On days without having to slay demons, even one's footsteps feel remarkably light. Visiting Chimelong Water Park this time coincided with an event for Fantasy Westward Journey, so taking advantage of the brilliant sunshine, I shot a relaxed Summer Film set right inside the water park.
This Red and white traditional style outfit was actually quite a test of personal condition. The form-fitting white long-sleeved top can easily look dull under poor outdoor lighting, but today's radiant sunlight made my skin look luminous and clear instead. The red mini skirt on the bottom half served as the key highlight that brightened the entire color palette, with the hemline fluttering lightly with every step. The red bow hair ornament and golden forehead pendant were specially coordinated for this look. Although they look intricate, in such a high-humidity outdoor setting, they required frequent readjustments to prevent them from slipping due to sweat. The red bead necklace was another crowning touch, resting just across the chest to introduce subtle layering. I initially wore black-and-white platform shoes, but being by the water on such a sweltering day, I slipped them off to go barefoot across the loungers and ground, which actually lent a thoroughly relaxed, casual charm.
Being a public area inside an outdoor water park, there were naturally many passersby walking back and forth, and I occasionally had to step aside for kids dashing by with swim rings. Fortunately, the white plastic lounge chairs and wooden railings formed a clean background, and wide-aperture bokeh kept the frame neat and tidy. My favorite shot is the one sitting sideways on the chair with legs crossed; the light struck diagonally from behind, outlining the silhouette of my hair while organically flattering the leg lines. Although wearing a short skirt, careful posing prevented any wardrobe slips, adding a playful, subtle allure instead.
After several years as a cosplayer, I find myself increasingly drawn to shoots in real-life settings. There is no need to hunt for exaggerated props or elaborate backdrops; simply immersing yourself into that relaxed mindset of being off-duty from demon slaying makes facial expressions feel genuine. The third photo with closed eyes and resting my chin on my hand was a candid moment during a rest break that the photographer captured on the fly, free from any stiffness of deliberate posing. Walking around Chimelong Water Park, the summer energy was palpable, with mist lingering in the air creating a wondrous collision with this Red and white traditional style look. To protect the makeup, I stayed clear of splashing water; thankfully, the base makeup held up firmly with setting spray, showing minimal breakdown even after hours outdoors.
The wig also took considerable preparation. To tie a high ponytail while maintaining volume, numerous hair padding inserts were tucked inside. While detangling it afterward was tedious, the on-camera result made every bit worthwhile. While traditional attire can easily look out of place outdoors, the wooden fences and lush greenery at Chimelong harmonized far better than anticipated. Many photography enthusiasts passing by paused to take photos, and rather than shying away, I felt that leaving behind a memory like this within an authentic recreation park was infinitely more fun than a studio shoot. Packing up to leave as a gentle breeze blew by, carrying the cool moisture unique to a water park, that feeling of not being bound by heavy lore and simply enjoying the moment was truly blissful.