[Oguri Cap cosplay] An Unhesitating Sprint on the Racetrack in Umamusume: Pretty Derby

Looking back at the shooting experience for this Oguri Cap set, my first impression upon putting on the outfit was its substantial weight. The white coat paired with a red lining, along with the golden headpiece and textured animal ears, created a strong visual impact. However, the most difficult part was maintaining that low crouching sprint posture shown in the photos: squatting low while stabilizing my center of gravity, pushing hard against the ground with one hand while keeping a calm, stern expression. It demanded tremendous core strength, leaving my thighs trembling after just a few takes.

This set of CG cosplay photos relied heavily on post-processing visual effects. During the shoot, the background was actually quite plain; the surrounding yellow lightning and black smoke were added step by step in post-production. The editor mentioned that to convey the character's explosive power, they specifically added electrical arcs around the legs and combined them with flying debris effects on the ground. The temperature was quite warm on the day of the shoot, making the heavy fur collar against my cheeks rather stifling, but I had to endure it for the sake of the final result.

When portraying the character, I intentionally restrained my facial expressions. Oguri Cap gives the impression of a powerhouse who keeps composure without showing emotion. So I adjusted my gaze, adopting a focused, sharp look to channel that mindset of pushing forward no matter how fierce the competition is.

To produce such high-quality CG cosplay photos, thorough preparation and communication beforehand are crucial. During the makeup test, we adjusted the angle of the eye makeup three times to match the winged eyeliner. The long sleeves of the coat made posing inconvenient, frequently requiring stops to adjust the fabric. To find the right low-angle perspective, the photographer was practically lying on the ground, and we refined the angles on the steps many times before finding the perfect feel.

The light-colored wooden planks on the ground next to me were also carefully angled to echo the color of the character's coat without distracting from the visual focus of the black stockings and tall boots. Black stockings are quite revealing of leg shape, so I deliberately did some stretching in the days leading up to the shoot to achieve a flattering look. Seeing the finalized shots washed away all the mixed fatigue, turning every drop of sweat and effort into a sense of accomplishment. I have always believed that cosplaying is not just about wearing a character's costume, but immersing oneself in that fleeting moment to experience their world. In this photo set, I truly felt that exhilarating rush of sprinting at full speed on the track.

To maintain body posture, I had to keep my thighs and glutes engaged the entire time, and the taut lines accentuated by the black stockings were a pleasant bonus. While holding such poses was far from easy, it maximized the character's sense of power. Furthermore, blending the post-production lightning seamlessly into the environment was no easy feat—it had to be striking without looking out of place. Light reflecting gently off the white coat, paired with the shadows between the hair strands, instantly elevated the overall mood.

Thanks to my regular fitness routine, I was able to sustain these demanding poses without losing my breath; in the past, I might have needed a long rest after just one take. This shoot also served as a fun little test of my physical endurance.