[Nero Cosplay] Fate/Grand Order Swimsuit Nero's Summer On-Location Shoot

This photoshoot chose Nero's swimsuit styling, capturing actual on-location shots directly at an outdoor pool. To present the best summer atmosphere, the lighting on that day was extremely abundant, which posed high demands on the durability and texture of the makeup. The base makeup utilized waterproof and sweat-proof foundation, and a large-area baking setting was done using translucent powder. Under harsh outdoor light, highlighter shouldn't be applied too heavily, otherwise it easily makes the face look oily; therefore, I focused on using matte highlighter to brighten the center of the face and the bridge of the nose, making facial features look more three-dimensional before the lens. For the eye makeup, to match the green circle lenses, the eyeshadow chose earthy tones with a hint of soft orange tint, and the eyeliner was slightly elongated and upturned to simulate 2D anime eye shapes.

The wig was one of the key focuses of preparation this time. Nero's iconic golden twin tails and the ahoge on top of the head required repeated trimming and styling fixation. To make it look full of volume without appearing stiff, hair padding was placed inside, and it was combed through multiple times with hairspray, ensuring that the shape wouldn't get messy or fly around even under outdoor windy conditions. The bangs were thinned and curved to fit the brow bone, so that they wouldn't block the eyes when lowering the head or playing in the water.

The red-and-white striped bikini is a classic design; its material becomes relatively form-fitting after getting into the water, so for the sake of shooting effects, the position of the straps was adjusted in advance to ensure it could both showcase body curves and prevent accidental exposure when raising arms or sitting on a swimming ring. During the shoot, the water reflection of the pool was actually a massive challenge. To avoid strange water-ripple lighting on the face, I tried my best to choose shooting locations under direct sunlight or at the edge of parasols. When sitting on the swimming ring, one must pay attention to keeping the waist and back straight, and the crossing angle of the legs needed continuous experimentation to present the most slender lines before the lens. The rainbow popsicle held in hand was also a great interactive prop, which not only enriched the frame's color, but also made the overall atmosphere feel even more summery. In fact, shooting in the water consumes quite a bit of physical energy because core strength must be constantly controlled to maintain posture, while facial expressions also need management—avoiding frowning due to the glaring sunlight—to constantly maintain Nero's confident yet slightly tsundere demeanor.

This swimsuit location photoshoot not only required a sufficient understanding of the character, but also demanded coping with various unexpected situations in the outdoor environment. From costume adjustments and makeup/hair waterproof protection to shooting angles and avoiding water reflections, every single link required prior planning and on-site adaptability. I hope the final photos can bring everyone a touch of summer coolness.