Summer sunlight filtered through palm leaves, casting dappled patterns across the azure pool tiles. Sitting on the stone steps at the water's edge with our bare feet soaking in the cool water, we captured these vibrant summer moments before the camera. Since the theme of this shoot was a Touhou fanon summer swimsuit pairing of Touhou Project's Reimu Hakurei and Kitashirakawa Chiyuri, we opted for designs geared toward resort aesthetics and water play elements rather than traditional shrine maiden robes or standard character garments, creating a seasonal fusion unique to summer.
My red-and-white top was accented with an oversized lace-trimmed bow, along with red-and-yellow cords and tassel details at the neckline. It blends traditional elements with a modern maiden aesthetic, and the sleeveless red top under the bright sun created a striking visual contrast with the surrounding scenery. The intricate patterned patchwork at the waist and cascading ruffled hem gave this cosplay outfit an airy, dimensional feel by the pool. My partner's blonde sailor-style look was equally well-thought-out. The white sailor cap trimmed in navy blue with a red-and-blue anchor insignia resonated perfectly with the waterside setting. The blue-and-white paneled skirt and puffy white sleeves kept the styling crisp and delightfully playful.
To capture natural splash effects, we repeatedly kicked up the water, with sunlight glistening through airborne droplets to bring vivid energy to each frame. During the shoot, our makeup emphasized the eyes, using seamless blending and a translucent base to evoke the clean, ethereal look fitting 2D Touhou fanon aesthetics. We adjusted our sitting poses multiple times—not only to keep the skirt layers neatly arranged, but also to ensure our legs formed natural curves. Light refraction underwater sometimes caused amusing distortions, which we deliberately utilized to evoke summer coolness. Holding the light-blue water gun by the poolside, even without having an actual water fight, made for an engaging prop that added interactive storytelling. We also prepared transparent waterproof shoe covers to safely move through shallow water, preserving our makeup, hair, and costume conditions even after half a day in the water.
Shooting cosplay in outdoor sunlight poses a significant test for makeup and wigs, but the authentic interplay of light and shadow, poolside reflections, and natural textures of wood and stone are things no studio shoot can replicate. Prop-wise, beyond the water gun, our physical interactions—like making hand hearts, pointing toward the distance, or casual eye contact—were candidly captured during easygoing chats. In post-processing, we avoided excessive color grading, choosing instead to preserve the vivid vibrancy of the real daylight, especially the deep blue water and dominant crimson hues forming a classic complementary contrast. I loved how we chatted while easing into poses; cosplay is not merely about replicating characters, but often extending their personalities and emotions through on-location shoots.
The wigs used this time were styled fluffy, especially the blonde wig, which had a gorgeous sheen in the sunlight. Reimu Hakurei's iconic large bow is actually rigid, so positioning it securely on the head took extra time to ensure it didn't look stiff on camera. Shooting during midday made the sun somewhat glaring, and we worked hard to control our expressions without squinting; fortunately, the harsh overhead sun created sharp three-dimensional lighting, adding wonderful depth through body shadows. Rather than strictly chasing solemn screen-accuracy, we embraced this relaxed state of splashing and playing by the pool. The gentle ripples of the water and the natural fabric folds responding to movement were the most genuine details of this Touhou fanon summer swimsuit cosplay. Ultimately, my partner and I felt this was a fantastic endeavor—bringing our beloved characters to life in a different style amidst such vibrant summer scenery was deeply rewarding.