This shoot coincided right with the first snowfall, so paired with a Christmas theme, I chose this fan-made winter design for Marisa Kirisame. The outfit centers around a black-and-pink Lolita dress adorned with a pink bow and roses on the chest, along with dramatic lace trims and a structured petticoat. It is paired with a pointed witch hat, white lace-trimmed socks, and black chunky-heel Mary Janes. To fit the character lore, I prepared a long-handled broom and a snowman wearing a red hat, setting up against a backdrop of a Japanese wooden lodge, a giraffe plush, and a Christmas tree to match the Touhou Project vibe.
Camera angles were constantly adjusted throughout the shoot. To showcase the details of the White stockings and Mary Janes, I sat on an iron garden chair and stretched my legs forward; this kept the skirt from concealing the leg line while fully revealing the layered flounces and covering portions of the snow pile. Ground reflections from the snow boosted overall exposure, making skin tones appear pale and translucent. The long broom was a key prop—usable both as a staff and held in standing poses, lending visual depth through its curvature and tones.
During the session, falling snow caught on my hair and skirt, creating a chilly winter vibe that contrasted nicely with the warmer tones of the Lolita dress. Because we worked in genuine snow, the shoes and sock edges easily collected snow that had to be brushed off constantly. Gloves were essential between takes, as exposing bare ankles in freezing weather was tough. Beyond keeping expressions and poses natural, I paid close attention to broom placement to ensure it harmonized with the snowman in the background rather than hanging awkwardly in my hands. The final composition established clear hierarchy and captured the textured weight of the garments in the snowy chill, retaining the character's playful charm. In post-production, falling snow particle effects were preserved and warm lights from the wooden lodge were boosted to add cozy depth. The shoot went smoothly with great synergy between the photographer and me. The tailoring of this fan-made design was faithfully realized and suited an outdoor winter shoot, making for a deeply satisfying Christmas first snow creative session.