Digging out this swimsuit photo set from 2019, it really is that time of year to book swimsuit photoshoots again.
This set was shot in the courtyard of an outdoor homestay with a swimming pool, aiming specifically for the golden hour before sunset. The sun was at the perfect height, and the backlight reflecting off the water created a gorgeous halo glow.
A lot of thought went into the costume details on the day of the shoot. The top featured a black-and-white strappy swimsuit covered by a semi-sheer holographic white jacket, which caught iridescent polarized reflections under the sunset. The bottom was a red-and-white striped skirt paired with black leg straps; while not stockings, these leg straps flattered the leg silhouette nicely, accentuating leg lines.
The hairstyle featured golden twintails with fox-like animal ears and a fluffy tail behind me. Securing the tail took quite a bit of effort—it had to be fastened firmly with a belt, otherwise it would easily shift or fall when walking or changing poses. In addition, I prepared a transparent tote bag decorated with blue flowers inside, as well as a black-and-gold staff prop. The staff felt very substantial in hand, but being quite long, holding poses tested arm strength and required balancing my center of gravity.
We experimented with various poses. For instance, in the shots leaning over the pool edge, supporting my weight on my elbows while keeping my torso upright and slightly lifting my toes helped reveal body curves naturally. For the shots sitting by the water, the angle of glancing back sideways required constant gaze guidance from the photographer—looking toward the distant sunset made the mood more natural, while the light on my shoulders and hair gave off a warm feel. The frontal standing shots pulling at the jacket were mainly intended to echo the refreshing summer theme, where the semi-sheer texture worked just right.
Reviewing the raw photos later, the location, costume texture, and sunlight came together wonderfully, with the outdoor pool vibe and animal ears blending seamlessly. For friends looking to try outdoor photography and swimsuit cosplay shoots, I recommend discussing backlight angles with your photographer in advance, bringing reflector boards, and ensuring prop stability. This set remains one of my all-time favorite cosplay shoots—not just for the photos themselves, but because that specific mood and atmosphere were truly precious.