Gym uniforms are truly an item that carries its own youth filter. Every time I change into this classic white-and-blue-trimmed athletic wear paired with dark blue athletic shorts, I feel like I'm instantly transported back to my carefree school days. The shooting theme this time was set as 'Gym Uniform Girl During P.E. Class Break'; to present an atmosphere that is both realistic and slightly tinged with a 2D anime feel, we deliberately chose a sun-filled classroom.
In terms of costume coordination, besides the authentic gym uniform, I also chose White stockings and dark brown loafers—this school-supply style combination can be said to be the soul of the Japanese campus aesthetic. White stockings not only test leg shape but also beautifully flatter the leg lines. To showcase a better state before the lens, I did some stretching prior to the shoot, so that when sitting or standing with crossed legs, the muscle lines would appear smoother and more natural.
The lighting in the classroom was exceptionally translucent, with sunlight streaming through the windows onto the wooden desks and parquet flooring, creating an absolute perfection in light and shadow texture. The chalk drawing on the blackboard was a little Easter egg drawn in advance by the photographer, featuring stars, musical notes, and cute Japanese kana, instantly pulling that 2D anime romance into reality. During the shoot, the photographer was exceptionally skilled at utilizing elements within the classroom, such as having me sit on the edge of a desk or lean casually beside it. Holding a bottle of mineral water as a prop helped make the movements more natural, and inadvertent moments of looking up or tidying hair often captured the most vivid expressions.
Although this photo set does not recreate a specific anime character, we hope to convey that feeling of a sun-soaked, energetic 2D anime stepping into reality through this set of Japanese portrait photography. During the shooting process, I tried my best to relax, imagining the lazy state just after finishing physical activities, letting my gaze drift or lowering my head slightly, striving to capture that casual sense of everyday ease. In terms of composition, we experimented with multiple shot sizes, ranging from medium-full close-ups highlighting facial emotion to full-body perspectives showcasing the overall outfit proportions, with a primary focus on highlighting leg lines and the texture of the White stockings.
For Japanese campus-style photography, realism and vibrancy are the most important elements. There's no need for overly exaggerated expressions; slightly flushed cheeks, a casual posture, paired with soft side lighting, can build that clear, translucent atmosphere. The fabric of this gym uniform has great breathability, and under the slightly moving light inside the classroom, it presents a very comfortable wrinkle texture. There is a Phase 2 shooting plan coming up next, and I hope to unlock more interesting angles and interactions, properly preserving this sweet summer campus memory.
There is a Phase 2 shooting plan coming up next, and I hope to unlock more interesting angles and interactions, properly preserving this sweet summer campus memory.