This Anchor swimsuit waterside photoshoot was filled with the true essence of summer from preparation to completion. Since I'm sharing it here, let's skip the preamble and dive right into some thoughts and fun moments from this shoot.
First, let's talk about the outfit and prop styling. The core of the look is a blue-and-white sailor-style jacket paired with a black bikini swimsuit. This classic black, white, and blue color palette is visually very refreshing and perfectly suited for the strong outdoor sunlight by the pool. The blue bow on the head, the maid-style ruffle headband, and the prominent bell choker on the neck captured the character's key signature elements. While wearing this outfit, I spent a lot of effort adjusting the drape of the jacket, as the original design is meant to showcase a casual, half-worn relaxed vibe—highlighting the swimsuit design while preserving the character's playful charm.
Speaking of props, I specifically brought a black pet carrier bag, a red starfish accessory, and a long-handled metal grabber. These props helped balance the composition, preventing the pool background from looking too plain. The pet bag in particular—though I initially worried it might look bulky on the wooden deck—actually added a touch of everyday realism, as if really taking the character's little pet on a waterside vacation. The starfish was an excellent interactive prop; whether held up high or placed by my feet on the deck, it added storytelling depth to the scene.
As for the shooting environment, the lighting on that day was incredibly cooperative. The natural outdoor light came in from the side, turning the shimmering water into the best backdrop. We moved around the pool exploring different angles; the shot kicking up water splashes was actually taken multiple times. To get the water to freeze with a perfect scattering arc at the exact moment, we repeatedly adjusted the force and angle of the kick, syncing with the shutter timing to finally capture that dynamic, energetic feel. Meanwhile, the shots sitting on the wooden deck gazing into the distance focused more on emotional delivery, relaxing the facial muscles and shoulders while leaning on the pet bag to create an unguarded, relaxed state.
When bringing the character of Anchor to life in this anime cosplay, I focused on capturing her slightly tsundere charm and her genuine enjoyment of the summer sunshine. Doing a cosplay photoshoot by the water is completely different from studio work; outdoor shoots involve uncontrollable wind, shifting light, and accidental water splashes on the lens—all of which contribute to the authentic feel. I really enjoy interacting with water, and that refreshing chill feels like it can be conveyed directly to viewers through the photos.
Although the weather was quite hot, stepping barefoot onto the warm wooden deck and turning toward the cool blue pool instantly helped me unwind. I hope this waterside photoshoot record brings everyone a taste of summer's exclusive coolness and energy. Looking back at the natural colors and effortless poses during post-processing made all the preparation and effort completely worthwhile. That wraps up this shoot's sharing—looking forward to bringing you more works in different styles next time.