This shoot was set at the pool of Jiulishanshu B&B; the overall atmosphere aligned perfectly with the Genshin Impact Lynette summer Swimsuit theme. To capture the character's signature traits, both costume and makeup were carefully coordinated. The wig retained her original light blonde shade, paired with her iconic cat-ear hair accessory. Makeup focused primarily on eyeshadow and red lips so that against the crystal-clear pool water, the facial features remained defined without being washed out by direct sunlight.
Regarding shooting details, the water's surface refraction and shimmering light heavily tested the photographer's ability to catch candid moments. Because refraction on the water creates visual distortion, choosing the right low-angle perspective looking upward was vital. I opened my arms naturally and relied on a clear swim ring to maintain balance and buoyancy, which not only showed off the character's body proportions but also made the leg lines beneath the water appear elongated through the light.
The Swimsuit I wore this time was paired with the character's black long sleeves; this fabric clings to the skin when wet, enhancing the character's recognizability to a certain degree. A wide aperture was used during shooting, allowing the green-and-white checkered mosaic tiles in the background to form a pleasing textured backdrop that highlighted the foreground subject. When the sunlight was strong, reflections off the water acted as natural fill lights, though one still had to prevent harsh facial shadows. Therefore, I tried my best to angle my face toward the water's bounce light, and waterproof makeup products were essential to maintain the look.
The shooting process was fairly demanding: holding this supine floating pose in the water for long stretches required core strength to fight buoyancy while simultaneously controlling facial expressions. The clear swim ring served as a fantastic prop—not only providing physical support, but also serving as a foreground element to add depth and layering to the composition.
In post-processing, the focus was on restoring the original clear turquoise water tone while retaining proper ripple textures, ensuring natural light-and-shadow transitions across the water without over-editing into artificiality. Crafting this underwater light and skin texture is where pool photography demands the most care; fortunately, the day's lighting conditions were ideal, giving the raw photos a great foundation. Wearing this Swimsuit and accessories in such an environment to express the summer agility and elegance of the character was my greatest goal for this shoot.
In terms of costume fit, I adjusted my stance several times along the water's edge and found that full immersion in the water maximized the lighting effects. The dark shorts underwater took on a fluid form under the water currents, creating an active-and-still contrast with the stationary white top. The photographer suggested angling the swim ring slightly to expose more of the neck and clavicle lines, enhancing the visual breathing room.
For friends planning to shoot similar themes, I recommend preparing waterproof cosmetics and anti-fog goggles. Lighting changes underwater are very complex and can suddenly make skin tones look pale; adjusting the camera's white balance is critical here. In my experience, a slightly warmer color temperature helps neutralize the chilling feel of the pool water.
We spent the better part of a day shooting at the B&B as the sun's position shifted constantly—from midday overhead harsh light to slanted afternoon beams—causing the water ripples to change accordingly. To catch the ideal split second, we repeatedly tested different poses. Long sleeves caused a bit of drag underwater, making my arms somewhat tired over time, but seeing the sparkling water in the final photos made all the effort feel worthwhile. Piercing through the clear water, the dappled patterns cast by sunlight onto the pool floor looked far more natural and dynamic than artificial lights. Combined with an outdoor summer setting, this approach not only preserved high cosplay fidelity, but also gave the photos an authentic Summer pool chill.