This time, I teamed up with Wangwu to complete version 2.0 of our Chino-Kokoa duo photoshoot, which also served as an on-site photo record during CICF. To faithfully bring the duo of Kafū Chino and Hoto Kokoa to life, we dedicated plenty of thought to hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Chino wore a blue-and-white sailor uniform paired with long, pale blue-purple straight hair, while Kokoa donned a white-and-blue sailor uniform with golden-orange short hair. We also made sure to include the white plush mascot from the original work as an interactive prop.
During pre-shoot preparations, the uniform specifications for both sailor outfits required strict attention to detail, including the neckerchief color palette, crisp pleating on the skirts, and the tilt angle of the sailor caps. On the wig front, Chino's pale long straight hair easily looked stiff under harsh outdoor sunlight, so we thinned it out and added subtle layering at the ends; Kokoa's short wig focused on airy volume and natural flow in the bangs. To highlight the characters' signature moe appeal on camera, the makeup emphasized eye enlargement with translucent colored contact lenses and a wider sweep of blush.
When capturing duo shots, chemistry and timing between both cosplayers were crucial. To project an authentic everyday closeness, our poses referenced nuances straight from the anime, such as clenching fists like little creatures, holding the plush toy together, and leaning side-by-side with peace signs. Natural outdoor daylight suited the crisp, refreshing feel of the blue-and-white palette perfectly. When scouting angles, we actively avoided chaotic convention crowds, relying on wide-aperture lenses to blur the background and keep the focal point firmly on the subjects.
For full-body compositions, we arranged staggered standing positions, enriching visual depth while naturally showcasing the interplay between pleated skirts and knee-high Black stockings and White stockings. Because the skirts were quite short, dynamic movements like jumping or lifting a leg required careful control to keep frames both safe and aesthetically pleasing. The white plush was not only a central prop but also a bridge linking our interactions—whether cradled in hand or perched atop a head, it brought our expressions to life.
This shooting project is still an ongoing journey; each shoot reinforces the undeniable charm of these costumes and characters. We'll keep exploring suitable locations to refine this series, striving to capture this pure cuteness in its entirety.