Today's set of photos at the outdoor waterfall scene is truly pristine and fresh. Before the shoot, full waterproof measures were taken. This gray-blue dress with layered ruffles and a tactical belt decoration, paired with army green suspenders, visually possesses both a youthful girl vibe and a touch of outdoor ruggedness. Choosing to shoot Kawashiro Nitori from Touhou Project here is precisely because this natural aquatic environment perfectly matches the character's background setting.
Actually standing on the stepping stones at the bottom of the waterfall, facing the rushing torrents, the physical experience was far more shocking than imagined. The water crashing against the stones generated a massive amount of mist, giving the entire frame a natural cool-toned filter effect. To adapt to this environment, I specially wore a pair of matching waterproof rain boots. Although they are waterproof, I still had to be careful on the moss-covered rocks in the deeper water areas, as a slight slip could happen easily. Therefore, those seemingly relaxed strides, single-legged balances, or elegant sitting postures in the photos are actually the results of trying hard to maintain balance under the impact of the water currents.
Of course, the most unforgettable part was the little episode during the shoot. The small cucumber prop I was holding in my hand was just a green elongated object with a relatively smooth surface. While playing with the water, I didn't hold it firmly, and it was instantly swept away from my hands by the current, washing downstream in just a few seconds. In the end, I could only stand there dumbfounded, watching it disappear into the water curtain of the waterfall. So whenever I look at these photos later, I can't help but ramble about this washed-away cucumber. Perhaps this is exactly the charm of waterfall location photography—it is full of unpredictability.
Regarding the props, the gray-blue briefcase paired this time is also very interesting. The red clasps on it echo the character's red hairpins, adding a striking highlight to the otherwise monotonous cool-toned frame. During the shoot, to avoid the blurry images caused by water splashing onto the lens, we had to constantly adjust our positions and shooting angles with the photographer. Several times the water splashed right in our faces, and with the wind blowing, not only were my clothes completely soaked, but the wig and face makeup were also put to the test. Fortunately, the final presentation was well worth it; the strong vertical white lines of the waterfall formed a highly dynamic backdrop, making the slightly unstable postures look full of storytelling.
This kind of water-side outdoor waterscape photoshoot heavily tests one's understanding of the character; it is not simply about putting on the clothes to get great results. The agility and liveliness of a Kappa in water, along with that trait of exploration and slight playfulness, need to be expressed through actions and expressions. I am very satisfied with the final cool tone cosplay colors of the finished photos; they accurately convey moisture, crisp chilliness, and a bit of fun in exploring unknown outdoor areas. I hope these behind-the-scenes recording records can also show everyone more possibilities of cosplay in outdoor environments.