Sky blue summer, pool water reflecting the sunlight—this set of swimsuit records inspired by Wuthering Waves Denia is finally sorted out. As part of my ACG Save File, I tried shooting this lightweight waterside photoshoot at an outdoor pool this time.
The temperature on the shooting day was extremely high, and the direct sunlight on the outdoor pool made the water reflections very prominent. When choosing this outfit, I mainly considered the refreshing feel and color coordination. The pink-blue gradient wig is the focal point of the styling, and paired with headwear featuring white petals and a beast-ear-like shape, it beautifully concentrates the overall visual focus on the head while making the whole look appear playful and cute. The top uses a lightweight and sheer white fabric, adorned with star-shaped decorations and pink ties, blending a casual, everyday feel with the character's unique elements. The bottom consists of denim blue shorts with pink ruffles and bows, which fits the vacation vibe perfectly when worn by the pool.
Pool shoots actually test your physical stamina, as the platform and the pool's edges are often wet. You have to keep your poses relaxed and stretched while watching your steps to avoid slipping. Photo 2 chose a composition of sitting on the edge of the red brick platform with hands naturally raised behind the head. This pose beautifully showcases the waistline and the cut of the top, while visually elongating the proportions of the thighs. The overall composition is centered with moderate negative space, which is why I chose it as the cover for this set. Photo 1, on the other hand, captures me standing in the water looking back; the refraction of the water waves and the skirt hem gives the picture a more dynamic feel. Meanwhile, in Photo 3, dipping my feet into the water with a floating swim ring creates a unique contrast against the background of urban high-rises and green plants.
Regarding light control, we chose to shoot during the late afternoon when the sunlight wasn't too harsh, preserving the texture of the azure ripples on the water surface. During post-processing, we deliberately kept the details of the pool's water patterns instead of using overexposed, erasing-style editing, trying our best to keep the skin tone clean and transparent while maintaining the authenticity of the clothing materials.
Cosplay is actually not just about putting on the costume and wig; it also involves creating the overall atmosphere and capturing the expressions. In front of the camera, I had to overcome squinting caused by the dazzling sunlight on the water surface and balance the natural feel by making micro-adjustments to my facial expressions. For instance, that relaxed and confident state in Photo 2 was actually achieved after adjusting the shoulder relaxation and head angle multiple times.
Outdoor waterside shoots are usually heavily influenced by the weather; wind messing up the wig or water splashing onto the costume could easily interrupt the shoot. This time, we prepared waterproof tape and hairspray in advance to keep the hair accessories and wig as stable as possible. Compared to studio shoots, the joy of outdoor photography is that the environment itself breathes life into the photos—the sky-blue water surface forms a very harmonious echo with the color of the wig.
Although this was not a strict replica of the official look, as an ACG Save File recording my life integrated with the summer climate, I am quite satisfied with the final result. The integration of waterside elements gives the images room to breathe, and if you look closely, you can even spot the color linkage between the head accessory and the pool. The above are my shooting thoughts and behind-the-scenes details of this Denia-themed waterside photoshoot, and I hope it brings a touch of cool relief in this hot season.