I spent quite a bit of time adjusting the costume details for this Swimsuit Ram shoot. The pink wig was trimmed carefully along the sideburns, and I tested the angle of the headscarf several times to strike a casual yet accurate look. For the top, I chose a sheer white translucent outer layer over a pink-and-white horizontal striped inner piece, tweaking the waistline slightly so it fitted the character perfectly. The bright yellow tie at the collar with a red-striped knot provided a vibrant color contrast. For the bottom, I paired denim shorts with white over-the-knee stockings that featured red-and-white striped cuffs, finishing the look with black platform shoes. This combination stayed true to the anime aesthetic while remaining well-suited for a convention floor shoot.
Shooting on-site at a convention is quite different from a studio setup: the lighting is harsh and the background tends to be chaotic. Before starting, I discussed the lighting direction with my photographer, Pulao, opting for a wide aperture to blur out passing crowds as much as possible. The beauty of convention photography lies in capturing the most vivid frames quickly within limited conditions. To match this outfit, I leaned into shy and playful expressions. Clenching my fists against my chest, resting my chin on my hands while kneeling on one knee, or reclining sideways to stretch out my legs—every pose was aimed at conveying the character's balance of innocence and allure.
Speaking of portrait essentials, people often joke that the top three rules are 'a good-looking model, a good-looking model, and a good-looking model.' While that is a meme, working in this field for a while makes you realize that confidence before the lens and body control matter just as much. To bring a photo to life, your eyes need a clear focal point, and your joints must stay relaxed. For example, during the reclining shots, to make the leg lines look long and graceful, I had to adjust where the core and hip muscles engaged; the legs could not be completely limp and needed a slight tension to produce a dynamic curve. White stockings visually flatter the shape of the legs, and pairing them with shorts maximizes body proportions.
Shooting this swimsuit Ram set was physically demanding. Translucent fabrics easily highlight any unflattering angles, so warming up beforehand and engaging the core throughout the session was necessary to maintain posture. At a crowded convention, getting into character and switching expressions on cue in front of onlookers is truly a test of professionalism. To keep the look intact, I used numerous invisible clips to secure garment edges against slippage or shifting from larger movements. The length and placement of the tie were also dialed in carefully; too short looked stiff, while too long looked messy—it needed to rest right at the chest to deliver that playful charm.
The final shots turned out very natural. Although the setting was simple, the character's personality shone through body language and fine details. The photographer had a great eye for candid captures, seizing fleeting micro-expressions. When shooting on location or at conventions, the main thing is enjoying the process and getting great results, using each pose to push your boundaries. I tried several angles I hadn't done before, such as kneeling on the carpet with both hands on the floor, glancing back over my shoulder—a pose that highlights the body's silhouette. The wig's bangs occasionally drifted across my view, but that only added a touch of mystery. This set captures an authentic record of that day at the venue: free of over-processed backdrops, presenting the character and costume directly as they were.