[Megumi Kato Cosplay] Saekano: How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend, Pose Reference under the Night Cherry Blossoms

This set of images is mainly intended to share some pose references for the character Megumi Kato, as well as some experience with convention photos.

Regarding this outfit lineup, I referenced a lot of settings from the original work and related spin-off illustrations, choosing this very classic red cardigan plus white ruffled dress styling. In terms of hair color, because I forgot to bring the corresponding wig back during that outdoor shoot, and since Megumi Kato herself also has a long hair setting in the work, I simply used my own natural long hair. The overall resulting effect doesn't look too out of place, feeling quite everyday.

If choosing a cover photo, I highly recommend the one looking back under the night cherry blossoms. Using a flash for side lighting under the cherry blossom trees late at night forged a powerful contrast between light and dark, maximizing the atmospheric feel in the entire night scenery. The key point of this action lies in the amplitude of looking back, which, combined with a single hand lightly touching the white beret brim, can showcase the character's unique sense of laziness and playfulness, making it highly suitable for outdoor candid captures.

As for the other convention photos, they were shot on the white plush carpet inside the indoor exhibition hall. In a chaotic environment like a convention, if you want to shoot cosplay well, the focus is the interaction between the figure and limited props. Sitting or kneeling can not only beautifully contour the lines of the legs but also steady the frame's center of gravity, preventing the composition from looking loose due to passersby in the background. If you all go to conventions to shoot prints, you can utilize elements like carpets and chairs on the booths more to assist your composition.

Regarding the self-evaluation of the prints, I personally believe there are indeed some regrets this time. I might be more suited for characters like Eriri who are tsundere and possess a noble aura, so this attempt at Megumi Kato can be counted as a warm-up practice for subsequent official photosets. However, this experience also let me harvest a lot. For example, the creases of the black bow tie need to be pressed flat during shooting, and the layers of the white pleated skirt must be neatly organized; these are details that are highly difficult to fix in post-production, so they must be repeatedly confirmed on site.

Regarding the cosple pose reference, if you all experience bodily stiffness when shooting these kinds of characters with a strong everyday feel, you can try several methods in my pictures: one is utilizing hand movements to reach for the hat or collar; the other is making the standing stance look lively through the shifting center of gravity with both legs staggered front and back, avoiding straight-up, wooden postures. Especially during a night cherry blossom outdoor photoshoot, it is recommended to bring outdoor studio lights along, and the camera should try using large-aperture lenses to blur the cherry blossom branches in the background. This can both highlight the subject and lower image noise.

This styling and set of poses are meant to serve as a modest introduction. If you all are interested in my night outdoor shooting poses, you can also check out the official Megumi Kato photosets I shot previously. I think the presentation methods of the same character in different environments are highly interesting. When opportunities arise later, I must try to properly output that character of Eriri once; the experiences and lessons from this time will all be put to use.