevent color fading. The sheep horns on my head were also custom-made, requiring lengthy styling to wear so naturally.
The tulle skirt was genuinely tricky to shoot in the water. On one hand, the fabric grew heavy upon absorbing water; on the other hand, the rushing current pushed the skirt around, making it tough to maintain an airy, flowing drape. Yet it was precisely this challenge that gave the photos such dynamic vitality. As water splashed against my legs, I moved into various poses—looking back over my shoulder at the camera or making cute hand gestures—bringing out that sweet, refreshing summer atmosphere of an Anime girl.
Cosplay is not just about putting on clothes, but about finding where the character resonates within oneself. To capture the essence of this 'Little Sheep', I repeatedly refined my gaze, striving to project that blend of innocence and vibrant energy. In terms of lighting, we relied primarily on natural light. While backlighting made the hair strands glisten beautifully, it easily cast dark shadows across the face, so the photographer used reflectors for fill light. The sun was scorching while I was submerged in the stream, making the perceived temperature quite cold; but for the final shot, I persevered. The splashing droplets were fleeting in a split second, demanding high reflex speed from the photographer. Fortunately, our seamless synergy captured those peak moments.
Looking back at the entire shoot, the hardest part was keeping my balance in swift currents while expressing the character's sweet demeanor. To find the best angles, the photographer had half his body submerged in the water. The riverbed stones were jagged and covered in moss, making moving through the water extremely cumbersome. To freeze the exact moment water splashed up, we tried countless takes; often right after striking a pose, the current would mess up the skirt's drape or the staff would slip. Yet through this repeated trial and adjustment, we found the most natural dynamic rhythm.
For makeup, I accentuated the reddish-pink eyeshadow and blush to harmonize with the overall pink palette, looking energetic like a summer fairy. In post-processing, we mainly applied a soft-light glow to the backlit hair strands, giving the whole image a dreamy, ethereal texture. This experience taught me that high-quality works stem from endless attempts and strong teamwork. I'm grateful to everyone for taking care of me—though exhausting, it was an unforgettable Summer location shoot. Hope everyone feels this refreshing coolness through these photos!